An innovative programme, which has resulted in rural women in Central America harnessing the benefits of the Maya Nut, and thereby improving family and environmental health, has won this year's St Andrews Prize for the Environment.

The programme is successfully re-establishing the Maya Nut, a nutritious, delicious and easy to harvest tree seed native to lowland rainforests, into the Central American diet. In Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras micro-enterprises formed by groups of women are producing and selling Maya Nut products, which have been lauded as successful models of sustainable development. By acknowledging the synergy among women, family, community, food, resources and the environment, this programme has yielded astonishing results with minimal cash investments.

At a ceremony in the University of St Andrews today, Erika Vohman was presented with the winning prize of $50,000 and a medal on behalf of the project team. "I am delighted that the Maya Nut programme has won this prize and effectively doubled my budget for 2007," says Erika. "This will enable the programme to be established in several remote areas suffering from extreme poverty and insecure food supply and result in the conservation of thousands of hectares of rainforest which support the Maya Nut. Women form the core of the family unit and by empowering them we can improve conditions for forests and families."

The St Andrews Prize is an environmental initiative by the University of St Andrews, which attracts scholars of international repute and carries out world-class teaching and research, and ConocoPhillips, one of the world's largest integrated energy companies, with operations in more than 40 countries.

Sir Crispin Tickell, Chairman of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment Trustees, says: "The Prize is going from strength to strength. It is now in its eighth year and we are delighted that is has become so well established and continues to attract such a range of innovative projects from all over the world. We are particularly pleased to be judging projects that can be replicated in several different regions, thereby increasing overall effectiveness and help to those who need it most."

Environment and Rural Development Minister, Ross Finnie, said: "The Scottish Executive is committed to delivering sustainable development and an improved environment for all. The St Andrews Prize for the Environment is an excellent example of how education and business can work together to encourage and support the successful development of innovative environmental projects.

"The projects undertake a range of initiatives that will involve various sectors of society in action towards supporting thriving communities and protecting our natural environment."

This year's runners-up, each presented with a cheque for $10,000 were:

• Promoting Unst's Renewable Energy (PURE) project - the first off-grid renewable hydrogen system in Europe. It uses wind power to provide comprehensive and sustainable energy, does not burn fossil fuels, has zero carbon emissions, and delivers energy security locally.
• KanchanT Arsenic Filter, an innovative household water treatment device, which removes arsenic and disease causing microbes from domestic drinking water supplies and which has been installed and linked to wells in over 3,000 homes in rural Nepal.

Dr Brian Lang, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews says: "For over six centuries the University has upheld a tradition of academic excellence, and our association with the Prize adds weight to our reputation as a world leader in the field of sustainability and environmental studies."

"Our continuing support of this Prize is a practical way towards achieving our aim of promoting economic growth, healthy environments and vibrant communities, now and in the years to come," says Henry McGee, President, Europe and West Africa, for ConocoPhillips.

Recognising significant contributions to environmental conservation, the Prize has attracted entries on topics as diverse as sustainable development in the Amazon and Central American rainforests, urban re-generation, recycling, health and water issues and renewable energy, since its launch in 1998.

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