Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s “Moonshot” challenge in 1962 to land a man on the moon within a decade, The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to search for and scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges.

The Earthshot Prize 2024 launched in October and Pollination is proud to be an Official Nominator. We’ve been selected to draw on our unique expertise across climate and nature to identify the most inspiring, impactful and inclusive solutions which would qualify for a one-million-pound prize.

We have nominated the following initiatives based on their potential to repair and regenerate our planet and inspire others to do so.

LEAD Ranger 

LEAD Ranger is empowering the next generation of conservation leaders and advancing global conservation efforts through innovative training models to protect biodiversity and save lives across Africa. LEAD Ranger develops rangers’ technical skills and leadership capacity. They champion adaptable learning and embed leadership and teaching capacity within local ranger teams, equipping organisations with the capabilities to self-regulate. The Thin Green Line is a co-founder of this program. Other organisations involved include Ranger Campus and Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation).

https://leadranger.org/

Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN)

ICIN is a 100% Aboriginal owned national peak body scaling the Indigenous-led carbon industry in Australia and beyond. Indigenous-led carbon projects restore damaged ecosystems, protect areas with high biodiversity such as savannas and wildlife corridors, and lead to healthy Country. These projects bring together the latest scientific research, traditional caring for Country practices and cutting-edge technology. Moreover, they are tested examples of Aboriginal economic self-determination.

https://www.icin.org.au/

UAG Bio Nutrients

UAG’s vision is to feed the world from waste to plate by converting organic waste to biofuel and nutrient-rich fertiliser. UAG’s scalable and modular technology prevents greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere and aids the regeneration of damaged soil systems. They have now finalised the build of their first manufacturing hub in NSW, Australia. Construction of the first scaled plant, which will sit alongside the manufacturing plant and use cattle waste as the organic source material, will commence next year.

https://www.uagbionutrients.com.au/

MCi Carbon

MCi Carbon is an Australian clean technology platform transforming carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial emissions into building materials and other valuable products for the circular carbon economy. After a decade of mineral carbonation research and development in Newcastle NSW, MCi Carbon is scaling this technology to provide decarbonisation pathways for hard-to abate sectors including steel, cement, and manufacturing. In addition, MCi creates low-carbon and negative emissions materials that are used as direct inputs into building materials and other valuable construction and consumer products. Their mission is to remove a billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040 safely and permanently.

https://www.mineralcarbonation.com/

The East Kimberley Clean Energy Project

The Aboriginal Clean Energy (ACE) Partnership is developing a pioneering First Nations-owned and led clean energy, green hydrogen and green ammonia export project in the East Kimberley. The ACE Partnership has created an opportunity for Traditional Owner groups to co-develop, co-decide and self-determine the project architecture appropriate for their Country and economic independence. The new model places Traditional Owners as shareholders, not just stakeholders. The ACE partners consist of Balanggarra Ventures, MG Corporation, Kimberley Land Council and Pollination.

https://aboriginalcleanenergy.com/