Indian Scientist Parveen Shaikh Wins 2026 Whitley Award for Indian Skimmer Conservation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Parveen Shaikh awarded the 2026 Whitley Award |
| Awarding Body | Whitley Fund for Nature |
| Ceremony Location | Royal Geographical Society |
| Presenter | Princess Anne |
| Recognition | Global recognition of grassroots conservation efforts |
| Focus Species | Indian Skimmer |
| Habitat | Sandbars and mid-river islands |
| Threats | Habitat loss, environmental degradation, river flow changes |
| Conservation Model | Community-Led Conservation: The Guardian Model |
| Expansion | Project expansion to Prayagraj in the Ganga Basin |
| Challenges | Pilgrimage activities, Kumbh Mela, boat traffic, fishing pressure, pollution, habitat disturbance |
| Supporting Institution | Bombay Natural History Society |