Kaziranga Director Honored with Prestigious IUCN Innovation Award

Sonali Ghosh, the Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has made history by becoming the first Indian to receive the Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in national parks and protected area sustainability. The award was presented during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on October 10, 2023, where Ghosh was honored alongside Ecuador’s Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea.

This award, established by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), recognizes exceptional contributions to the governance and management of protected areas. The WCPA is part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global network founded in 1948 that focuses on the conservation of nature and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The Kenton R. Miller Award, awarded biennially since 2006, acknowledges individuals or teams whose innovative approaches in areas like planning, finance, and community engagement have made a significant impact on conservation efforts. Past recipients have tackled various challenges, including poaching, climate change, and financial constraints.

Ghosh was specifically recognized for her efforts in creating a conservation model that emphasizes community engagement, awareness-building, and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern science. This approach has proven particularly effective in the biodiverse landscapes of Manas and Kaziranga in Assam. According to the IUCN, her innovative strategies have garnered peer recognition and have not previously been acknowledged through international awards.

In addition to Ghosh, Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea received the award for his work in promoting sustainability across various sectors, including tourism and clean energy. As the founder and president of Grupo Futuro, he has led initiatives that integrate environmental sustainability with business operations.

The recognition of both Ghosh and Larrea highlights the importance of innovative thinking in the field of conservation. Their achievements serve as inspiring examples of how dedicated individuals can make a lasting impact on the environment and community well-being.

The Kenton R. Miller Award not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also emphasizes the critical role of innovation in addressing the pressing environmental challenges faced globally. As the world grapples with issues such as climate change and habitat loss, the need for effective conservation strategies has never been more urgent.