The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has extended until mid-December the nomination period for the new award, Champions of the Earth, aimed at recognizing environmental leaders and activists. The deadline, which was Dec. 1, has been pushed back 15 days, says the UNEP Latin America office.

An award will be granted in each region: Africa, Asia Pacific, East Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.

UNEP's objective is that once the prizes are given, the work of the winners will be promoted, in an attempt at replication of successful efforts in other parts of the world.