2017 'Year of Giving' - Lush launches new AED 900,000 prize for social and environmental regeneration projects

Introducing the Lush Spring Prize 
A new AED 900,000 Prize for projects working on social and environmental regeneration

Dubai, UAE, January 3, 2017:  Lush and Ethical Consumer Research Association have together launched the new Lush Spring Prize, an annual prize fund that aims to support projects around the world working towards environmental and social regeneration. They are looking to award over AED 900,000 (£200,000) to the project that contributes most significantly towards the cause. 

The prize fund is fully in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda which focuses on ensuring sustainable development while preserving the environment.  It also aims to achieve equilibrium between economic and social development within the UAE.

Lush’s MENA Director, Ziad Kaddoura says, “The Lush Spring Prize is a way for us, together with the Ethical Consumer Research Association, to recognise and reward key efforts made to promote regeneration in the region. We believe that in all business operations, a concerted effort must be made to minimize any negative impact on the environment. In line with the UAE’s 2021 vision, we encourage the community to actively get involved, and showcase their contributions to this important cause. 

Regeneration is key to moving livelihoods and economies beyond the sustainable, to revive damaged environments by putting back more than what is taken out.  The Lush Spring Prize aims to support a shift towards doing things differently; affording more people the resources and the opportunity to do so.  

The Lush Spring Prize will award funds annually to those who are engaging in the process of regeneration in the following four categories: 

• Intentional Projects (over AED 230,000) … backing for great ideas in the early stages
• Young Projects (over AED 347,00) … projects 1-5 years old seeking to grow
• Established Projects (over AED 230,000) … beacons demonstrating success and withstanding the test of time
• Influence Award (over AED 115,000) … lobbying or campaigning to influence policy or public opinion in support of regeneration

Nomination forms are available to download from the Lush Spring Prize website (www.springprize.org) and entries close on 28th February 2017. A diverse panel of judges will meet in March and winners will be awarded their prizes at a high-profile event in May 2017.  

Nominations are welcomed from anywhere in the world.