The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...
- WWF Global
- Adria
- Argentina
- Armenia
- AsiaPacific
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Borneo
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Caucasus
- Central African Republic
- Central America
- Central Asia
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- European Policy Office
- Finland
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
-
Conservation of Biodiversity (Forests, Wildlife, Freshwater, Agrobiodiversity)
-
Addressing Climate Change
-
Sustainable Development (Eco-Tourism, Green Infrastructure, Livelihoods, Renewable Energy)
-
Environmental Education and Youth Leadership
-
Environmental Crime & Pollution Control
-
Media and Journalism in Environment Conservation
Mr. Suman Sapkota
Mr. Suman Sapkota is a distinguished conservationist and wildlife researcher specializing in Nepal’s most threatened and least-studied species, particularly amphibians. He pioneered Nepal’s first research on amphibian dietary ecology and has contributed to the conservation of species including the Clouded Leopard, Dhole, Pangolin, Asiatic Black Bear, and bats. Deeply committed to education and mentorship, he has trained over 250 students and raised awareness among more than 700 people on amphibian conservation. Recognized globally as a Future Leader for Amphibian Conservation (2024) by the Amphibian Survival Alliance, his work continues to advance research and inspire Nepal’s next generation of conservation leaders.
Ms. Manju Mahatara
Ms. Manju Mahatara is a dedicated nature guide and conservation advocate working near Bardiya National Park, where she promotes environmental awareness, responsible eco-tourism, and human–wildlife coexistence. Through awareness sessions for children on “Living with Leopard,” she has inspired conservation values and practical knowledge for safe coexistence with wildlife. As a former chairperson and active member of the Community-Based Anti-Poaching Unit, Bardiya Hattisar Unit, she has played a vital role in grassroots anti-poaching and conservation efforts. Widely recognized for her contributions, Ms. Mahatara is a respected local role model and a powerful example of women’s leadership in conservation.
Late Om Prakash Mahato
Late Om Prakash Mahato is honored posthumously as a symbol of courage and environmental justice in Nepal. A young environmental advocate from Dhanusha, he stood firmly against illegal riverbed mining, a highly destructive environmental crime, that threatened local ecosystems and community livelihoods. Despite repeated threats, he directly confronted illegal sand extraction from the Aurahi River to protect nature for future generations. On 10 January 2020, he was brutally murdered while defending the environment. His sacrifice sparked nationwide outrage and remains a landmark case of environmental justice, representing the moral courage of ordinary citizens who rise to defend nature at the highest personal cost. His legacy reminds us that meaningful conservation is inseparable from justice, accountability, and the protection of those who stand at the frontline to defend the environment.
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.