Parveen Shaikh Wins 2026 Whitley Award for Skimmer Work
Why in the news
The 2026 Whitley Awards, often called the Green Oscars, were announced on 29 April 2026 at the Royal Geographical Society. Two Indian conservationists were among the winners.
Key facts
- Parveen Shaikh (BNHS): honoured for “Guardians of the Skimmer”, which works to revive the endangered Indian Skimmer on the Chambal River.
- Project actions: involving local people to guard nesting areas, limit sand mining and protect river habitats.
- Funding: GBP 40,000, according to one report.
- Barkha Subba: recognised for conserving the Himalayan salamander and its wetlands.
- Ceremony: hosted by Tom Heap and Kate Humble, with awards presented by HRH The Princess Royal.
About the Whitley Fund for Nature
The Whitley Fund for Nature supports conservation leaders. It says it has channelled GBP 26 million to 230 leaders in 84 countries. The 2026 class has six awardees, with projects across Ecuador, Ghana, India, Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
Exam angle
- Whitley Award nickname: Green Oscar.
- Match the winner, the institution (BNHS), the species (Indian Skimmer) and the river (Chambal).