Indian Conservationists Win Whitley Awards for Protecting Endangered Species

Two Indian women won the prestigious 'Green Oscars' for their work saving endangered animals. This recognition highlights their vital efforts in conservation.
By Newsroom | Environment, India |

WHITLEY AWARDS SPOTLIGHT LOCAL EFFORTS FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Two Indian women, Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh, have been recognized with the prestigious Whitley Award, often referred to as the ‘Green Oscars’, for their dedicated work in protecting critically endangered species. The awards, presented by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), celebrate grassroots conservation leaders in the Global South.

Subba’s work focuses on the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan salamander in Darjeeling, an amphibian whose habitat faces significant pressures from wetland loss, unregulated tourism, and land diversification in tea gardens. Her initiative aims to establish the first grassroots protection for this unique species and its surrounding wetlands.

Who are Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh, the Indian conservationists among this year’s ‘Green Oscars’ winners? - 1

Shaikh’s efforts are centered on the Indian Skimmer, a striking river bird teetering on the brink of extinction. She champions a community-led approach, training local villagers as ‘nest guardians’ to protect the skimmer’s nesting sites on shifting sandbars of the Chambal river. This strategy aims to foster stewardship and integrate conservation with local livelihoods.

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The Whitley Awards, established by the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature, honor individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment to protecting biodiversity and landscapes. This year’s ceremony, held on April 29th at the Royal Geographical Society in London, saw six conservationists receive the award, with Subba and Shaikh being the only Indian recipients. The prize money associated with the award is intended to bolster their ongoing conservation projects.

Who are Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh, the Indian conservationists among this year’s ‘Green Oscars’ winners? - 2

Shaikh’s ambition extends beyond the Chambal river. She plans to leverage the Whitley Award to develop a transboundary wetland conservation framework encompassing India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and potentially expand her 'guardian' model to the Ganges and Yamuna river systems near Prayagraj.

Subba, who grew up in Darjeeling surrounded by nature, developed a deep fascination with local wildlife, including the Himalayan salamander, which became a focal point for her conservation career. Her approach reportedly integrates scientific research, habitat restoration, and active community engagement.

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Who are Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh, the Indian conservationists among this year’s ‘Green Oscars’ winners? - 3

The recognition underscores the critical role of local communities in conservation efforts. Both Subba and Shaikh have emphasized the importance of involving villagers and local residents, demonstrating that successful biodiversity protection can simultaneously strengthen community awareness and local economies. The success of their projects signifies a shift from indifference to active stewardship among the populations they work with.

BACKGROUND: THE WHITLEY FUND FOR NATURE AND ITS MISSION

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity dedicated to supporting conservation leaders working on the ground in developing countries. Founded with the aim of identifying and funding local conservationists, WFN provides financial grants and international recognition for their efforts. Patronage from HRH The Princess Royal highlights the charity's standing. The organization focuses on empowering individuals who are tackling environmental challenges in their own communities, often in remote or under-resourced regions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Whitley Award in India for conservation?
Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh, two Indian women, have won the prestigious Whitley Award for their work in protecting endangered species. They were recognized for their efforts in grassroots conservation.
Q: What endangered species are Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh protecting?
Barkha Subba is working to protect the Himalayan salamander and its wetland habitat in Darjeeling. Parveen Shaikh is focused on saving the Indian Skimmer, a river bird, by training local villagers as nest guardians.
Q: When and where were the Whitley Awards presented this year?
The Whitley Awards ceremony was held on April 29th at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Six conservationists received awards, with Subba and Shaikh being the only Indian recipients.
Q: How will the Whitley Award help Parveen Shaikh's conservation plans?
Shaikh plans to use the award money to help develop a conservation plan for wetlands that span across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. She also hopes to expand her 'guardian' model to other major river systems in India.
Q: What is the goal of Barkha Subba's conservation project?
Subba's initiative aims to create the first grassroots protection program for the Himalayan salamander and its wetland environment, which is threatened by habitat loss and tourism.