In a historic achievement, Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has become the first Indian to win the Kenton R. Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Area Management. This prestigious recognition, presented by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), celebrates individuals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in the sustainable management of protected ecosystems across the world.
The award ceremony took place on October 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, where Dr. Ghosh received the honour alongside Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea from Ecuador. Established in 2006, the Kenton R. Miller Award is presented biennially to individuals or teams who introduce effective and transformative ideas in the field of conservation. The award focuses on areas such as governance, scientific innovation, community participation, funding, and policy development.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh’s Innovative Conservation Model
Dr. Sonali Ghosh was recognized for her pioneering conservation model that harmoniously blends traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches. Her leadership at Kaziranga National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world’s largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros — has been instrumental in promoting sustainable wildlife management, biodiversity protection, and inclusive community engagement.
Her model emphasizes community participation, ensuring that local and indigenous populations become key stakeholders in wildlife preservation. By integrating traditional ecological wisdom with scientific monitoring and technology-driven conservation, Dr. Ghosh has set a new benchmark for protected area management in India and beyond.
Global Recognition for Conservation Excellence
Alongside Dr. Ghosh, Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea, the founder and president of Grupo Futuro, a consortium of 19 sustainability-driven businesses in Ecuador, was also honoured. His contribution focuses on developing sustainable business practices and funding mechanisms that support biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The Kenton R. Miller Award 2025 celebrates such innovative leaders whose efforts shape the global conservation landscape. It reinforces the importance of balancing ecological integrity, human livelihoods, and long-term sustainability.
About the Kenton R. Miller Award and WCPA
The Kenton R. Miller Award, named after a globally renowned conservationist, honours innovation and leadership in protected area management. The award is administered by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), a specialized commission within the IUCN, the world’s largest environmental network. Since its inception, the award has spotlighted groundbreaking efforts in park governance, policy frameworks, and scientific management that can serve as global models for conservation success.
India’s Growing Global Conservation Footprint
Dr. Sonali Ghosh’s recognition marks a significant milestone for India’s conservation community, reflecting the nation’s growing commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship. Her work at Kaziranga not only strengthens India’s reputation in global conservation forums but also underscores the crucial role of integrating indigenous knowledge and modern science in preserving the planet’s natural heritage.
