77 countries; 457 nominations; 122,000 votes
When the World Challenge competition launched in January 2005 nobody anticipated how successful it would become. 457 nominations were received from 77 different countries for a diverse range of projects around the world. From Uganda to the Ukraine, Vanuatu to Zambia nominations came in from right across the globe. Over 122,000 people voted for their favourite project – a staggering amount – proving just how passionate people are about social, environmental and community issues.
After much discussion and deliberation our expert judging panel were able to whittle down the nominations to just 12 projects. A short film on each of the 12 finalists was broadcast on BBC World and showcased in Newsweek. Votes from the public poured in from around the world until the deadline drew to a close and a winner was finally found!
Representatives from the top three projects Coconets, Fat Chance and Reef Rehab were invited to attend the Award Ceremony held in London in November 2005. After a nail-biting wait the winner was finally announced. Coconets, a project from the Philippines called Juboken Enterprises, which develops eco-friendly nets to prevent soil erosion, proved to be the public’s favourite. An ecstatic Coconets collected their award of US $20,000 to help develop their project even further.
Receiving the honour, Justino Arboleda, from Juboken Enterprises, said: “I am thrilled to accept this award. To have won The World Challenge competition is a great honour for us and for our country, and we are very proud to have been recognised over so many other inspiring projects.”
Roxanne Decyk, Director of Corporate Affairs, Shell, said: “Shell is delighted to be involved in The World Challenge. What is remarkable about this competition is the passion and determination of the individuals involved. We would like to congratulate Juboken Enterprises, along with the runners-up and finalists. Without their innovation and drive, The World Challenge would not have been such a success.”
For more information and to view a short film on each of the 2005 finalists click here. And don’t miss ‘One Year On’, broadcast on BBC World 25 November 2006, which re-visits Coconets to see how winning the World Challenge has helped the project develop. A ‘One Year On’ feature will also run in Newsweek.
