Kenton R. Miller Award, 2025 to the Director General of Kaziranga National Park

In the world of biodiversity conservation, the Kenton R. Miller Award is a prestigious global accolade. The recent recognition of Dr. Sonali Ghosh, the Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (Assam), is not just a proud moment for India, but a ready-made case study for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Why in the news?

• IUCN presented the Kenton R. Miller Award, 2025 to Dr. Sonali Ghosh, an IFS officer of the 1996 batch and field director of Kaziranga Nationa Park.
• She became the first Indian to win the IUCN Kenton Miller Award, 2025.
• The award honours her leadership in conserving one of India’s key biodiversity hotspots.
• She got the award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Areas Sustainability.
• Along with her, Roque Simon Sevilla Larrea also got the award. He got the award for bringing in sustainability through various companies, including tourism, insurance, and the environment.
• The recognition marks a milestone not only in her personal journey but also for India’s growing leadership in sustainable park management.

About Dr Sonali Ghosh and her Contribution:

• Born in Pune in 1975, Dr Sonali Ghosh grew up in a Bengali family that frequently moved across India due to her father’s service in the Indian Army.
• Her journey took a decisive turn when she joined the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun. It created curiosity for lifelong commitment to environmental protection.
• Later, she joined the Indian Forest Service (IFS). As a result, Dr Ghosh was posted to some of India’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes – including Kaziranga, Manas, and Orang.
• In September 2023, Dr Ghosh became the first woman Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, shattering a long-standing gender barrier in India’s forestry sector.
• Dr Ghosh has reshaped how Kaziranga is managed. Her approach balances strict protection measures with community participation and scientific innovation.
• Some of the major improvements under her leadership:
  • Enhanced protection for rhinos, tigers, and elephants through better monitoring and rapid-response systems.
  • Community-driven programs that help local families build eco-friendly livelihoods, reducing dependence on forest resources.
  • Improved welfare for forest guards, including better working conditions and safety measures.
  • Sustainable tourism practices that balance visitor experiences with ecological preservation.
• Impact on global community:
  • Her work in Assam’s Manas and Kaziranga landscapes combined local knowledge with scientific expertise. 
  • Her “inclusive conservation” model offers a way forward for other countries struggling to protect biodiversity while supporting human needs.

What is the Kenton R. Miller Award? 

• It is one of the most prestigious international recognitions in the field of environmental conservation.
• Established in 2006, World Commission on Protected Areas under IUCN presents this award every two years.
• It honours individuals who have demonstrated transformative leadership and innovation in the equitable and effective governance of protected and conserved areas.
• The award is named after Dr Kenton R. Miller, a respected global conservationist and former director General of IUCN.
• Honourees receive a $5,000 USD grant, international recognition by their peers, and an accompanying citation acknowledging their contribution.

What are the Criteria for Kenton R. Miller Award?

• Nominees must show strong commitment to an organization engaged in protected area management, education, or research.
• The award is open to managers of marine or terrestrial protected areas under any governance—governmental, Indigenous, community, or private.
• The award examines innovations in several categories:
  • Planning and management
  • Assessment, monitoring and evaluation
  • Learning and capacity-building
  • Economics and financing
  • Governance
  • Communication

Conclusion:

The Kenton R. Miller Award 2025 stands as an honour to individuals who exemplify innovation, dedication, and vision in protected area management. By recognizing leaders who bridge science, community, and conservation, the award reinforces the global commitment to preserving our planet’s natural heritage. As environmental challenges intensify, such recognition does not only honour excellence. It also inspires future generations to pursue sustainable solutions that balance people and nature.

Sources:

1. https://www.kaziranganationalpark-india.com/blog/kaziranga-director-sonali-ghosh-awarded-iucns-kenton-miller-award/
2. https://iucn.org/our-union/commissions/world-commission-protected-areas/our-work/iucn-wcpa-awards/kenton-r-miller
3. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/kaziranga-director-becomes-first-indian-to-receive-iucn-award-for-innovation-in-national-parks/article70154724.ece