The GSSA Award for the Best Ecological Project is judged according to the following criteria:

• The project must deal with an ecological issue (rangelands/pastures, rehabilitation, alien and invasive species, game surveys, animal production, etc.)

• The students must exhibit a clear understanding of the problem

• The project must have a sound scientific approach

• Presentation must be good

At a regional level, the prize consists of a GSSA certificate for each member of the winning team. At national level, the prize consists of a GSSA certificate and medal for each member of the winning team. If possible, the prize may also include "tickets" to the next GSSA Congress. It is advisable that if this part of the prize is to be awarded, the GSSA specifies (under the special requirements section requested by the organisers) that only Matric and Grade 11 students may be awarded the Grassland Society Award.