India’s conservation landscape received a global boost as Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, became the first Indian to win the WCPA-Kenton Miller Award for innovation in protected area sustainability at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
Her work was recognised for its pioneering strategies in park management and wildlife rehabilitation, and officials and conservation bodies have lauded her for putting Indian conservation efforts on the global map.
A Landmark Recognition for Indian Conservation
Dr Sonali Ghosh was honoured by the World Commission on Protected Areas, IUCN, which annually celebrates exceptional achievements in the management of national parks and protected areas.
The award, named after the legendary conservationist Dr Kenton R. Miller, underscores Ghosh’s innovative solutions, particularly her success in rehabilitating captive-bred clouded leopard cubs and revamping conservation education models.
Congratulatory messages from Indian and international conservation groups, including the International Big Cat Alliance, poured in soon after the announcement. “We at IBCA are proud of your remarkable achievement,” shared the organisation while highlighting her leadership.
Background: India’s Role in Global Nature Protection
Dr Ghosh’s journey reflects the growing leadership of India in biodiversity conservation, especially within Kaziranga, Manas, and Orang National Parks.
Her focus on engaging local communities, promoting eco-friendly tourism, and calling for improvements in India’s wildlife rescue practices are emblematic of a new wave of conservation thinking.
Officials, including Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, have reaffirmed India’s intent to partner globally for a sustainable future, further raising the country’s environmental profile at forums like the IUCN Congress.
IUCN World Conservation Congress
The IUCN World Conservation Congress, established in 1948, is the world’s foremost environmental governance event, held every four years to set global conservation priorities and mobilise action for nature and sustainable development.
The 2025 Congress, hosted in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October, brought together over 1,400 government and civil society members to vote on critical resolutions addressing biodiversity loss, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions. India actively participated as a State Member since 1969, showcasing its leadership through initiatives like Project Tiger and the International Big Cat Alliance.
The event highlighted inclusive conservation models, with Indian delegates emphasising community-driven efforts from Kaziranga and the Sundarbans, reinforcing India’s growing role in shaping global environmental policy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dr Sonali Ghosh’s trailblazing recognition is a proud moment for every Indian who values the planet’s biological heritage. Such achievements are reminders that collaboration, innovation, and empathy can inspire sustainable stewardship of the natural world.
