India’s wildlife conservation movement reached a new milestone as Dr Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, made history by becoming the first Indian to receive the WCPA–Kenton Miller Award. The honour was announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, marking global recognition for India’s innovative approach to protecting nature and biodiversity.
A Global Honour for India’s Conservation Efforts
The Kenton Miller Award, presented by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), recognises individuals who bring innovation and long-term sustainability to the management of national parks and protected areas worldwide. Named after Dr Kenton R. Miller — a renowned conservationist and former Director General of IUCN — the award is one of the most respected recognitions in global conservation.
Dr Ghosh’s win highlights India’s leadership in biodiversity preservation and sustainable park management. Her work at Kaziranga, Manas, and Orang National Parks in Assam has shown how scientific management, community participation, and eco-friendly tourism can coexist to benefit both people and wildlife.
Driving Change Through Sustainable Conservation
Dr Ghosh has played a key role in strengthening park management systems, enhancing anti-poaching measures, and promoting eco-tourism that supports local communities. Her approach has successfully balanced environmental protection with livelihood opportunities, creating a model now admired internationally.
Her recognition at the IUCN World Conservation Congress is also a reflection of India’s growing reputation for innovative environmental policies and field-level execution.
India Reaffirms Global Commitment to Conservation
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, as well as External Affairs, attended the event and reaffirmed India’s partnership with global conservation efforts.
“Enjoyed a constructive discussion with Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director-General, IUCN, and other Ministers on the way forward for our shared mission of conservation and sustainability,” Singh wrote on X.
Hearty congratulations to Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director, @kaziranga_ on being conferred the prestigious IUCN Kenton Miller Award at the @IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to protected and conserved area management.
We at… pic.twitter.com/4Ej4x7FeJq
— International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) (@IBCA_official) October 11, 2025
The IUCN, headquartered in Switzerland and founded in 1948, is the world’s largest environmental network, bringing together experts and organisations from over 160 countries. The World Conservation Congress, held every four years, sets the global agenda for protecting nature.
Past Winners and Global Impact
In 2023, the Kenton Miller Award was given to Maria del Carmen Garcia Rivas of Mexico for her groundbreaking work in marine conservation. This year’s recognition of Dr Ghosh adds another name from Asia to the list of global environmental changemakers.
Dr Sonali Ghosh’s achievement is not just a personal honour but a testament to India’s progress in protecting its diverse ecosystems — from the grasslands of Kaziranga to the forests of Manas.
