The Carbon Bank and Village Development Project, based in rural Thailand, was among the 2009 SEED Award winners.

SEED Awards 2010 to focus on Africa

The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development are given annually to creative and local-level social and environmental entrepreneurs in developing countries.

This year, the SEED Awards have a special focus on Africa as part of the SEED Initiative's first country-based scheme launching in South Africa. The Awards will also pay special attention to entrepreneurs in Rwanda, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Egypt and Kenya.

ICLEI's Africa Secretariat is encouraging ICLEI Members to nominate candidates for SEED's prestigious honour.

• Read about a 2009 SEED Award winning organization, Carbon Bank and Village Development Project, Thailand.

An international jury of experts carefully evaluates nominated businesses and awards those whose work makes a conrete difference in the areas of poverty eradication or environmental sustainability. All businesses must also assist the development of a greener economy.

What is the SEED Initiative?

The SEED Initiative is a global partnership for action on sustainable development and the green economy.

• Founded by UNEP, UNDP and IUCN at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg

• SEED supports innovative, small-scale and locally driven entrepreneurships around the globe which integrate social and environmental benefits into their business model.

The SEED Awards

The SEED Awards give winners a variety of high-level business and promotional services rather than a monetary prize. Winners' packages are designed to specifically address a recipients needs.

SEED Award packages include:

• guidance for creating a business plan

• a two-day business workshop which addresses the key elements of building an effective social and environmental outfit.

• Sophisticated profiling or promotional of the business – nationally, regionally and internationally.

• A financial contribution of 5,000 USD to facilitate the progress of certain elements discussed in the business plan.

The deadline for the 2010 applications is 16 August 2010, 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Click here to apply online or to download the application form.