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India’s Wildlife Guardian Goes Global: Vivek Menon Elected IUCN SSC Chair

Vivek Menon, India’s renowned wildlife conservationist, has been elected as the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), becoming the first Asian to hold this esteemed position in the commission’s 75-year history. Known globally for his unwavering dedication to wildlife and ecosystems, Menon’s leadership represents a landmark shift, giving the Global South a stronger voice in shaping international species protection policies. Menon’s journey is rooted in over three decades of hands-on work with wildlife, spanning more than 100 countries. From establishing elephant corridors in India to shaping international conservation strategies, his career reflects a blend of practical experience, policy advocacy, and community-driven initiatives.Early Passion and Lifelong CommitmentA passionate environmental commentator, author, and photographer, Menon’s fascination with elephants and wildlife began early and transformed into a lifelong mission. Over 30 years, he has worked to mitigate threats like illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and habitat loss. His efforts have influenced global frameworks, including CITES and UNESCO policies, and provided guidance to conservation organizations worldwide. Menon’s personal story resonates deeply with many aspiring conservationists. His work shows that a commitment to protecting nature can have far-reaching global impacts.Founder of the Wildlife Trust of IndiaVivek Menon has made groundbreaking contributions to wildlife conservation in India through the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). Under his leadership, WTI established India’s first wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, providing critical care to injured and displaced animals. Menon has trained over 20,000 forest guards in anti-poaching techniques and wildlife management, strengthening enforcement on the ground. Additionally, he developed sustainable livelihood initiatives, such as ‘rainbow’ products, to reduce local dependency on wildlife exploitation. By raising millions of rupees and building a dedicated team of over 150 professionals, Menon has ensured that WTI’s programs are not only effective but also sustainable. His efforts have transformed the lives of local communities, showing how conservation and human development can progress hand in hand.Global Recognition and Leadership RolesMenon’s expertise has earned him international recognition through key roles with the IUCN, including Chair of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, member of the Governance and Constituency Committee, Steering Committee member of the SSC and the Conservation Translocation Specialist Group, and Councillor of the IUCN. In these capacities, he has helped shape global biodiversity frameworks, contributed to species-specific conservation strategies for rhinos, big cats, waterfowl, and medicinal plants, and played a pivotal role in guiding the outcomes of the World Conservation Congress. His election as Chair of the SSC underscores the rising significance of Asian and Global South perspectives in global conservation decision-making, marking a shift toward a more inclusive and representative approach to protecting wildlife worldwide.Awards and Literary ContributionsMenon is also a celebrated author and communicator, having written or edited ten wildlife books, including the bestselling Indian Mammals: A Field Guide, the first major wildlife reference by an Indian author in independent India. His works, translated into multiple languages, blend scientific accuracy with accessibility, inspiring both professionals and the general public. Over the years, Menon has received numerous international accolades, including the Clark R. Bavin Award (2019) for combating wildlife crime, the Whitley Continuation Award (2018), the Samskara Round Glass Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), the Rufford Award for International Conservation (2001), and the Freedom of the City of London (2024). These honors highlight not only his professional achievements but also the profound human impact of his work—protecting wildlife, empowering communities, and shaping global conservation policy.A Historic Moment for Global ConservationVivek Menon’s election as Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission is a historic milestone for Asia, India, and global wildlife conservation. With decades of experience, unparalleled expertise, and a human-centered approach, Menon is poised to drive transformative strategies that protect species, empower communities, and influence global biodiversity policies. His journey proves that leadership rooted in passion, science, and collaboration can change the course of conservation worldwide.

