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Abu Dhabi: In a big boost for India’s conservation efforts, Dr Sonali Ghosh, field director, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, was awarded the prestigious WCPA-Kenton Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Area Sustainability at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi.

Ghosh became the first Indian to receive this award presented by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) to honour individuals who have made innovative contributions to the long-term sustainability of national parks and protected areas worldwide. It is named after Dr Kenton R. Miller, a pioneer in conservation and former Director General of IUCN.

Her recognition highlights India’s growing leadership in biodiversity conservation, particularly the sustainable management of Assam’s protected ecosystems such as Kaziranga, Manas, and Orang National Parks. Ghosh’s work focuses on strengthening park management, engaging local communities in conservation efforts, and promoting eco-friendly tourism models that ensure both environmental protection and sustainable livelihood generation.

The award also brings global attention to India’s extensive network of protected areas and its innovative conservation strategies led by field officials and scientists.

Union minister of state for environment, forests, and climate change, as well as external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh attended the IUCN Congress during the day and reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with global partners towards a sustainable and green future.

“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,” the minister posted on X.

IUCN, headquartered in Switzerland, was founded in 1948. It is the world’s largest environmental network, bringing together governments, NGOs, and experts from over 160 countries. Every four years, it holds the World Conservation Congress, where global priorities for protecting nature and biodiversity are set.