Photo: Shabbir Bhatt
Watch the entire Awards Ceremony here!
The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards were instituted in the year 2001 to recognise and draw national attention to the contribution of individuals working for the protection of wildlife and natural habitats in India.
Each year, we invite nominations and entries from Sanctuary readers, and the wider on-ground and online network of supporters, writers and photographers, as we search for the best and brightest in India’s biodiversity conservation canvas.
Over the past two decades, the Sanctuary Wildlife Awards have unearthed and spotlit the inspirational work of thousands of quiet Earth Heroes across the country. Last year, 10 winners from all walks of life were selected as the recipients.
Awards are given under four categories. The criteria for each are given below:
An individual whose life has been devoted to the protection of wildlife species or their habitats on the Indian subcontinent. We are in search of a true hero; someone whose life’s purpose and respect for nature can be held out as an inspiration to the youth of India.
Individuals currently working in the field who have displayed extraordinary courage, dedication and determination in the arena of wildlife conservation. We are in search of inspired wildlifers, forest employees, researchers, villagers or anyone currently involved in nature conservation in the field who have set personal standards for others to follow.
An individual currently working to communicate wildlife and conservation values to students in Indian schools or colleges. We are in search of an individual with a missionary zeal who is setting an example for other teachers to follow. Creativity, leadership qualities and a proven track record of working with young persons in a rural or urban setting is imperative
An individual between the age of 16 and 25 on August 31, 2023, who shows extraordinary caring and respect for nature. We are in search of a young naturalist or conservationist, for whom the study and defence of nature is the purpose of life, whose actions speak louder than words and who inspires hope for the future.
