What Did Assam's Kaziranga National Park Director Achieve with the IUCN Award?
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Synopsis
Sonali Ghosh has made history as the first female director of Kaziranga National Park, recently receiving the prestigious IUCN award for innovation in conservation. Her pioneering efforts in community engagement and sustainable practices have set new standards for protected area governance.
Key Takeaways
- Sonali Ghosh is the first female director of Kaziranga National Park.
- Recognized for her innovative conservation practices.
- The IUCN award highlights efforts in sustainability.
- Community engagement is central to her conservation model.
- She integrates traditional knowledge with modern science.
Guwahati, Oct 11 (NationPress) Sonali Ghosh, a senior IFS officer and the Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), was awarded the IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of Nature) award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Area Sustainability, as announced by officials on Saturday.
An official from KNPTR, which is recognized as India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site, indicated that Ghosh was honored with the Kenton R. Miller Award during the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
This prestigious award, which recognizes innovations in the sustainability of national parks and protected areas, is conferred biennially by the IUCN WCPA.
Named in memory of Dr. Kenton R. Miller, a prominent figure in protected area management and former Director General of IUCN, this award celebrates significant contributions that enhance the global sustainability of parks and protected areas.
The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is one of six technical commissions under IUCN, comprising thousands of volunteers who are experts in the field.
This organization focuses on governance, management, and policy concerning protected areas, supporting the establishment and effective administration of such areas worldwide, including national parks, reserves, and marine protected zones.
The official noted that the Dr. Kenton R. Miller award was presented to two individuals at a gala event during the World Parks Congress currently taking place in Abu Dhabi.
Alongside Ghosh, Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea from Ecuador also received the award. The congress has attracted over 3000 delegates.
As the Director of KNPTR, Sonali Ghosh has been acknowledged for her innovative governance approach, recognizing the colonial history of protected areas while affirming the essential rights and roles of indigenous communities.
Her leadership has promoted a conservation model deeply rooted in community engagement, awareness, and the integration of traditional ecological wisdom with modern scientific knowledge. This approach has proven particularly effective in the biodiverse landscapes of Manas and Kaziranga.
Additionally, during the Lok Kalyan Divas (People’s Welfare Day) in August, the Assam government awarded Ghosh the Karmashree Award. She also holds the position of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Ghosh achieved the top rank in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination in the 2000 batch.
With a postgraduate degree in Forest and Wildlife Sciences, she also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Law and a diploma in System Management from the National Law School of India University.
Her doctoral research focused on remote sensing technology to assess tiger habitat suitability in the Indo-Bhutan Manas Landscape. In August 2023, Ghosh made history as the first female director of the 120-year-old Kaziranga National Park.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the impactful achievements of individuals like Sonali Ghosh, who contribute significantly to environmental conservation and the acknowledgment of indigenous communities. Her innovative governance model at Kaziranga National Park serves as an inspiring example for similar efforts nationwide.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IUCN award?
The IUCN award recognizes significant innovations in national parks and protected area sustainability, honoring individuals for their contributions to conservation.
Who is Sonali Ghosh?
Sonali Ghosh is the Director of Kaziranga National Park and a senior IFS officer, recognized for her innovative governance and leadership in conservation.
What is Kaziranga National Park known for?
Kaziranga National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
What is the significance of the Kenton R. Miller Award?
The Kenton R. Miller Award honors individuals who make significant contributions to enhancing the sustainability of national parks and protected areas globally.
Who else received the IUCN award alongside Sonali Ghosh?
Roque Simón Sevilla Larrea from Ecuador also received the IUCN award during the World Parks Congress.
