Kaziranga's 1st Female Director Sonali Ghosh Wins Historic Kenton Miller Award

Sonali Ghosh, field director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, has become the first Indian to receive the IUCN Kenton R. Miller Award for innovation in national parks and protected area sustainability. The award was presented at the International Union for Conservation of Nature) (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.

The Kenton R. Miller Award, established in 2006 by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recognises individuals or teams whose innovations in protected area management, governance, community engagement, and conservation planning have a significant impact globally.

Ghosh was acknowledged for her community-driven and scientifically informed conservation model, particularly in the highly biodiverse landscapes of Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in Assam.

Background and Education

Born into an Army family, Dr Ghosh’s childhood involved frequent relocations, exposing her to diverse ecosystems and instilling a deep connection with nature. She holds postgraduate degrees in forestry and wildlife science, a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Law from the National Law School of India, and a diploma in systems management. Her PhD focused on remote sensing and tiger habitat modelling, providing her with a strong scientific foundation for field conservation work.

Ghosh was a topper of the Indian Forest Service exam in 2000-2003. She has held several significant roles that highlight her expertise and leadership in conservation. She began with field postings at Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, overseeing habitat management, anti-poaching initiatives, and active community engagement.

On September 1, 2023, she became the first woman Field Director of Kaziranga, making history in a traditionally male-dominated leadership role.

She also served at Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, focusing on the protection of the endangered golden langur, and contributed to ecosystem restoration and species rehabilitation programs at Manas National Park.

Beyond fieldwork, Ghosh has been associated with the Central Zoo Authority under the Ministry of Environment, where she has played a role in shaping national policies for wildlife conservation, demonstrating a career that bridges both practical management and strategic policymaking.

Ghosh is known for combining scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge. She emphasises community involvement, awareness-building, and practical solutions to challenges like poaching, floods, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat degradation. Her leadership has strengthened wildlife protection while empowering local communities to participate in conservation efforts.

Recognition

The Kenton R. Miller Award highlights her global impact, placing India on the map for innovative protected area management. This accolade celebrates her vision, dedication, and ability to implement sustainable, inclusive conservation models.

Sonali Ghosh’s career exemplifies how expertise, perseverance, and community collaboration can transform conservation landscapes. She continues to inspire future generations of environmental leaders, proving that committed action and innovative thinking can protect the planet’s most precious ecosystems.