UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation 2026 | $100,000 International Environmental Award

Applications are now open for the prestigious UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation 2026. The international award recognizes individuals, institutions, organizations, and groups making exceptional contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, and natural resource conservation worldwide.

The prize is sponsored by the Sultanate of Oman in honor of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and is awarded biennially by UNESCO during the World Science Forum. The award includes a financial prize of US$100,000 along with an official UNESCO diploma.

Prize Details

• Award Name: UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation 2026
• Organized By: UNESCO
• Prize Value: US$100,000
• Award Frequency: Biennial
• Award Ceremony: World Science Forum 2026
• Nomination Deadline: 15 June 2026

Eligible Areas

The prize honors outstanding work in areas including:

• Environmental and natural resources research
• Environmental education and training
• Environmental awareness initiatives
• Conservation and management of protected areas
• Biosphere reserve and World Heritage conservation
• Sustainable environmental practices and innovation

Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible candidates include:

• Individuals
• Research institutes
• Universities
• Environmental organizations
• Groups working on conservation initiatives

However, direct self-nominations are not accepted. Candidates must be nominated by:

• UNESCO Member States through National Commissions
• NGOs maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO

Prize Benefits

Selected laureates will receive:

• A UNESCO diploma
• US$100,000 financial award
• International recognition from UNESCO
• Global visibility for environmental initiatives
• Opportunity to present achievements at the World Science Forum

Required Nomination Documents

Each nomination should include:

• Completed nomination form
• Recommendation letter
• Names of three independent referees
• Supporting documents, publications, or research materials related to the candidate’s environmental work

Important Notes

UNESCO strongly encourages nominations supporting female environmental leaders and organizations to promote gender equality in environmental conservation and sustainability leadership.

The prize has previously recognized globally respected institutions and organizations including:

• Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET)
• Forest Research Institute Malaysia
• University for International Cooperation in Costa Rica

Why This Award Matters

The UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize is considered one of the world’s important international environmental awards because it highlights impactful initiatives that contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, environmental education, and climate resilience.

The award also supports UNESCO’s broader mission related to global environmental sustainability and international cooperation in science and conservation.

Application Process

Interested institutions and organizations should coordinate with their country’s National Commission for UNESCO or eligible partner NGOs to submit nominations before the deadline.

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted in English or French to the Secretariat of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.