India has earned global recognition in environmental conservation after two Indian women received the prestigious 2026 Whitley Awards, popularly known as the “Green Oscars.” Conservationists Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba were honoured for their exceptional grassroots efforts to protect endangered wildlife and fragile ecosystems, highlighting India’s growing contribution to global biodiversity conservation.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London, where Princess Anne honoured conservation leaders from across the Global South. Each winner received a grant of £50,000 to expand and strengthen their environmental initiatives.
Parveen Shaikh, a conservation scientist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), was recognised for her work to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer, a rare river bird that nests along the Chambal River. India is home to nearly 90% of the world’s breeding population of the species making its conservation crucial for global biodiversity.
Through her “Guardians of the Skimmer” initiative, Shaikh has trained more than 30 local villagers to monitor nesting colonies safeguard breeding sites and reduce threats from predators and human disturbances. Her community led conservation model has demonstrated how local participation can play a vital role in protecting endangered species.
The second Indian recipient, Dr. Barkha Subba, was honoured for her work to conserve the Himalayan Salamander, an ancient amphibian species found in the eastern Himalayas. Working with the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection (FOSEP) in Darjeeling, she has focused on scientific monitoring of salamander populations while restoring degraded wetlands and protecting critical habitats.
Her conservation programme also involves collaboration with local communities, including tea estate workers, and addresses emerging threats such as habitat loss and fungal diseases affecting amphibian populations.
The Whitley Awards recognise conservation leaders who combine scientific research, community engagement and sustainable environmental practices to protect biodiversity. The programme supports grassroots projects that deliver long term conservation benefits while improving local livelihoods.
This year’s awards also honoured conservationists from Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Cameroon for their efforts to protect endangered wildlife and ecosystems in their respective countries.
The recognition of Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba highlights the growing importance of community based conservation in addressing global environmental challenges. Their work demonstrates how scientific innovation, local participation and long term commitment can help safeguard endangered species while strengthening ecosystem resilience for future generations.