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 2023 BIG Biodiversity Challenge Award - Categories & Conditions
Conditions of Entry (categories 1 - 8)

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  • For all project related submissions, biodiversity interventions will have been completed in the last 24 months up to and including 12 May 2023. This may be the culmination of several years’ work, or a small-scale action carried out during a construction project.

  • For maintenance and management projects, the programme should have been in place for at least 12 months up to and including 12 May 2023.

  • Each scheme can be submitted for up to two different Award categories.

  • Organisations or individuals can submit more than one scheme for consideration, but each project submission must have separate application forms. It may be advisable to submit two variants to ensure that each maximises relevance to the individual categories.

  • Previously shortlisted and award-winning submissions may not be resubmitted.

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The Awards aim to raise greater awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to demonstrate how biodiversity enhancements can be incorporated at different scales and on different projects.

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The awards aim to reward entries that go beyond normal business practice or planning and statutory obligations.

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There are 10 award categories outlined below and each enhancement can be entered for UP TO TWO categories. Please refer to past award winners for examples and inspiration.

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NEW THIS YEAR: we are thrilled to introduce two Biodiversity Champion awards! Please read below for specific criteria.

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Judges will also select an overall winner for the enhancement/professional that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to biodiversity.

 

 
2023 BIG Biodiversity Challenge Awards categories

 

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1. Client-led Project Award - sponsored by

 

An enhancement from a client organisation, demonstrating a top-down approach to delivering biodiversity on-site. Organisations may range from developers to those responsible for the delivery of our energy, transport and water networks.

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2. Community Engagement Project Award - sponsored by 

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An initiative which demonstrates the importance of engaging with, and understanding, biodiversity. This includes creating biodiversity champions in your organisation, or developing programmes that engage with the local community.

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3. Habitat Creation: Project of the Year Award
(Large scale biodiversity enhancement 5ha and above)

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An enhancement that will have a long-term positive impact on biodiversity after the construction process. Examples may include infrastructure projects (energy, transport and water), mixed-use development or restoration of land previously used for other purposes such as mineral extraction.

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4. Habitat Creation: Project of the Year Award - sponsored by
(Medium scale biodiversity enhancement of 0.5 to 5ha)

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An improvement that will be long lasting after the construction process. Examples may include pocket park, courtyard, trees and wildflower planting.

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5. NEW! Habitat Creation: Project of the Year Award - sponsored by
(Small scale biodiversity enhancement of up to 0.5ha)

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A small-scale improvement that will be long lasting after the construction process. Examples may include green roofs, green walls, rain gardens, hibernacula, habitat restoration and planting. Low cost / high impact improvements will be reviewed positively.

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6. Innovation Award - sponsored by

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In this category we are looking for successful, innovative and unusual projects, application of bespoke products and interventions, data collection, collation and sharing processes, as well as projects that successfully demonstrate unusual and alternative approaches to the normal. This is a category open to a wide range of interpretation and the winning scheme will be selected at the judging panel’s discretion.

 

 

7. Construction Phase Award - sponsored by

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An enhancement which takes place during the construction phase. Examples may include a green hoarding, temporary green wall or community engagement initiative.

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8. Biodiversity legacy Award - sponsored by

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An enhancement that demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving biodiversity on-site. This may include collation of baseline data, monitoring impact of the intervention, the introduction of enhancement management plans and alternative approaches to maintenance schedules and planting policies.

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9. NEW! Biodiversity Champion Award - sponsored by
(Early career professional: up to 5 years in biodiversity-related work)

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This award recognises an individual who has contributed most to the ethos of doing one thing for biodiversity either within their organisation, as part of a wider project team, as part of a supporting group or a local grass-roots initiative.

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We want to recognise professionals starting their biodiversity journey (up to 5 years working on biodiversity-related projects/effort), and already making an impact.

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10. NEW! Biodiversity Champion Award - sponsored by
(Established professional: 5+ years in biodiversity-related work)

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This award recognises an established biodiversity practitioners (more than 5 year working in biodiversity-related projects/effort) who has contributed most to the ethos of doing one thing for biodiversity either within their organisation, as part of a wider project team, as part of a supporting group or a local grassroots.

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Conditions of Entry for Champion Awards (categories 9 - 10)

Anyone can submit an entry: the individual, the employer or jointly, or someone from a different company.

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Judges will look at the following 6 keys to become a Biodiversity Champion (but not limited to):

  • Engaging: Someone who is inclusive; who communicates by listening as well as speaking

  • Inspiring: Someone who can motivate others with honour, integrity and courage

  • Enthusiastic: Someone who can share their enthusiasm about biodiversity with others; who can persevere and push to achieve positive outcomes on projects

  • Creative: Someone who is prepared to seek solutions when faced with challenges; who looks for opportunities and innovative ways to overcome hurdles

  • Knowledgeable: Someone who understands their subject; who increases their knowledge and awareness as they progress and is capable of sharing and disseminating that knowledge with others

  • Outcomes driven: Someone who can demonstrate their positive biodiversity impacts

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Champion Awards have their dedicated Entry Form, downloadable HERE.

 

Overall Winner 2023 - Prize sponsored by

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An overall winner will be chosen by the judging panel from the ten award category winners for the enhancement/professional that demonstrates the most outstanding commitment to biodiversity.

 

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Additional sponsorship opportunities

Bespoke packages are available so please contact adrien.baudrimont@ciria.org to discuss further.

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