India has once again earned global recognition in environmental conservation as two remarkable Indian women were honoured with the 2026 Whitley Awards, popularly known as the ‘Green Oscars’. The award recognises outstanding grassroots conservation leaders from across the world for their efforts in protecting biodiversity and restoring ecosystems.
The prestigious ceremony took place at the Royal Geographical Society in London, where the awards were presented by Princess Anne of the United Kingdom on behalf of the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN).
The Indian winners this year are Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba, who were recognised for their impactful conservation work and were each awarded £50,000 to support their ongoing environmental initiatives.
Let’s understand more about the Green Oscars and the inspiring work of these two Indian conservationists.
What are the Green Oscars Awards?
The Green Oscars is the popular name for the Whitley Awards, administered by the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), a UK-based conservation charity.
The awards were established to recognise and support grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South who combine:
- Scientific knowledge
- Community participation
- Sustainable conservation practices
Apart from international recognition, each winner receives funding to strengthen their conservation projects and expand local environmental action.
Two Indian Women Who Won the Green Oscars 2026
This year, India celebrated a proud moment as two women environmentalists received the prestigious honour.
1. Parveen Shaikh – Protecting the Indian Skimmer
Parveen Shaikh is a conservation scientist associated with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
She was recognised for her efforts in conserving the Indian Skimmer, one of India’s rare river birds found along the Chambal River ecosystem.
India currently supports nearly 90% of the world’s breeding population of Indian Skimmers, making conservation efforts critical.
Her Initiative: Guardians of the Skimmer
Through this initiative:
- More than 30 local villagers have been trained.
- Nesting colonies are actively monitored and protected.
- Community participation helps reduce threats from predators and human disturbances.
Her model demonstrates how local communities can play a key role in wildlife conservation.
2. Dr. Barkha Subba – Conserving the Himalayan Salamander
Dr. Barkha Subba works with the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection (FOSEP) in Darjeeling.
Her work focuses on protecting the ancient Himalayan Salamander, a unique amphibian species facing habitat loss and ecological threats.
Her Conservation Work Includes:
- Scientific monitoring of salamander populations
- Restoration of drying wetlands
- Community collaboration with tea estate workers
- Addressing fungal diseases threatening amphibian survival
Her research-driven approach is helping preserve fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Other Winners of the Whitley Awards 2026
Alongside the Indian awardees, several environmental leaders from across the Global South were also honoured.
| Winner | Country | Conservation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Farwiza Farhan (Gold Award) | Indonesia | Community protection of the Leuser Ecosystem |
| Moreangels Mbizah | Zimbabwe | Human–wildlife coexistence and lion conservation |
| Issah Seidu | Ghana | Protecting Critically Endangered guitarfish |
| Marina Kameni | Cameroon | Conservation of endemic amphibian species |
Why These Awards Matter
The Green Oscars highlight an important truth—meaningful environmental change often begins at the grassroots level. The achievements of Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba show how scientific innovation, local participation, and long-term commitment can create lasting ecological impact.
Their recognition also reinforces India’s growing contribution toward global biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability
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