WINNER
SAGG Eco Village - Ganderbal, Kashmir
SAGG Eco Village is Kashmir’s first regenerative homestay, blending ecology, culture, and community values. With traditional architecture, renewable energy, and zero-waste practices, it promotes regenerative farming and local empowerment. Guests experience Kashmiri hospitality while supporting land restoration and rural livelihoods.
RUNNER UP
Kurambik Eco Homestay - Village Kurambik, Leh
Located in Ladakh’s remote Domkhar Valley, Kurambik Eco Homestay offers an authentic window into high-altitude life. Surrounded by snow leopard habitat, it preserves traditional architecture and fosters harmony between people and wildlife, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted ethos of coexistence.
WINNER
Erwin Agnel D’Rose
Based in Satpura, photographer and naturalist Erwin Drose brings deep field knowledge and engaging storytelling to his guiding. His warmth, experience, and passion for India’s forests create memorable journeys for guests, inspiring deeper appreciation for wildlife and wilderness.
RUNNER UP
Akshita Jain
Akshita Jain is a conservation photographer whose work highlights the relationship between wildlife and local communities. Through assignments across India and platforms like her TEDx talk, she uses visual storytelling to spark awareness and encourage thoughtful, coexistence-focused conservation.
Wildlife Conservation Documentary Award 2025
WINNERS: Roar Of The Tiger By Tushar Bhojwani & A Harmless Snake Trapped In Illegal Trade And Superstitions By Shatabdi Chakrabarti

Roar Of The Tiger By Tushar Bhojwani
This film explores India’s progress in tiger conservation while examining the complexities of human–wildlife coexistence. Through balanced storytelling and empathetic perspectives, it highlights the challenges faced by both people and tigers, inviting audiences to consider the delicate balance of shared landscapes.

A Harmless Snake Trapped In Illegal Trade And Superstitions By Shatabdi Chakrabarti
This investigative film uncovers the illegal trade and widespread myths surrounding the red sand boa. Through insights from researchers and rescuers, it sheds light on exploitation driven by superstition and calls for awareness, empathy, and stronger protection for misunderstood species.
WINNER
Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha - Village Noam Panang, (District Mangan), Sikkim
From Dzongu, Sikkim, Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha has documented over 500 butterfly species. Through habitat restoration, community tourism, and youth education, he promotes biodiversity awareness rooted in local culture, inspiring young people to engage with conservation.
RUNNER UP

The Brahmaputra Drift
The Brahmaputra Drift is a pioneering packrafting expedition offering a fresh, water-based view of the river basin. Blending adventure with ecology and culture, it encourages low-impact exploration while showcasing the region’s biodiversity, landscapes, and riverine communities in an innovative way.
WINNER

Godwar Raika Camel Breeders (Camel Charisma) - Rajasthan
The Godwar Raika Camel Breeders safeguard their ancestral camel herds while practising nature-aligned pastoralism. Grazing near Kumbhalgarh, they sustain livelihoods through ethical camel milk and organic manure, share traditional wisdom with visitors through unique cultural experiences, and help maintain harmonious coexistence between livestock, landscapes, and wildlife.
RUNNER UP

ChigDil: Rumbak Homestays
ChigDil is a community-run homestay network uniting nine families in Rumbak village within Hemis National Park. Rooted in snow leopard conservation and Ladakhi culture, it offers authentic hospitality while ensuring tourism directly benefits the local community and supports habitat stewardship.
WINNER

Rajesh Kumar Patel
A committed Forest Guard in Satpura, Rajesh Kumar Patel contributes to wildlife protection, community outreach, and environmental education. His work—from anti-poaching support to awareness programs—reflects dedication to safeguarding forests and fostering positive relationships between people and wildlife.
RUNNER UP

Dr. Akhilesh Mishra
As Senior Wildlife Veterinarian at Pench, Dr. Akhilesh Mishra has spent over two decades supporting rescue efforts, species management, and conflict response. His leadership in conservation medicine underscores a career devoted to protecting wildlife and strengthening conservation outcomes.
Climate Guardian Award 2025
WINNER: ISN - Indian School of Nature
The Indian School of Nature blends tourism, conservation, and climate action using measurable, data-led approaches. Its Carbon Balance Sheet tool enables lodges and operators to assess emissions and design climate-positive experiences, encouraging transparency and responsible practices across diverse landscapes.
WINNER

Doma Paudel
Nepal’s first female nature guide, Doma Paudel has championed wildlife protection and community empowerment for decades. As Chair of the Wildlife Victim Fund, she advocates coexistence and women’s leadership, inspiring conservation efforts across Nepal through resilience and dedication.
RUNNER UP

Manoj Gogoi
A dedicated conservationist from Kaziranga, Manoj Gogoi is known for his hands-on wildlife rescues and deep bond with nature. Working closely with local communities, he helps protect birds, snakes, and other animals, inspiring youth and strengthening grassroots conservation across the landscape.
RUNNER UP

Muzammil Hussain
Founder of the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust, Muzammil Hussain leads community-based efforts to protect this rare species. Through education, eco-tourism, and youth engagement, he promotes coexistence and awareness in Kargil, helping bring attention to high-altitude conservation.
The Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Award for Wildlife Guide of the Year 2025
(East Zone | Central Zone | North Zone | West Zone )
WINNERS: Bitupan Kalita (East), Reeshna Pardhi (Central), Harish Sharma (North), Shahanaz Suleman Baig (West)

Bitupan Kalita (East)
With over 14 years in Kaziranga, guide and naturalist Bitupan Kalita is known for his professionalism and deep ecological understanding. He interprets the park’s biodiversity for visitors while promoting responsible tourism and supporting conservation outreach across the landscape.

