The third annual Earthshot Prize was held last 7 November in Singapore. Earthshot Prize Council member Cate Blanchett attended the event to present the award for “Protect and Restore Nature” which went to Acción Adina.

Acción Andina is a grassroots, community-based initiative working across South America to protect native high Andean forest ecosystems.

Acción Andina, co-founded by non-profit organisations Global Forest Generation and Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, revives the ancient Inca principles of “Ayni and Minka”, a deep commitment to working together for the common good. Their approach unites tens of thousands of people in local and indigenous communities to protect and restore the native forests and ecosystems. Work that is vital for the region’s climate resilience, water security, biodiversity, community livelihoods and indigenous culture.

The initiative provides critical resources including salary support, project and financial management, as well as technical training for local conservation leaders, organizations and communities to grow long-term land protection and restoration activities. Acción Andina works closely with local communities in the high Andes to carry out conservation activities, building powerful partnerships for future land and resource management.