18 Oct 2025
Star Citizens

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Kaziranga Field Director Sonali Ghosh Becomes First Indian to Win IUCN’s Prestigious Kenton Miller Award

Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has recently been bestowed the WPCA–Kenton Miller Award for Innovation in National Parks and Protected Area Sustainability at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. She is the first Indian to receive this award.Her award isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s recognition of her unique approach: merging modern ecological science with traditional wisdom and encouraging community-led stewardship in some of India’s most sensitive biodiversity zones.Bridging Tradition and Modern ConservationProtected area management in India has long followed colonial-era, top-down models that often excluded local communities. Ghosh challenges that legacy.Under her leadership in Kaziranga and Manas, conservation has been reimagined as a shared mission. She has brought together indigenous knowledge-keepers, forest-dependent communities, and scientists to co-create sustainable solutions. The idea is simple yet powerful—local people are not outsiders but partners in protecting ecosystems.This inclusive vision has already delivered results:Local participation in conservation has strengthened.Biodiversity in key zones has improved.The old “parks versus people” narrative is evolving into one of shared responsibility.Why This Award MattersThe WPCA–Kenton Miller Award is one of the world’s most prestigious honors for leadership in protected area management. Recognizing Ghosh highlights India’s growing influence in global conservation and marks a turning point.Her work signals a paradigm shift, from fortress-style protection to people-inclusive stewardship, and proves that effective conservation can coexist with social equity. Ghosh’s model stands as a blueprint for balancing ecological and human priorities.Challenges and the Road AheadThe journey, however, is not without hurdles.Balancing forest conservation with community livelihoods remains complex. Institutional resistance to change can slow innovation, and growing climate pressures pose new threats to fragile habitats.Yet, Ghosh’s approach opens exciting possibilities. Her community-driven model can be adapted across India’s parks and reserves, bridging traditional knowledge with modern science. With global recognition now spotlighting Assam, her work could attract stronger partnerships, funding, and international collaboration.Assam’s Global MomentSonali Ghosh’s achievement transcends borders. In a world where biodiversity is under siege, her success offers hope, proving that conservation can be inclusive, just, and deeply rooted in cultural and ecological wisdom.For Assam, it’s a moment of pride and purpose. It celebrates not just a leader but a mindset—one that believes the future of conservation lies in unity between people and the planet.

12 Oct 2025
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India’s Biodiversity Milestone: Nation to Launch First Red List of Endangered Species at IUCN Congress

In a significant stride for conservation, India is set to unveil its first-ever Red List of Endangered Species at the upcoming International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from October 9 to 15, 2025. The announcement was made by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and External Affairs, who will represent India at the prestigious event.  This moment marks a major milestone in India’s environmental journey—a step toward documenting and safeguarding the country’s rich but threatened natural heritage.What is the IUCN World Conservation Congress?The IUCN World Conservation Congress, held once every four years, is the world’s largest gathering dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. It brings together governments, scientists, NGOs, Indigenous groups, and private sector leaders to make critical decisions on how humanity interacts with the planet. According to the IUCN, the World Conservation Congress serves as both a global decision-making forum and a marketplace of ideas, bringing together scientists, policymakers, businesses, and communities to share cutting-edge research, innovation, and practical solutions for the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. The 2025 edition in Abu Dhabi will center around five critical themes: Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action, Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks, Delivering on Equity, Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies, and Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation. India’s Journey with IUCNIndia’s association with the IUCN is not new. The country became a State Member in 1969 through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Over the years, India has consistently contributed to global conservation dialogues, emphasizing the balance between development and environmental protection. The IUCN recognizes India as a megadiverse country. Though it occupies just 2.4% of the world’s land area, it hosts 7–8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species. From the snow-covered Himalayas to the coral reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India’s ecosystems are incredibly varied and vital to global biodiversity.The Red List: What It Means for IndiaThe Red List of Endangered Species is a globally recognized tool for assessing the extinction risk of species. By launching its own national Red List, India aims to create a comprehensive database of its vulnerable and threatened flora and fauna. This list will help policymakers, conservationists, and local communities identify priority species and habitats that need protection. It will also help India align its efforts with global conservation standards and contribute to the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In simpler terms, the list will act as a mirror reflecting the health of India’s ecosystems, showing where immediate attention is required, whether it’s the Bengal tiger in the Sundarbans, the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan, or coral reefs off the Lakshadweep coast.Protecting Nature, Protecting LivesConservation is not just about saving animals and plants; it’s about saving ourselves. Millions of Indians depend directly on forests, rivers, and wildlife for their livelihoods. From tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh collecting forest produce to fishermen in Kerala depending on clean coastal waters, biodiversity sustains life and culture. The loss of a species often signals deeper ecological distress that can affect food security, water availability, and human health. In this sense, the unveiling of India’s Red List is also a human story about communities, resilience, and coexistence.Global Context and the Road AheadThe last IUCN Congress, held in Marseille, France, in 2021, brought together over 9,200 participants and 25,000 online visitors. It addressed the post-Covid recovery, biodiversity crisis, and climate emergency, culminating in the Marseille Manifesto, a call to action for governments and citizens worldwide. The upcoming Abu Dhabi Congress is expected to build on that momentum, setting the tone for the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). For India, the event provides a powerful platform to showcase its conservation achievements, from Project Tiger and Project Elephant to community-based forest management, while pledging renewed efforts to protect what’s left. India’s first Red List of Endangered Species is not just a catalog; it’s a commitment. It reflects the country’s resolve to preserve biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and promote harmony between people and nature. As the world gathers in Abu Dhabi this October, all eyes will be on India, not only as a megadiverse nation but also as a megacustodian of hope for our planet’s shared future.

