The Equator Initiative Poble is a venue within the World Conservation Congress for local, community and indigenous voices – grassroots groups working at the nexus of biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction – to share best practices, inform policy, celebrate successes, and tackle common challenges.

In the tradition of the past nine dialogue spaces, the Poble will serve as a platform for communities to leverage the Equator Initiative’s unique partnerships across the United Nations, civil society, business, government, and academia to strengthen and amplify their innovations in conservation and poverty alleviation.

Poble participants will include representatives from the 25 finalist communities of the Equator Prize 2008 – a prestigious biennial award that recognizes outstanding local efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Sessions will showcase community work and focus on local contributions to achieving global conservation objectives, poverty reduction and the Millennium Development Goals, community conserved areas, pro-poor Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) schemes, and adaptation to climate change.

The programme