Kaziranga Director Sonali Ghosh Becomes First Indian to Win IUCN Innovation Award

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has made history as she is the first Indian to receive the highly recognized IUCN Kenton R. Miller Award of Innovation in the Management of Protected Areas. The award has honored her outstanding leadership in the development of inclusive and sustainable conservation practices. Kaziranga has also empowered the community in Kaziranga, improved flood control measures, and incorporated technology-intensified monitoring in the conservation of biodiversity. Dr. The visionary nature of Ghosh spans science and traditional knowledge and provides a worldwide example of successful and caring environmental stewardship to be followed by succeeding generations of conservation leaders.

Sonali Ghosh: Shaping the Future of Conservation

• Sonali Ghosh was the first Indian to receive the IUCN Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in the management of protected areas.

• Her conservation model emphasizes community participation and ecosystem management.

• She combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to ensure effective wildlife protection.

• During her leadership, anti-poaching and habitat protection in Kaziranga have shown tremendous success.

• Ghosh has also improved welfare and infrastructure for frontline forest staff, boosting conservation efficiency and staff morale.

Basic Facts About IUCN

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was established in 1948, and it is the largest conservation network in the world.

• Head office: Gland, Switzerland.

• Chairperson: Razan Al Mubarak. She is the first from West Asia and the second woman to hold the role

• IUCN brings together governments, NGOs, and experts in the conservation of biodiversity and the enhancement of sustainable development across the globe.

Conclusion

The success of Dr. Sonali Ghosh in becoming the first Indian to receive the IUCN Innovation Award is a testament to her remarkable leadership and visionary conservation efforts. Her concept, which integrates community, scientific research, and traditional ecological knowledge, sets the world standard. This award not only recognizes her efforts but also motivates other conservationists in the future to undertake sustainable and inclusive wildlife conservation programs.