From hanging gardens to rat trapping compost bins, could Auckland be home to the next environmental game changer?
Conservation Innovation Awards
World Wildlife Fund’s Conservation Innovation Awards search out the brightest and boldest environmental inventors, creators and dreamers to help transform their conservation ideas into a reality.
Winners of the 2017 Innovation Awards will be announced on Wednesday 22 November, with 35 final ideas from entries across New Zealand in the running, including 7 from Auckland. This year WWF New Zealand is awarding three $25,000 prizes for different categories: Engaging young people and communities, Predator Free New Zealand 2050 and an open category.
Check out the finalists to see who you would like to take home the honours. Whatever the environmental problem, from pests, polluted waterways or plain old community disinterest, chances are these guys have a solution.
Applicants identified a conservation challenge, how their idea would solve it, who would benefit and how they’ll spend the prize money.
Auckland’s imaginative and unique brainwaves include a restoration drone that skims water surfaces to remove waste; hanging vertical gardens to bring green space to our urban areas and plans to spice up rat-catching with games and community competitions - let the neighbourhood rivalries begin!
See what entries capture your imagination and who knows, it may not be long until you’re seeing them come alive in your backyard.
Find out more about Conservation Innovation Awards here.
If you’re inspired to get involved with conservation yourself, check out Pest Free Auckland 2050 and Auckland Biodiversity for projects and ideas or join a community group near you at Nature space at naturespace.org.nz
