The 2023 Ashden Awards

Growing a Regenerative Economy: the winners

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Forests, fields and waterways are vital defences against climate change. Protecting and restoring them creates stronger societies and economies, as well as guarding against threats to our future. 

So this year’s Ashden Awards will support organisations transforming our relationship with nature.

In the UK, we will celebrate nature-based adaptation projects in with a central role for local communities. And we will accelerate pioneers building skills for the growth of regenerative agriculture. 

Beyond the UK, we will support projects empowering Indigenous Communities – whose role as forest guardians is undermined by the many threats they face. With global interest in natural climate solutions blossoming, we are set to honour inclusive pioneers inspiring a greener future.

Winners receive grants and business support – while all shortlisted organisations benefit from publicity and connection to investment and partnership opportunities.

Introducing the 2023 Growing a Regenerative Economy finalists

Meet the outstanding crop of pioneers boosting nature-based climate solutions, supporting future farmers, people-powered climate adaptation projects and Indigenous-led stewardship of forests and biodiversity.

 

Defending and empowering Indigenous communities

Award prize: £25,000

Supported by: UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 

Winner

Runner-up

CERAF-NORD supports communities around Benue National Park, and in the north of Cameroon, to restore degraded land through agroforestry.

In southern Peru, ECA-Amarakaeri supports people to earn a sustainable living, and also gives them the tools to monitor and report illegal logging and mining.

Shortlist

AMAN has helped 168 Indigenous groups in Indonesia map their territories and strengthen their rights, launch sustainable businesses, access clean energy, and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

This partnership is empowering Indigenous communities in Costa Rica to grow food sustainably, generate clean energy and build leadership roles for women.

Developing skills and training for sustainable land management

Award prize: £10,000

Supported by: Garfield Weston Foundation 

Winner

Runner-up

FarmED is a Cotswolds not for profit showing regenerative agriculture in action, and working to transform attitudes to food and farming.

Education at Black Mountain College in Wales supports climate action and adaptation. Vocational courses teach regenerative approaches to land and woodland management, and are taught in nature, with a focus on creating positive change in the region and beyond.

Shortlist

Agriculture courses at Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire combine cutting-edge technology with climate-friendly techniques.

The Apricot Centre in Devon offers free traineeships and placements, working in partnership with local farms to support skills for regenerative agriculture.

Celebrating inclusive, community-focused adaptation initiatives

 Award prize: £10,000

Supported by: The Lund Trust

Winner

Runner-up

Working with local residents, this collaboration has restored rivers and created new ponds, woods and wetlands to build climate resilience in north London.

Liverpool’s 40 URBAN GreenUP projects range from green walls and rain gardens to mobile forests – with 120,000 residents benefiting from the work.

Shortlist

Trees for Cities’ Forgotten Places scheme delivers training, volunteering, tree planting and new resources for neglected coastal communities in the UK.

The Alconbury Brook Flood Group is a community organisation, harnessing nature-based solutions to protect villages in Cambridgeshire threatened by devastating floods.

Powering a Fairer Future: :
the 2023 winners

Our 2023 awards are also boosting access to clean, affordable energy in the Global South – with prizes for powering up farmers and refugees, and a spotlight on skills and jobs. 

Meet the bright sparks raising incomes, tackling hunger, and supporting women and young people with renewable energy innovation. We’re also celebrating UK energy innovation – exploring the breakthroughs lowering emissions and fuel bills .

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