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WWF NEPAL CONSERVATION AWARD

Introduced as the Abraham Conservation Awards by Ms. Nancy Abraham in 1995—an environmentalist struck by the dedication and passion for conservation displayed by a national park staff—the awards sought to recognize exemplary individuals and organizations working in the field of conservation.
 
The award is now recognized as the WWF Nepal Conservation Awards, which seeks to continue this legacy by honoring grassroot conservationists that have made a significant contribution to protect Nepal’s rich biodiversity.
 
The awards cover a range of themes in conservation and natural resource management and aims to motivate and inspire frontline conservationists.
 
192 individuals and institutions have been recognized since the inception of the awards.

 

NOMINATION CATEGORIES

  1. Conservation of Biodiversity (Forests, Wildlife, Freshwater, Agrobiodiversity)

  2. Addressing Climate Change 

  3. Sustainable Development (Eco-Tourism, Green Infrastructure, Livelihoods, Renewable Energy)

  4. Environmental Education and Youth Leadership 

  5. Environmental Crime & Pollution Control 

  6. Media and Journalism in Environment Conservation
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
WWF NEPAL CONSERVATION AWARD 2026

WWF, the global conservation organization leading international efforts for a living planet, instituted the WWF Nepal - Conservation Award in 1995 to recognize and honor individuals and organizations at the grassroots level that have made significant contributions to protect Nepal's rich biodiversity. WWF Nepal welcomes nominations for WWF Nepal - Conservation Award 2026 from Nepali individuals and/or organizations registered in Nepal and are working in the field of conservation and natural resource management.

The nominations will need to reflect illustrious accomplishments and innovations in the areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainable development, environmental education and youth leadership, environmental crime & pollution control, and media and journalism in environment conservation. The final recipients of the Conservation Award will be selected from the nominations received by an independent selection panel that comprises of an eminent group of experts from diverse sectors. The awardees will receive citations and cash prizes – Rs. 50,000 for individuals and Rs. 100,000 for organizations.

Nominations for “WWF Nepal - Conservation Award 2026” should be submitted via the following link: https://forms.gle/h3DgjJMLxJqNUyTN7 by 30th March 2026.

For queries, please email at conservationawards@wwfnepal.org

WWF Nepal Conservation Award 2026 Nomination Form
MEET OUR AWARDEES - 2025

Mr. Arjun Kumar Karki

Arjun Kumar Karki, a conservationist, has been contributing to elephant conservation, reducing human-elephant conflicts, and promoting human-elephant coexistence for the past three decades. He has been connecting elephants with rural tourism to enhance the livelihoods and income generation of the community. He has formed and operated the Rapid Response Team (RRT) for human-elephant coexistence in Bahundangi. Mr. Karki has played an active role in the establishment of elephant-friendly community structures and initiated insurance in elephant affected areas in Bahundangi. He also established the Indo-Nepal Community Level Elephant Protection Coordination Group for coordination and collaboration in elephant conservation. Bahundangi, which is highly affected by elephants, has become a model for human-elephant coexistence, through his continuous efforts.

​Ms. Doma Paudel

Doma Paudel, the first female nature guide in Nepal, has dedicated her life to nature conservation and awareness. She has volunteered in numerous Anti-Poaching Youth Awareness programs over the years and worked with various conservation organizations, including the Nature Guide Association, Bird Education Society, and the Wildlife Victim Fund. She has conducted various awareness programs on nature, wildlife, and climate change and provided training on animal behavior, safety, and accident prevention to school children and communities. Her dedication and contributions to the field of conservation and animal welfare have been recognized with numerous local and national awards. Ms. Paudel also started an eco-tourist office, Nepal Dynamic Eco Tours, that does not offer animal activities like elephant rides and baths, and has been titled the best tour office in Chitwan by Tripadvisor.

Mr. Gobinda Bahadur Singh

Gobinda Bahadur Singh, a conservationist, has been contributing to habitat conservation and animal welfare through various community-based interventions and significant publications. He has been actively working on the rescue of many animals and more than 80 different birds. He has been participating in outreach and awareness programs across various educational institutions, spreading key conservation knowledge and inspiring the next generation. Mr. Singh has collected 322 iron snares, 800 plastic traps laid out for birds and 700 catapults, significantly reducing threats to wildlife. He has also distributed 8000 plants for planting, contributing to environmental restoration and sustainability. His relentless passion for wildlife conservation has not only saved countless lives but also instilled a sense of responsibility and awareness in the communities.
 

 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Organizations or individuals may nominate one or more organizations or individuals working in the mentioned fields for the award.   Individuals/organizations may also nominate themselves.    Each nomination form must name two individuals as references. Referees must not be related to the nominee and should have worked with the nominee in a professional capacity. 


All nominees must be based in Nepal. External nominees do not qualify for awards.

Mandatory Submission Requirements

- The nomination form must be fully completed.

- Individuals/organizations may also nominate themselves or others.

- For individual nominees, upload a passport-size photo and updated Curriculum Vitae of the nominee  along with relevant supporting documents. 

- For organization nominees, upload the official logo and an organizational profile along with relevant supporting documents

  • ​All completed applications that meet the eligibility criteria are shortlisted and provided for review to an independent panel.
 
  • The independent selection panel for the award represents experts from diverse professional fields ranging across multiple sectors, including government, civil society, media, youth, etc. 
 
  • The panel judges the application based on predetermined criteria set by the judges such as, relevant experience, proof of activity, quality of recommendation, etc. 

  • The WWF Nepal Conservation Awards open for nominations between December - February every year. 

 

  • Up to three awards are provided annually. The independent panel may also choose to present an honorary conservation award to exceptional candidates.

 

  • Each recipient is awarded with a citation and a cash prize–NRs 50,000 for individuals and NRs 100,000 for organizations. Honorary awards receive a citation.

 

  • The results of the WWF Nepal Conservation Award are announced on 19th of May every year, coinciding with WWF Nepal's Anniversary.