A Proud Moment: Indian Women Shine on the Global Stage
In a significant global recognition for grassroots environmental action, two Indian conservationists—Parveen Shaikh and Barkha Subba—have won the prestigious Whitley Awards, often dubbed the “Green Oscars.” Their work highlights a powerful shift in conservation thinking: from centralized, top-down approaches to community-led stewardship of ecosystems. At a time when biodiversity loss and climate pressures are intensifying, their achievements offer both inspiration and a roadmap for sustainable conservation.
Parveen Shaikh: Protecting the Indian Skimmer
Parveen Shaikh, associated with the Bombay Natural History Society, was recognized for her project “Guardians of the Skimmer,” aimed at saving the endangered Indian skimmer. This distinctive bird, known for its bright orange bill and unique feeding style, now survives in alarmingly low numbers—around 3,000 globally, with over 90% found in India.
Shaikh’s work addresses multiple threats to the bird’s survival, including illegal sand mining, disruption of nesting sandbars, and unregulated river traffic. What sets her approach apart is its emphasis on community participation. Local fishermen, boatmen, and villagers are actively involved in protecting nesting sites and adapting their practices to reduce ecological damage.
With the Whitley Award funding, Shaikh plans to expand her efforts to the busy Ganga–Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj, where human activity poses even greater challenges. Her work demonstrates that conservation and livelihoods need not be in conflict—they can coexist through thoughtful collaboration.
Barkha Subba: Saving the Himalayan Salamander
Barkha Subba’s award-winning work focuses on the rare Himalayan salamander and its fragile wetland habitats in the Darjeeling Himalaya. Working through the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection, Subba has led the first major grassroots initiative to protect this elusive species.
The salamander depends on pristine, high-altitude wetlands that are rapidly disappearing due to tourism expansion, land-use changes, and invasive species. Subba’s strategy combines habitat restoration with scientific monitoring, including screening for chytrid fungus—a deadly disease affecting amphibians worldwide.
Crucially, her work involves local communities, tea estate managers, and schools, creating a network of stakeholders invested in conservation. By integrating eco-friendly tourism and sustainable land practices, she is building a model that balances environmental protection with economic needs.
A Broader Shift: Community at the Core of Conservation
The success of Shaikh and Subba reflects a larger transformation in conservation philosophy. Instead of isolating ecosystems from human activity, their work embraces the idea that local communities are essential partners in protecting biodiversity.
This approach is particularly relevant in a densely populated and ecologically diverse country like India, where traditional conservation methods often face practical limitations. By empowering communities, these projects ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
Redefining Conservation for the Future
The recognition of Parveen Shaikh and Barkha Subba at the Whitley Awards is more than a personal achievement—it is a testament to the evolving nature of conservation. Their work proves that meaningful environmental protection is not just about saving species, but about rebuilding ecosystems with people at the center.
As climate challenges grow more complex, such models offer a hopeful path forward. By blending science, community engagement, and sustainable practices, these two women are not only preserving biodiversity but also redefining how the world approaches conservation.
(With agency inputs)
