Applications Invited for Group on Earth Observations Sustainable Development Goals (GEO SDG) Awards 2020

About the Organization:

Earth Observations for the Sustainable Development Goals (EO4SDG) organizes and realizes the potential of Earth observations and geospatial information to advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda and enable societal benefits through achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

GEO SDG Awards Program

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a universal set of priorities to use as a blueprint of action for people, the planet, and prosperity. Earth observations, geospatial data, and the information they provide play insightful roles in monitoring targets, tracking progress, as well as helping nations and stakeholders make informed decisions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Group on Earth Observations Sustainable Development Goals (GEO SDG) Awards 2020 recognizes the productivity, innovation, novelty, and exemplary efforts in the use of Earth observations to support sustainable development. Launched last year, this annual award is presented to those making an impact on the 17 global goals put forth by the United Nations, as indicated by progress toward achieving a SDG Target and/or producing, or reporting on, a SDG Indicator.

Call for Nominations for the GEO SDG Awards

All GEO Members and all organizations within a specific sectoral category are eligible to nominate themselves or others for the GEO SDG Awards.

They welcome nominations from: GEO Member Countries, GEO Participating Organizations, SDG custodian agencies, GEO Work Programme elements, academic institutions, and a newly added category, GEO Associates, which encompass commercial, non-governmental, not-for-profit, and civil society organizations.

There will be Sectoral and Special Awards presented in several categories. Sectoral Awards will focus on the type of organization and the nature of their work. Special categories recognize specific key tenets and objectives the Awards are intended to highlight. Nominees will identify one Sectoral category for their nomination, and they will be considered according to one Sectoral category. All nominees will also be considered (as an entire group) for all Special categories.

Evaluation and Selection

The EO4SDG Initiative Team, in consultation with the GEO Secretariat, will identify a diverse set of representatives to serve on the Evaluation Panel including subject matter experts, SDG specialists, Earth observations and geospatial experts.

The Evaluation Panel will review the nominations and select Finalists for each of the Sectoral Categories and Finalists for each of the Special Categories. Subsequently, the Evaluation Panel will select 0-2 Finalists from each Sectoral category and 0-3 from each Special Category to receive an award.

Selection Criteria:

Sectoral Category

Sectoral Awards focus on the type of organization and nature of the work. Sectoral categories include GEO Member Countries, GEO Participating Organizations, SDG Custodian Agencies, GEO Work Programme Elements, academic institutions, and GEO Associates, encompassing commercial, non-governmental, not-for-profit, and civil society organizations. Nominees will identify one Sectoral category for their nomination, and they will be considered according to one Sectoral category.

The following are the criteria used to evaluate the nominations for the Sectoral Categories:

• Merit: Quality, effectiveness, and soundness of the Earth observation-based endeavor
• Relevance: Aligns with objectives of SDGs and GEO’s vision and strategic objectives
• Innovation: Creative and innovative use of Earth observations
• Achievement: Clear results and distinct accomplishments (i.e., not a work-in-progress or expectations of future results)
• Impact: Value and level of positive social, economic, and/or environmental benefits
• Exemplariness: A commendable example and strong representation of the use of Earth observations for the SDGs that is worth showcasing; an endeavor which might motivate others

Special Category

Special categories recognize key tenets and objectives the Awards are intended to highlight. All nominees will be considered (as an entire group) for all Special categories.

Special Categories include:

• Innovation,
• Testimonial/ Story,
• Statistical-Geospatial Integration, and
• Collaboration.

Key Dates

The awards take place once per year, with nominations opening this year on May 28, 2020. Below are some key dates.

• Nominations Open: May 28, 2020
• Nominations Close: June 30, 2020
• Notifications Sent to Nominees: September 2020
• Award Announcement: November 5-6, 2020 [during GEO Week 2020]

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