The RestorLife Awards 2026 - presented by Restor, Ma Earth, and the G20 Global Land Initiative - celebrate the incredible efforts of local communities and NGOs worldwide who are protecting nature, restoring biodiversity, and building sustainable livelihoods.
Applications are open May 7–31, 2026, and from all applicants, 6–10 regional finalists will be selected, each with the chance to earn up to $10,000 in match funding from Ma Earth. Winners will be chosen from up to six regions: North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Asia and the Pacific.
For inspiration, see our incredible cohort of 2025 Finalists. Anyone can be a restoration champion - including you! Apply now [LINK]
Browse the questions below to understand the timeline, eligibility, award criteria, and what to prepare before you apply.
Still have questions? Reach out to us directly at support@restor.eco - we're happy to help.
What is the timeline for the Awards?
Applications Open (7-31 May): Applications are open from 7May. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline to be considered, and make sure to have a fundraising profile on the Ma Earth platform to qualify for matched funding (see below).
Selection Process (1-30 June): The evaluation committee will review applications and select regional finalists from 1 - 15 June, 2026. Finalists will be informed before 30 June 2026.
Finalist fundraising (1-21 July): Use your Restor profile and tag @Restor Eco on all channels to engage the network and raise as much funding as possible during this period!
Matched funding (10 August): Each finalist will earn up to $10,000 in matched funding from Ma Earth. Funding from Ma Earth will be higher for organisations that receive a diversity of donations, i.e. in amount and number of contributions (see details here). Payouts will be made by 10 August.
Announcement of Winner (17-28 August): The winner will be announced at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), in partnership with the G20 Global Land Initiative. [The selected winner will receive an additional cash prize of $10,000 (and expenses for travel and accommodation to attend the Award ceremony).
Why is Restor partnering with Ma Earth for the 2026 Award?
Restor is partnering with Ma Earth to bridge the gap between ecological data and Regenerative Finance (ReFi), an emerging movement that uses decentralized technology to align economic incentives with planetary health. For the purposes of the awards you will need to register a basic account on the Ma Earth platform, and the selected regional finalists will fundraise using this account. Our long term vision is to build a system by which Restor users can create ‘impact certification’ using Self-Reported Data [LINK], that is verified by a local evaluator, and can be shared with any finance platform. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to empower the world’s most impactful grassroots organizations to turn their verified ecological success into a scalable financial asset. Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more.
Why is Restor partnering with G20 Global Land Initiative?
The Global Land Initiative (GLI) is a co-founder of the RestorLife Awards. The GLI was established by the G20 to spearhead the global ambition of reducing land degradation by 50% by 2040. Its primary objective is to enable a collaborative ecosystem where communities, companies, and governments work in unison to restore and protect the vital lands we all depend on. Restor, as the world’s largest global community of nature stewards (>35,000 users), is a natural partner in this mission, and we are delighted to partner once more on the Awards. By integrating its data-rich ecological platform with the GLI’s policy reach, Restor brings unprecedented visibility and transparency to the restoration movement, ensuring that the work of local stewards is recognized and supported on a global stage.
2. Submissions and Application Form
How do I submit an application?
Submissions can be made online via [FOP link].
Can I submit via email?
No, submissions are only accepted online via [this link].
Who is eligible to submit?
Any land stewardship project protecting and restoring the lands we all depend on! In order to qualify for Matched funding from Ma Earth you must be a registered not-for-profit.
When is the submission deadline?
The deadline is 31 May 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
I’m facing issues with the site upload. What should I do?
If you’re experiencing issues, start by reviewing our step-by-step guide for adding a site to the map. If the problem continues, please reach out to our technical support team at support@restor.eco with a detailed description of the issue (including screenshots, if possible). We’ll respond as soon as we can to help resolve it.
I’m facing an issue with the organization profile creation. How can I resolve it?
Ensure all required fields are filled and the information is accurate. If the issue persists, contact support@restor.eco for support.
The website is not accepting my images or logo. What should I do?
Check the file format and size requirements (e.g., JPEG/PNG, max 5MB). If the issue continues, contact support@restor.eco.
I have multiple sites to upload. How can I do that?
If you have five or fewer sites, you can upload them individually by repeating the drawing or upload process for each site directly on the platform.
For more than five sites, Restor offers a dedicated bulk upload process to streamline your submissions. To get started, share your site files with the Restor team at support@restor.eco, and we’ll guide you through the process.
For a step-by-step overview of the bulk upload process, visit our detailed guide here.
Can I edit my submitted entry, and if so, how?
Once submitted, entries cannot be edited directly through the platform. However, if you need to update your submission—such as correcting an error or adding missing information—please contact our support team at support@restor.eco as soon as possible. Include your submission details and the changes you’d like to make, and we’ll assist you.
Can you send me the entry I submitted? I accidentally hit the submit button before proofreading.
Contact our support team at support@restor.eco with your submission details, and we’ll assist you.
3. Evaluation
How are applications assessed?
The evaluation committee will assess applications across four criteria:
Proven Impact: Evidence of restoration and biodiversity results.
Long-term Vision: Sustainability beyond the award period.
Community Involvement: Deep engagement with local stakeholders.
Responsible Stewardship: Demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices and global best practices.
Who is on the 2026 Evaluation Committee?
The 2026 RestorLife Awards Evaluation Committee brings together leading voices in conservation, restoration, and environmental advocacy.
Princess Marie-Esméralda of Belgium
a dedicated environmentalist and journalist known for her tireless activism in climate justice and indigenous rights
Matthew Monahan
Founder of Ma Earth
Tony Simmons
Senior Expert on Land Restoration, UNCCD-G20 Global Land Initiative
4. Media and Promotion
How can I promote my application or the awards?
Use the official hashtag #RestorLife2026 and share your story on social media. Don't forget to tag us @Restor Eco on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.
Can I sponsor or partner with the awards?
Yes! Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact media@restor.eco for details.
5. Recognition and Post-Awards
Why apply?
Every applicant receives access to a free profile on Restor, with access to these features. Last year the awards reached a global audience of 2.1m - a fantastic opportunity to get visibility, and potential funding (see below).
What do regional finalists receive?
From all applicants, Restor will select 6–10 regional finalists, each with the chance to earn up to USD 10,000 in match funding from Ma Earth to help amplify their restoration projects. Restor will promote all regional finalists online to support in raising as many donations as possible during the finalist fundraising period (1-21 July).
What does the winner receive?
The selected winner will receive an additional cash prize of $10,000 (and expenses for travel and accommodation to attend the Award ceremony).