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.
Over 180 individuals and institutions have been recognized since the inception of the awards.
NOMINATION CATEGORIES
- Conservation of Biodiversity (Forests, Wildlife, Freshwater)
- Addressing Climate Change & Environmental Pollution
- Sustainable Development (Eco-Tourism, Green Infrastructure, etc.)
- Environmental Education (Youth Engagement, etc.)
- Policy & Advocacy
- Media and Journalism
- Participatory Conservation (focusing on indigenous people and local communities)

Mr. Basant Pratap Singh
Mr. Basant Pratap Singh is a journalist based in Bajhang with 16 years of experience in journalism. He reports on issues around environment, climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, aquatic conservation, social affairs, good governance etc. His continued reporting has led to many policy and programmatic changes in environmental protection.

Mr. Purmal Basnet
Mr. Purmal Basnet is a Gene Conservationist Farmer and the founder/chairperson of Om Shivashakti Mauri Palan Udhyog. Mr. Basnet works to promote beekeeping and is also a facilitator, educator and campaigner for conservation. He has conducted more than 500 awareness events and campaigns in various districts.

Nepal Knotcraft Centre

Thanking Our Esteemed Panel
- Prof. Dr. Bir Bahadur Khanal Chhetri , Dean, Institute of Forestry
- Dr. Lok Ranjan Bhatta, Coordinator, Biological Resources Unit, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
- Ms. Monika Bhattarai (Adhikari), Vice-Chairperson, Social Welfare Council
- Dr. Rajendra KC, Director General, Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC)
An individual or organization must be nominated by a third-party. Please note that a third-party nomination is mandatory, and any self-nominations will be automatically disqualified.
The third-party may nominate more than one individual or organization.
All nominees must be based in Nepal. External nominees do not qualify for awards.
All applications must be accompanied by the following:
- A completed nomination form, including details for two referees. (Nominators should not be listed as referees)
- An official/attested letter of nomination by the nominator
- An updated curriculum vitae of the nominee in the individual category, or an updated company profile in the organizational category
- A digital passport size photo
- Any 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—two in the individual category and one in the organizational category. 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 Awards are announced on 19th of May every year, coinciding with WWF Nepal's Anniversary.
The WWF Nepal Conservation Awards are open for nominations between January - February every year.