Earthna Prize 2026

The Earthna Prize 2026 is a global award presented by Earthna — Center for a Sustainable Future, part of the Qatar Foundation. It recognises the contribution of traditional and indigenous knowledge to addressing contemporary sustainability challenges. The prize connects ancestral practices with modern problems, supporting solutions in water, food security, land management, marine ecosystems, and the built environment.

In its second cycle, the 2026 edition offers a total prize fund of US$1,000,000, shared among four winners. Each recipient receives US$250,000 to expand their work. The award also provides international visibility, helping these community-led initiatives gain wider traction and adoption. Through this support, the programme encourages environmental stewardship and community resilience, drawing on diverse knowledge systems.

• Step 1: Online Registration – Go to the official Earthna Prize website and complete the registration procedure to set up an applicant profile. This initial action grants access to the application forms and instructions.
• Step 2: Assemble Application Materials – Prepare a thorough project proposal that outlines your sustainability initiative, its connection to traditional or indigenous knowledge, its anticipated effects, and a strategy for expansion. Collect supporting evidence, such as your organisation's legal registration papers, team member profiles, budget details, and any proof of your solution's performance.
• Step 3: Fill Out and Submit the Application – Complete the digital application form on the portal, making sure every required section is properly filled and all relevant files are uploaded prior to the stated deadline.
• Step 4: Shortlisting Process – Earthna's expert committee will conduct an initial review of submissions to verify eligibility and alignment with the prize's goals. Those selected for the shortlist may receive requests for additional details or clarifications.
• Step 5: Final Evaluation – A jury of distinguished experts will assess the shortlisted entries, possibly through virtual interviews or presentations. The four final recipients will be chosen based on originality, influence, scalability, and conformity with the prize's standards.
• Step 6: Announcement and Awarding – Earthna will formally inform the winners, followed by public declarations and coordination of prize distribution and recognition events.

Applications are first checked by a dedicated team for compliance with all eligibility requirements, such as legal incorporation, a focus on sustainability challenges, and the use of traditional knowledge. Those that pass this initial review are then assessed by a panel of experts in sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and environmental science, who examine the solution’s originality, potential for scalable impact, scientific and cultural soundness, and the capability of the applicant team.

The top candidates are subsequently reviewed by a final jury, typically made up of prominent figures from academia, policy, and industry. This stage may involve virtual presentations or interviews with the finalists, after which the jury selects the four prize winners.