THE EARTH PRIZE PARTICIPANTS
CODE OF CONDUCT

Table of Contents

2.1 Fundamental Principles
2.2 Appropriate Behavior
2.3 Safeguarding of Minors

3.1 The Earth Prize Participants
3.3.1 Academic Integrity
3.3.2 Commitment to Excellence

1. Preamble

The Earth Prize is an international environmental sustainability competition organized by The Earth Foundation, a Swiss non-profit committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in its relationships with students, educators, academic institutions, affiliates, employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment. Therefore, The Earth Foundation expects all individuals involved in The Earth Prize to maintain equal standards of professional conduct and integrity in their dealings with The Earth Foundation and its partners, and with the environment. The Earth Prize Participant Code of Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”) sets out the minimal requirements expected for The Earth Prize Participants regarding academic integrity, ethics, and compliance with laws, regulations, and internationally-recognized standards.

2. General Provisions

The Earth Prize prides itself in promoting values of respect, not only for the environment but also for others. It is thus one of The Earth Foundation’s goals to create a nurturing and respectful learning community where Participants, Mentors, and Supervisors can work collaboratively. The provisions laid out in this section are meant to ensure a fair and safe competition, and the appropriate behavior of all individuals involved.

2.1 Fundamental Principles

Observing basic ethical principles such as the spirit of respect for others, fair competition, and dignity for the Earth and the human beings living on it, is the essence of The Earth Foundation and The Earth Prize. These principles include respect for:

• The Earth Foundation’s zero tolerance position towards bribery and corruption, and demonstrating honesty and fairness in all its activities.
• Good governance, in particular, transparency, accountability and responsibility.
• Confidentiality by any person involved in the activities of The Earth Prize.

2.2 Appropriate Behavior

All individuals involved in The Earth Prize are expected to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects the values of The Earth Prize and The Earth Foundation. They are expected to refrain from degrading, insulting, and discriminating against any other individual, as well as from the use of offensive language and any other unethical, demeaning, or unlawful action.

2.3 Safeguarding of Minors

Adult Participants, Mentors and Supervisors in The Earth Prize must adhere to the highest standards of behavior when interacting with all students, but most especially minors. In line with its proper institutional policy and these aforementioned values, The Earth Foundation has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, in all its forms. The Earth Foundation and The Earth Prize firmly support the principle of accountability of all involved parties and their duty to report any case where the safeguarding of minors may be at risk.

3. Specific Provisions

3.1 The Earth Prize Participants

3.3.1 Academic Integrity

Participants in The Earth Prize must abide by general principles of academic integrity, which stipulate that students’ submissions must be their own, and not the work of anyone else. Participants’ submissions cannot be plagiarized from any other source. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of another’s words or ideas as if they are one’s own. Submissions generated by artificial intelligence are also prohibited. Plagiarism and any kind of academic dishonesty are grounds for disqualification from The Earth Prize competition.

3.3.2 Commitment to Excellence

Participants are required to:

• Read and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and other additional documents;
• Abide by all rules (see The Earth Prize Official Rules and Terms and Conditions) as prescribed by The Earth Prize and The Earth Foundation;
• Act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the spirit of fair play and responsible conduct;
• Respect other Participants and engage in no form of discriminatory behavior or verbal, physical, harassment, or abuse of any kind;
• Act in a way that will bring respect and honor to themselves and their school, and to remember that at all times, Participants are ambassadors for their school, and to those who are supporting their project.