8 Oct 2025
Good News

India’s Palk Bay Dugong Reserve Wins Global Spotlight at IUCN

India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay has achieved global recognition after the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) formally adopted a motion praising the initiative. The motion, proposed by the Omcar Foundation, was approved at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, receiving overwhelming support: 98% of governments and 94.8% of NGOs, research institutions, and conservation organizations voted in favor. This endorsement underscores India’s growing role in global marine biodiversity protection and sets a benchmark for dugong conservation worldwide.Dugongs: The Gentle Sea Cows of India’s Coastal WatersDugongs, often called “sea cows,” are large, gentle marine mammals closely related to manatees. With their rounded bodies, fluked tails, and paddle-like flippers, they glide gracefully through shallow coastal waters, feeding almost exclusively on seagrass. Found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, dugongs play a crucial ecological role by maintaining healthy seagrass beds, which support other marine life. Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, dugongs face threats from habitat loss, boat strikes, and fishing activities. In India, the Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve provides a safe haven for these rare creatures, highlighting the importance of protecting marine biodiversity while promoting sustainable community-led conservation efforts.About the Dugong Conservation ReserveEstablished on September 21, 2022, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by the Tamil Nadu government, the Dugong Conservation Reserve spans 448.34 sq. km. in northern Palk Bay, covering parts of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts. The reserve encompasses over 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows, which are the primary feeding grounds for dugongs (Dugong dugon), a marine species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Beyond dugongs, these seagrass beds sustain a variety of marine life, making the area ecologically invaluable. The creation of this reserve was a strategic step towards preserving fragile marine ecosystems, particularly in regions facing pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. For local communities, the reserve offers a sustainable framework to balance livelihood practices with environmental conservation.Innovative Conservation TechniquesOne of the key reasons the Palk Bay reserve received international recognition is its innovative approach to seagrass restoration. Using bamboo and coconut rope frames, local authorities and conservation partners have been able to rehabilitate damaged seagrass meadows, ensuring that dugongs and other marine species have a healthy habitat to thrive. This initiative integrates scientific methods with community participation, involving fishermen, local volunteers, and NGOs in monitoring and restoration efforts. By combining ecological expertise with traditional knowledge, the project has created a replicable model for other dugong habitats across South Asia and beyond.IUCN’s Global EndorsementThe resolution adopted at the IUCN Congress also highlighted the threats faced by dugongs and their habitats. Destructive fishing practices, coastal development, and climate change are putting populations at risk. By adopting this motion, IUCN members encouraged global collaboration with India, local organizations, and the Tamil Nadu government to enhance monitoring, build sustainable fisheries, and share knowledge with international dugong conservation programs. This recognition positions India as a leader in marine biodiversity conservation and sets an example for other countries in the Indian Ocean region to implement similar community-led models. Looking ahead, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated plans to establish the International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora in Thanjavur.The center will play a crucial role in creating a new generation of marine conservationists, bridging science and practice, and promoting awareness about the importance of protecting vulnerable marine species.Significance for India and the WorldThe recognition of Palk Bay’s Dugong Conservation Reserve is not just a local or national achievement; it is a milestone in global conservation. Dugongs, often called “sea cows,” are indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. Protecting them ensures the survival of numerous other marine species and the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on the sea. For India, the reserve demonstrates how science, policy, and community engagement can come together to achieve meaningful results. Globally, it serves as an example of how countries can address conservation challenges while balancing human development and environmental stewardship. As restoration efforts continue and the International Dugong Conservation Centre takes shape, the story of Palk Bay serves as a powerful reminder that preserving nature is not just about protecting animals—it is about creating harmony between people and the planet.

