IFS Officer Becomes First Indian to Win UNESCO's Prestigious Biosphere Reserve Honor
Bakan Jagdish Sudhakar, the wildlife warden of Ramanathapuram and director of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian to be chosen for the esteemed Michel Batisse Award by UNESCO. This accolade recognizes his exceptional efforts in the management of biosphere reserves. Jagdish Sudhakar, an officer of the Indian Forest Service, will be presented with the $12,000 award and will also have the opportunity to deliver a lecture on his noteworthy case studies at a grand event scheduled to take place in Paris on June 14. The Michel Batisse Award, established in 2004 by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, is bestowed once every two years in memory of Dr. Michel Batisse. It honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in biosphere reserve management. Out of the 16 eligible candidates nominated this year, Bakan Jagdish's case study titled "Development of Sustainable Livelihood and Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation and Environment Protection" caught the attention of the advisory committee members, leading to his selection for the 2023 award. Jagdish Sudhakar spoke enthusiastically about the various initiatives undertaken at the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, including the creation of plastic-free zones, mangrove forest management, community development, and species protection. With the Ministry of Environment and Forests' approval, his case studies were submitted to UNESCO's MAB Programme, ultimately leading to this prestigious recognition. Expressing his gratitude, Jagdish Sudhakar mentioned how honored and proud he feels to be the first Indian recipient of such a renowned award. This recognition serves as a motivation for him to intensify his efforts and bring about the much-needed positive change in his field. With Sudhakar's remarkable achievements, India's conservation efforts receive global acclaim, inspiring others to join in the vital task of preserving our planet's biodiversity.