Reeshna Pardhi (Central)
A nature guide at Panna, Reeshna Pardhi represents community transformation and women’s empowerment. Once linked to a hunting tradition, she now promotes conservation through skilled guiding and storytelling, inspiring Pardhi youth and fostering a more inclusive conservation landscape.

Shahanaz Suleman Baig (West)
Maharashtra’s first woman guide, Shahanaz Suleman Baig broke deep-rooted gender barriers in Tadoba. Through her guiding, community work, and awareness-building, she encourages more women to join the profession and champions inclusive, community-centered conservation.

Harish Sharma (North)
One of Bharatpur’s most experienced guides, Harish Sharma combines decades of field knowledge with warm, insightful interpretation. A mentor and rescuer, he has helped shape responsible birding while inspiring generations of young guides in the region.
International Wildlife Tour Operator of the Year 2025
WINNER: Holidays in Rural India
Promotes slow, immersive travel across lesser-known landscapes. By encouraging longer stays, reducing safari pressure, and partnering with local communities, it fosters mindful tourism that supports rural livelihoods while deepening visitors’ connection to nature and culture.
Wildlife Promotion Company of the Year 2025
WINNER: Abercrombie and Kent India Pvt. Ltd.
Abercrombie & Kent’s India team collaborates with local partners to create immersive, responsible travel experiences that celebrate India’s culture, wildlife, and communities.
Wildlife Harmony Homestay Award 2025
WINNER: Svanir Wilderness Homestay
Svanir is a wilderness homestay in Odisha that celebrates cultural revival through craft partnerships, workshops, and artisan engagement. With eco-sensitive design and spaces inspired by traditional art forms, it offers meaningful, community-rooted experiences connected to local heritage.
Lodge Naturalist of the Year 2025
WINNERS: Shaik Shaheen - Waghoba Eco Lodge, Pugdundee Safaris & Shubham Kamlakar Alave - Bori Safari Lodge

Shaik Shaheen - Waghoba Eco Lodge, Pugdundee Safaris
Combines scientific grounding with an engaging guiding style. Passionate and confident, she connects well with guests of all ages while promoting conservation awareness, representing a promising new generation of India’s wildlife interpreters.

Shubham Kamlakar Alave - Bori Safari Lodge
Naturalist and award-winning photographer Shubham Alave brings deep ecological knowledge and sharp spotting skills to his guiding. From Amboli’s rainforests to Central India’s tiger reserves, his enthusiasm and expertise leave a lasting impression on every guest.
RUNNER-UPS: Namrata Bhandari - Baghvan, A Taj Safari & Tek Mahato - Barahi Jungle Lodge

Namrata Bhandari - Baghvan, A Taj Safari
A naturalist at Baghvan in Pench, Namrata Bhandari blends creativity and curiosity with strong interpretive skills. Mentoring upcoming naturalists and supporting community initiatives, she is an emerging ambassador for Central India’s forests and responsible tourism.

Tek Mahato - Barahi Jungle Lodge
Raised near Chitwan National Park, Tek Mahato brings deep cultural and ecological insight to his role at Barahi. He shares Tharu traditions, wildlife knowledge, and conservation perspectives with guests, offering an authentic, community-rooted experience.
The John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Footprint Eco Lodge of the Year 2025
Outstanding Footprint Rating Lodges
WINNER: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Hotel Barahi Kathmandu integrates authentic Nepali hospitality with strong sustainability values. Powered partly by renewables and focused on responsible sourcing and waste reduction, it promotes community upliftment and cultural preservation while setting a benchmark for purpose-driven urban tourism.
Quality Footprint Rating Lodges
WINNER: After The Rains Rainforest Lodge, Wayanad, Kerala
Set in Wayanad’s Western Ghats, After the Rains blends sustainability, community livelihoods, and cultural integrity. Surrounded by biodiversity and tribal communities, it champions organic farming, local craftsmanship, and low-impact hospitality, offering guests a deeply nature-led rainforest experience.
Kailash Sankhala Visitor Friendly Wildlife National Park of the Year 2025 (Jury Nomination only)
WINNER: Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
A biodiverse Central Indian landscape known for its rugged hills, ancient forests, and peaceful water bodies. With opportunities for safaris, walking trails, canoeing, and birdwatching, it offers an immersive, low-impact wilderness experience that highlights harmony between people and nature.
Sanctuary Asia Award for Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism of the year 2025 (Jury Nomination only)
WINNER: Sikkim
Sikkim offers a model of sustainable wildlife tourism, where fragile Himalayan habitats, native species, and local communities are protected through low-impact travel. Its forests, high-altitude ecosystems, and community-led initiatives create meaningful nature experiences that prioritise conservation, cultural respect, and long-term ecological wellbeing.































