The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category
by Sanctuary Nature Foundation
National Conservation Recognition
The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category is a competition by Sanctuary Nature Foundation for children aged 16–25, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Duration
Annual award cycle
Format
Individual
Time needed
Sustained conservation work over multiple years
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.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- 16 - 25 years
- Location
- Nationwide
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
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.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
Rewards & 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
Highlights
- Instituted in 2000, among India's longest-running wildlife awards
- Confidential nomination process kept from the candidate
- Annual ceremony in Mumbai every December
Rounds & 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.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category?
children aged 16-25.
What will my child gain from The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category?
National recognition as a Sanctuary Young Naturalist awardee. Felicitation at the annual ceremony in Mumbai. Profile coverage in Sanctuary Asia magazine and foundation channels. Access to a national network of conservationists, ecologists, and photographers. Inclusion in India's longstanding Earth Heroes legacy since 2000.
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