MAPAMA, through the Biodiversity Foundation, announces the 2017-2018 edition of the European Business Awards for the Environment.

These Awards, whose Spanish section has been managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA) since 2013, recognize and reward thosecompanies that successfully combine the economic viability of their businesses with the protection of the environment. The European Business Awards for the Environment have been held in Spain since 1997 and represent for the winning companies an important recognition of their contribution to environmental protection by society and the world of business and sustainability.

This edition of the awards is divided into four categories that highlight innovative aspects of business management that contribute to sustainable development. Thus, companies that have a strategic vision equipped with innovative management systems and tools will be rewarded. In another category, the development and/or implementation of a product or service with an environmental character will be recognized. Innovative solutions in production processes and methods will also be rewarded and, finally, international cooperation that contributes to sustainable development in which at least one Spanish company and an entity from the private or public sector, NGOs or the academic sector of an emerging or developing country are involved will be recognized.

A special category has also been created, “Business and Biodiversity”, whose winner will be selected from among the companies that apply for one of the four previous categories and that stands out for their contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

The winning companies and runners-up in the Spanish section will participate in the European competition.

Applicants must be private companies that are legally constituted and duly registered in the corresponding register, with their own legal personality and that are based in Spain. In addition, they must comply with the requirements established, where appropriate, in each call.

Public companies, NGOs, institutions and other non-profit entities can only participate as a partner of a company in the category of international business cooperation. In this case, it will be the company that will officially present the candidacy for the awards.

Applications can be submitted until November 30, 2017, by filling in an official form. The MAPAMA Biodiversity Foundation will convene a jury in which experts of recognized prestige in the environmental and business field will participate and will select the winners.

The management of these awards aims to boost economic activity linked to the environment, promote the sustainability of companies and encourage employment and the creation and consolidation of green companies.

To apply, click here.