Equator Prize 2025 shines a spotlight on the Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Karnataka’s Dharwad district, which has been awarded the prestigious Equator Initiative Award 2025 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This accolade recognizes community-led, nature-based solutions that advance sustainable development and climate resilience. As the sole Indian recipient among ten global winners from nine countries, the Bibi Fatima SHG exemplifies the power of women-led initiatives in transforming agriculture and conserving biodiversity, aligning with the prize’s 2025 theme of Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action.
Overview of the Equator Prize
The Equator Prize, awarded annually by UNDP, celebrates Indigenous Peoples and local communities for their efforts in protecting biodiversity and fostering sustainable livelihoods. The Equator Prize 2025, with its focus on women and youth leadership, selected winners from over 700 nominations spanning 103 countries. Each winner receives USD 10,000 and global recognition, including opportunities to participate in significant UN events. This recognition amplifies grassroots efforts, showcasing scalable models for environmental conservation and equitable development.
Achievements of Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG
Established in 2018 with just 15 women, the Bibi Fatima SHG has grown into a transformative force, supporting over 5,000 farmers across 30 villages in Karnataka. The group champions millet-based mixed cropping on rainfed farms, employing eco-friendly natural farming methods that enhance soil health and biodiversity. A key initiative is the management of community seed banks, which distribute free seeds to farmers, ensuring access to diverse, climate-resilient crop varieties. Additionally, the SHG operates a solar-powered millet processing unit that produces value-added products like rotis and vermicelli, boosting local economies and food security. These efforts empower women economically, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable agriculture in the face of climate challenges.
Strategic Collaborations and Support
The success of the Bibi Fatima SHG under the Equator Prize 2025 framework is bolstered by partnerships with organizations such as Sahaja Samruddha, the Indian Institute of Millets Research, and CROPS4HD, which provide technical and agricultural expertise. The Selco Foundation supported the establishment of the solar-powered processing unit, enabling sustainable operations. The SHG also collaborates with Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company to promote rural agribusinesses, creating a robust network that strengthens climate-resilient farming and supports sustainable rural livelihoods. These partnerships amplify the group’s impact, fostering a model of community-driven development.
Global Impact of 2025 Winners
The Equator Prize 2025 also honors nine other winners from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Tanzania. Their initiatives include Indigenous craft cooperatives, rainforest conservation, marine ecosystem restoration, and the creation of agrobiodiversity zones. These projects collectively protect ecosystems, support food sovereignty, and drive inclusive green economies. Women and youth leadership are central to these efforts, demonstrating the global relevance of community-led solutions in addressing environmental and social challenges. The Bibi Fatima SHG’s work aligns with these global efforts, contributing to a shared vision of sustainability and resilience.
Importance of Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions, as highlighted by the Equator Prize 2025, integrate traditional knowledge with innovative practices to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. These solutions promote ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience, offering scalable models for global challenges. By recognizing Indigenous and local leadership, the prize ensures culturally grounded and equitable approaches to development. The Bibi Fatima SHG’s focus on millet farming and seed banks exemplifies how such solutions can enhance food security, preserve biodiversity, and empower marginalized groups, aligning with global climate and sustainable development goals.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The Equator Prize 2025 recognition of the Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG underscores the transformative potential of women-led, community-driven initiatives. By promoting sustainable farming practices and economic empowerment, the group is not only addressing local challenges but also contributing to global efforts in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The prize’s emphasis on women and youth leadership highlights the importance of inclusive approaches in achieving sustainable development. As the Bibi Fatima SHG continues to inspire, its work serves as a model for other communities, demonstrating how grassroots innovation can drive lasting environmental and social change.