28 Sep 2025
Good News

Know Which Indian City Won the World Green City Award 2022

It is a matter of great pride for India that Hyderabad bagged the World City Green Award this year at the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) forum, beating cities like Paris, Bogota, Mexico City, Montreal, and Fortaleza in Brazil. The city also earned the "Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth" award at the International Association of Horticulture Producers conference (AIPH 2022) in Jeju, South Korea.  Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, stated that Hyderabad is a world leader in nature-oriented approaches to city design, form, and function. He added that the innovation, ambition, and inspiring action demonstrated in the city’s entry leaves a powerful legacy for other cities from around the world to aspire to. Other cities that won AIPH honors in various categories are listed below: Living Green for Biodiversity: Reverdecer Bogotá, Bogota D.C, Colombia Living Green for Climate Change: Mexico City’s Environmental and Climate Change Program, Mexico City, Mexico Living Green for Health and Wellbeing: Transforming degraded land into Urban Micro Parks, City of Fortaleza, Brazil Living Green for Water: The Phytotechnology Stations at the Montréal Botanical Garden / Space for Life, City of Montreal, Canada Living Green for Social Cohesion: OASIS Schoolyard Project, City of Paris, France Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth: Green Garland to the State of Telangana, City of Hyderabad Expressing his happiness over the city bagging this prestigious award, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that these international awards are proof that the state government is strongly implementing the Haritaharam and urban development programs thus giving green fruits to the country.  

3 Nov 2022
Good News

Positive Reads

World Nature Conservation Day: Uniting for a Thriving Planet!

On July 28th, the world comes together to observe World Nature Conservation Day, a vital annual event that serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet's precious resources and ensure a sustainable and thriving society. With growing concerns about the state of the environment, this day holds significant importance in highlighting the critical role each individual plays in safeguarding Mother Earth. The primary objective of World Nature Conservation Day is to safeguard endangered plants and animals, striving to reverse the alarming trend of extinction they face.  Another significant objective is to emphasize the preservation of the entire ecosystem, including flora, fauna, energy resources, soil, water, and air – the interconnected web that sustains life on Earth. This day also makes us aware of the responsibility we bear in preserving the environment for future generations. The choices we make today will determine the kind of world our children and grandchildren inherit. World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that we are entrusted with the duty of leaving behind a healthy planet for the generations to come, a planet they can cherish and thrive in. Over the past century, human activities have undeniably taken a toll on our natural environment. The relentless pursuit of rapid industrialization and the clearing of forests to accommodate an ever-growing population have contributed to climate change and other environmental crises. While awareness about conservation has increased, meaningful action is still required to witness tangible results. Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. From examining the impact of human activities on nature to promoting environmental impact assessments, the IUCN has been at the forefront of conservation efforts.  As we commemorate World Nature Conservation Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving our planet's natural splendor. Let it serve as a rallying call for action, motivating us to make conscious choices that prioritize sustainability and protect the delicate balance of nature.

28 Jul 2023
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