Earthna Prize Launches Second Cycle Recognizing Traditional Environmental Solutions

Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), a member of Qatar Foundation, launched the second cycle of the Earthna Prize, which recognizes solutions rooted in traditional knowledge to address pressing environmental challenges. The prize operates under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. This prestigious initiative aims to highlight and support efforts that draw upon ancestral wisdom and traditional practices to foster sustainable development and address critical environmental issues facing the planet. By focusing on indigenous and long-established methods, the Earthna Prize seeks to bring global attention to effective, culturally relevant solutions that have often been overlooked in modern environmental discourse. The launch of this second cycle shows Earthna's unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable futures through innovative and historically informed approaches.

Prize Details and Focus

A total prize pool of $1 million will be distributed among four winners recognized by the Earthna Prize. This substantial financial award is intended to empower the recipients to further develop and scale their impactful work. Recipients will be honored for their work addressing challenges within at least one of five designated focus areas. These areas encompass vital global concerns: water systems, focusing on sustainable water management and conservation; food systems, addressing food security and sustainable agricultural practices; terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing biodiversity and land restoration; marine and coastal ecosystems, concentrating on ocean health and coastal resilience; and built environments, promoting sustainable urban planning and infrastructure. The full nature of these focus areas ensures that a wide array of traditional solutions can be recognized and supported. The announcement of these winners is scheduled to take place at the third global Earthna Summit in 2027, a significant platform for global dialogue on sustainability. This follows the recognition of the inaugural Earthna Prize winners and finalists, which occurred in 2025, setting a precedent for celebrating new traditional knowledge. The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of experts, ensuring that the most impactful and authentic solutions are brought to the forefront. This structured approach helps to validate and disseminate traditional wisdom on a global scale.

Earthna and Qatar Foundation Background

Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future operates as a non-profit policy, research, and advocacy organization, established by Qatar Foundation (QF). As a member of Qatar Foundation, Earthna plays a key role in advancing the nation's sustainability agenda and contributing to global environmental efforts. Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) itself was founded in 1995. Its establishment was led by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, with a vision to unlock human potential through education, research, and community development. The Earthna Prize officially launched on April 22, 2024, aligning with the annual observance of Earth Day, a globally recognized day dedicated to environmental protection. This strategic launch date showed the prize's commitment to global environmental stewardship and its alignment with international sustainability efforts. The inaugural cycle of the Earthna Prize drew significant international interest, attracting more than 400 applications from over 100 countries. This overwhelming response noted the global need and enthusiasm for recognizing and supporting traditional knowledge-based solutions to environmental challenges. Earthna's mission extends beyond the prize, encompassing a broader mandate to drive sustainable change through research, policy recommendations, and public engagement, all grounded in a deep respect for natural heritage and traditional ecological knowledge.

Call for Submissions

Submissions for the Earthna Prize's second cycle are currently open, with the deadline for applications set for July 20, 2026. This extended submission period allows ample time for potential applicants from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations to prepare and submit their full proposals. Interested parties can submit their applications through the official website, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The platform for submissions is accessible at https://www.earthna.qa/earthna-prize-2026. The prize seeks to identify and honor solutions that leverage traditional knowledge to address various environmental challenges, encouraging practitioners, communities, and researchers to share their innovative and time-tested approaches. The call for submissions emphasizes the importance of solutions that are not only effective but also culturally appropriate and sustainable in the long term. This focus helps to ensure that the recognized solutions can be replicated and adapted by other communities facing similar environmental pressures, fostering a global network of sustainable practices.