The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Okayama Award rewards outstanding education for sustainable development practices in local communities around the world. The award aims to support the organizations carrying out ESD activities and promote the concept to local communities globally through showcasing their initiatives. Two projects will be selected to receive an award of US$3 thousand each. One representative of the winning projects will be invited to the Award Ceremony in Okayama (Japan). Organizations based in any country are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2025. ESD Okayama Award
awards/prizes
American Association for the Advancement of Science — Science and SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists 2025
The Prize is awarded to a young scientist for outstanding life science research for which he/she was awarded a doctoral degree. The awards are made in four fields of life science research, one of which is Ecology and Environment. Eligible entrants for the 2025 Prize must have been awarded their doctoral degrees in 2023 or 2024. The winners in each category will each receive US$10 thousand, and the grand prize winner will receive US$30 thousand. The application deadline is 15 July 2025. Science Prize
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement — Nominations for Prize in 2026
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement grants US$250 thousand to recognize exceptional accomplishments in environmental science, energy, or medicine. The Tyler Prize can be awarded to living individuals or public or private institutions anywhere in the world. Several past prize winners have been distinguished in scientific and technical areas such as the global nitrogen cycle, global biodiversity assessments, wastewater treatment in developing countries, and others relevant to the link between environment and development. The closing date for nominations is 02 May 2025. Nominations here
International Water Association — Recovery Best Practice Award
The International Water Association recognizes exemplary practices in resource recovery from water and wastewater treatment. Winners will receive a trophy, certificate, and the opportunity to present at the 6th IWA International Resource Recovery Conference in the Netherlands. Eligibility extends to individuals or organizations demonstrating innovative, replicable, and environmentally impactful solutions within the resource recovery value chain. Nominations close on 05 May 2025. Resource Recovery Best Practice Award 2025
United Nations — Action Awards for Sustainable Development Goals
The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. The winners will be announced at a special UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York City, USA. Applications have to be submitted before 07 May 2025. UN SDG Action Awards
International Water Association — Water and Development Awards
The International Water Association (IWA) seeks nominations for the Water and Development Awards to recognize leadership, innovation, and excellence in advancing water and sanitation solutions for low- and middle-income countries. Winners will be honored at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Bangkok. Eligibility extends to individuals and organizations active in the water sector across practice, academia, consultancy, NGOs, and government. Nominations close on 11 May 2025. IWA Water and Development Awards
Nature — Awards for Mentoring in Science
The Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science recognizes those who support early-career researchers in their career development. This year’s award focuses on mentors in the United Kingdom and invites former mentees to nominate a mentor who has significantly contributed to their careers. Each award comes with a cash prize of US$10 thousand. Applications close on 18 May 2025. Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science
Nikon — Small World Competition 2025
The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography through the microscope. Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. The Top 3 winners will receive up to US$3 thousand. Only photomicrographs are eligible. Entries must be received no later than 30 April 2025. Know more
Fondation Yves Rocher — Photography Award, Environment and the Planet 2025
The Yves Rocher Foundation’s Photography Award is awarded to a professional photographer who wishes to make a journalistic study of issues relating to the environment, humanity’s relationship with the planet, or the core challenges to sustainability. Eligibility extends to professional photojournalists who can write and speak in French or English. The winner will receive an award of €8 thousand. The closing date for applications is 25 May 2025. Prix Photo
European Environment Agency — Photo Competition
The European Environment Agency (EEA) invites nature and photography enthusiasts to showcase their photographic talent in the 2025 edition of our annual photo competition. This year’s competition “Environment&Me” provides a unique opportunity to showcase your take on our planet’s journey toward a sustainable future. 3 winners receive €1000 for “best photo” in each category. The competition is open to the citizens of the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photos must be submitted by 30 May 2025. EEA Photo Competition