2026 UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

UNESCO has opened nominations for the 2026 Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation, a prestigious biennial international award recognizing outstanding achievements in environmental protection and sustainable development. The winner receives a diploma and US$100,000, with the award to be presented during the World Science Forum in November 2026.

Nominations must be submitted through UNESCO Member States or NGOs in official relations with UNESCO. Self-nominations are not accepted.

What Is the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize?

The UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation is one of UNESCO’s leading environmental honours.

Sponsored by Sultanate of Oman, the prize celebrates exceptional contributions to:

• Environmental conservation
• Sustainable development
• Natural resource protection
• Ecological stewardship
• Leadership in sustainability

The prize reflects the environmental legacy of Sultan Qaboos.

Award Value

Selected laureate(s) receive:

• Diploma
• US$100,000 financial award

Award Ceremony

The 2026 prize will be presented during the:

World Science Forum

Main Objectives of the Prize

The award recognises work aligned with UNESCO priorities in environmental sustainability.

Priority Areas

• Environmental management
• Biodiversity protection
• Climate resilience
• Sustainable development
• Ecosystem restoration
• Environmental education
• Community-led conservation
• Inclusive environmental leadership

Who Can Be Nominated?

The prize accepts a wide range of nominees.

Eligible Nominee Types

• Individuals
• Research groups
• Institutions
• Universities
• NGOs
• Civil society organizations
• Public bodies
• Environmental networks

Who Can Submit Nominations?

Nominations must come through approved channels.

Authorized Nominators

• UNESCO Member States (through National Commissions)
• NGOs in official relations with UNESCO

Important Rule

• Each Member State or eligible NGO may nominate one candidate only
• Self-nominations are not accepted

If You Want to Be Proposed

Organizations or individuals wishing to be considered should contact their country’s:

National Commission for UNESCO

That body may decide whether to submit the nomination.

Required Nomination Documents

Each nomination must include:

• Completed nomination form
• Written recommendation
• Names of three independent referees
• Endorsement letter from National Commission
• Optional supporting materials:
  • Publications
  • Scientific papers
  • Reports
  • Articles
  • Evidence of impact

Language Requirement

All submissions must be prepared in:

• English
• French

Gender Equality Priority

UNESCO strongly encourages nominations that promote gender equality and recognize women leaders in environmental conservation.

Why This Prize Matters

This is a globally respected recognition that can amplify conservation impact.

Benefits

• International visibility
• Major financial support
• Recognition of environmental leadership
• Influence on policy and practice
• Credibility for future partnerships
• Celebration of women and underrepresented leaders

What Types of Contributions Are Strong Candidates?

Examples include:

• Large-scale ecosystem restoration
• Marine conservation leadership
• Indigenous environmental stewardship
• Wildlife protection programmes
• Climate adaptation innovation
• Environmental education movements
• Sustainable land management systems
• Scientific breakthroughs in conservation

How to Apply / Nominate

Step 1: Identify a Strong Candidate

Choose an individual or institution with measurable conservation impact.

Step 2: Contact National Commission or Eligible NGO

Coordinate with the authorized nominating body.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather:

• Impact evidence
• Recommendation letter
• Referee contacts
• Publications
• Biography/profile

Step 4: Complete Official Nomination Form

Ensure all fields are accurate and complete.

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Only formal submissions through authorized channels are considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nomination Errors

• Self-submission directly to UNESCO
• Missing endorsement letter
• Fewer than three referees
• Incomplete form
• Non-English/French documents

Strategic Errors

• Weak evidence of impact
• Generic recommendation letter
• No alignment with UNESCO environmental goals
• Limited sustainability outcomes

Tips for a Strong Nomination

• Quantify environmental results
• Highlight long-term impact
• Include independent recognition
• Show innovation and leadership
• Demonstrate community benefit
• Emphasize gender-inclusive leadership where relevant

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize?

A biennial international award recognizing outstanding environmental conservation achievements.

2. How much is the prize worth?

The award includes US$100,000 and a diploma.

3. Can I nominate myself?

No. Self-nominations are not allowed.

4. Who can nominate candidates?

UNESCO Member States and NGOs officially linked with UNESCO.

5. Can organizations win?

Yes. Institutions and organizations are eligible.

6. What language must documents be in?

English or French.

7. Does UNESCO encourage women nominees?

Yes. Gender equality and women’s leadership are explicitly encouraged.

Conclusion

The UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation 2026 is a major global recognition for leaders and institutions advancing sustainability and environmental protection. With a US$100,000 award, it offers prestige, visibility, and support for impactful conservation work.

Strong nominations should present clear evidence of long-term environmental results, leadership, and alignment with UNESCO’s mission.

For more information, visit UNESCO.