Nominations are now open for the 2026 edition of the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the protection and management of the environment worldwide.
Established through the generous support of the Sultanate of Oman, the prize commemorates the enduring legacy of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, whose commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development continues to inspire global action. Awarded every two years, the prize includes a certificate and a financial award of US$100,000, and will be presented during the World Science Forum in November 2026.
How to Apply
The prize honours individuals, groups, institutes or organizations that have made significant contributions to environmental conservation in line with UNESCO’s mission. Eligible achievements may include environmental and natural resources research, environmental education and training, awareness-raising initiatives, and activities related to the establishment and management of protected areas such as Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Past winners include the Namibia Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia and the University for International Cooperation in Costa Rica, showing the global impact of the prize.
Nominations must be submitted by governments or non-governmental organizations maintaining official relations with UNESCO; self-nominations are not accepted.
Each submission should include:
- a completed nomination form
- a written recommendation, and
- the names of three independent referees familiar with the candidate’s work.
The deadline for nominations is 15 June 2026, and submissions should be sent to the Secretariat of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme (mab@unesco.org).
UNESCO particularly encourages nominations supporting female candidates, reflecting the Organization’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership in environmental conservation.