The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) is awarding one extraordinary individual for improving our forests and the lives of people who depend on them! The CPF launched the first Wangari Maathai Award in 2012 to honour and commemorate the impact of this extraordinary woman who championed forest issues around the world. In 2021, the CPF will award one individual for her/his outstanding achievements for forests during the XV World Forestry Congress (24-28 May 2021, Seoul, Korea). The awardee will receive a cash prize of USD 20 000 along with international recognition of the outstanding contributions to preserve, restore and sustainably manage forests and to raise awareness of the key role forests play in supporting local communities, rural livelihoods, women, youth and the environment. The Wangari Maathai Award is an initiative of CBD, CIFOR, CITES, FAO, GEF, ICRAF, ITTO, IUCN, IUFRO, UNCCD, UNDP, UNEP, UNFCCC, UNFF and World Bank, all members of the CPF. Nominations will be reviewed by an international jury of renowned personalities, who will also take into consideration such elements as empowering women, youth and civil society, fostering social commitment, promoting networks and improving the valuation of forests in society. Eligibility: Applicants should be nominated by a third party. Nominees may be persons, living or recently deceased, who have made exceptional contributions to forests. Professional and research contributions will only be considered if they are conducted outside of normal work-related responsibilities. Applications received from a nominee’s kin or business partner are not eligible for consideration. Applications related to grassroots initiatives are particularly encouraged. Selection: The closing date for receipt of nominations is 15 September 2020. The awardee will be selected by a jury nominated by CPF members, which will take into account gender and regional balance when considering potential awardees. Announcement: The awardee will be notified of their selection via email in February 2021. This year’s Wangari Maathai Award will be presented during the XV World Forestry Congress (24-28 May 2021), at the Coex Convention Center in Seoul, Korea. To submit an application: Please send completed nominations to the CPF Secretariat at cpf@un.org. Find more information and the application guidelines which should be used when submitting your nomination at the website. | 
