The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category
by Sanctuary Nature Foundation
National Conservation Recognition
Annual national recognition for young naturalists and wildlife conservationists, instituted by Sanctuary Nature Foundation in 2000.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Annual award cycle
Eligibility
Open to young naturalists and wildlife conservationists across India aged 16 to 25 on August 31 of the award year. Nominations must be proposed and seconded by people familiar with the candidate's conservation work.
- Age range
- 16 to 25 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- There are no specific academic requirements.
- Prerequisites
- Demonstrated work in wildlife conservation, field study, nature education, or community campaigning
- Nomination by individuals or organisations familiar with the candidate's work
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Sanctuary Young Naturalist Award
Formal felicitation at the annual Sanctuary Wildlife Awards ceremony with a citation describing the awardee's contribution to Indian wildlife conservation.
Career pathways
Visibility within India's wildlife conservation community, access to senior ecologists, photographers, and field biologists associated with Sanctuary.
Recognition
Featured in Sanctuary Asia magazine
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1Identify a candidate aged 16 to 25 with substantive conservation work
- 2A proposer and a seconder familiar with the candidate prepare the nomination confidentially
- 3Submit a 250-word biographical note and a 500-word citation of achievements
- 4Jury review by the Sanctuary editorial team and external conservation experts
- 5Selected awardees announced and felicitated at the annual Sanctuary Wildlife Awards ceremony in Mumbai
About this opportunity
The Sanctuary Wildlife Service Awards are among India's most prestigious annual honours in wildlife conservation, instituted by Bittu Sahgal in 2000 and now organised by the Sanctuary Nature Foundation. Each year the awards celebrate Earth Heroes whose work has shaped the country's conservation movement, with the ceremony traditionally held in Mumbai in December.
The Young Naturalist category honours individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 for whom the study and defence of nature is the central purpose of life. The award seeks young conservationists whose actions speak louder than words, whose fieldwork, scientific study, education outreach, or community campaigning has already shown measurable impact, and whose journey inspires hope for the future of India's forests, wetlands, oceans, and wildlife.
Nominations are confidential and must be proposed and seconded by individuals or organisations familiar with the candidate's work. Each nomination is accompanied by a biographical note of around 250 words and a detailed citation of around 500 words describing the achievements that qualify the nominee. Entries are reviewed by a jury that has included Sanctuary Asia founder Bittu Sahgal, executive editor Lakshmy Raman, wildlife photographer Steve Winter, Wildlife Conservation Trust chief Anish Andheria, and field biologist Nayan Khanolkar.
Rounds and format
Single round.
How entries are judged
Depth and originality of conservation work, demonstrated field impact, scientific or educational rigour, and long-term commitment to nature.
Selection process
Confidential review of nomination dossiers by the jury; final awardees chosen on the basis of sustained, high-impact conservation contribution.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility criteria for the Young Naturalist Award?
The Young Naturalist category is open to individuals aged 16 to 25 years on August 31 of the award year. Eligible candidates demonstrate measurable impact through their conservation work, field study, nature education, or community campaigning within India.
How should nominations be prepared and submitted?
Nominations are confidential and require a proposer and a seconder familiar with the candidate's work. The submission includes a 250-word biographical note and a 500-word citation detailing the nominee's qualifying achievements. Submissions are made via the official awards page.
What benefits do awardees receive?
Awardees are felicitated at the annual Sanctuary Wildlife Awards ceremony in Mumbai, gain profile coverage in Sanctuary Asia magazine, and access a national network of conservationists. The award is a recognition honor, celebrating significant contributions to conservation.
Who comprises the jury for these awards?
The jury typically includes distinguished figures such as Sanctuary Asia founder Bittu Sahgal, executive editor Lakshmy Raman, renowned wildlife photographer Steve Winter, Wildlife Conservation Trust chief Anish Andheria, and field biologist Nayan Khanolkar, ensuring a comprehensive and expert review.
What kind of conservation work is recognized?
The awards recognize a broad spectrum of conservation efforts, including but not limited to, fieldwork, scientific study, educational outreach, community engagement, and advocacy that demonstrates a measurable positive impact on India's wildlife and natural habitats.
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