ECO-WARRIOR AWARDS

The Eco-Warrior Awards were instituted to recognize and honor exceptional contributions in environmental conservation—especially by officers of the Indian Forest Service who work on the frontline of protecting India’s forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Objectives

• Acknowledging outstanding efforts in forest and wildlife conservation, protection, and sustainable practices.
• Celebrating innovation and leadership, including the use of technology and community-engagement approaches in environmental stewardship.
• Providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among conservationists, government officials, civil society, and other stakeholders for strategic environmental action.
• Inspiring collective environmental responsibility, thereby bringing visibility to silent champions whose work preserves India’s ecological heritage.

Third Eco-Warrior Award 2025 (3rd Edition)

The Third Eco-Warrior Awards ceremony was held on September 11, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, organized by Indian Masterminds in collaboration with the Indian Forest Service Association. The event coincided with National Forest Martyrs’ Day, acknowledging the forest protectors’ sacrifices.

It honored Indian Forest Service officers and initiatives that demonstrated excellence in environmental conservation across multiple categories.

Awards were given in categories such as:

• Forest Conservation
• Wildlife Conservation
• Wildlife Protection
• Best Use of Technology
• Community Engagement
• Innovative Initiatives
• Lifetime Achievement.
• Special recognitions included awards to IFS officers for wildlife and forest protection and innovative projects such as Project Cheetah and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.

A conclave featuring expert panels on topics like Eco-Tourism for the Future and Awakening Collective Environmental Consciousness enhanced discussions on sustainability and community roles.

Panel Sessions:

The event featured two major panel discussions as part of the Eco-Warrior Conclave:

Eco-Tourism for the Future

Panel Leader: Mr. Vidya Bhushan Kumar — focused on how responsible tourism can protect natural habitats and benefit local communities.

Awakening Environmental Consciousness

Panel Leader: Dr. Satendra Kumar Singh — centered on translating environmental awareness into collective action.

Key Speakers & Dignitaries

Distinguished participants and conclave contributors at the event:

The event also incorporated cultural and awareness elements such as wildlife photography exhibitions, reflecting the artistic dimension of conservation.

Main Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dr. H.S. Singh, Former PCCF, Gujarat – Lifetime Achievement Award (2025)

Category-Wise Eco-Warrior Awards

• Wildlife Conservation Award - Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director, Kaziranga National Park

• Wildlife Protection Award - Mr. Parveen Kaswan, IFS, DFO, Jaldapara
• Forest Protection Award - Mr. Irfan Rasool Wani, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir

• Community Connect Award -Ms. K.M. Abharna, IFS, CASFOS
• Best Use of Technology Award Dr. S.K. Srivastava, IFS, Gujarat

 Innovative Initiatives Recognized

• Project Cheetah – Award accepted by Mr. Uttam Kumar Sharma, Kuno National Park (for cheetah conservation and community engagement)
• Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – Award accepted by Mr. Sunil Chaudhary, PCCF, Uttar Pradesh (initiative focused on tree plantation/community involvement)

Special Mentions & Recognitions

• Corporate Contributors Honored: GAIL, Indian Oil, Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Ltd., among others, recognized for support toward sustainability efforts.
• Mr. Mohd Aslam Warisi – honoured for outstanding wildlife photography and documentary work adding artistic visibility to environmental conservation.

 

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