Bangladesh has nominated two individuals and three institutions for the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2026, recognizing outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation, wildlife research, environmental education and anti-trafficking enforcement efforts.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced two individuals and three institutions as nominees for the “National Wildlife Conservation Award 2026,” recognizing outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, research and environmental stewardship in Bangladesh.
Officials said the award aims to honour individuals and institutions working to protect the country’s rapidly threatened ecosystems amid increasing pressure from habitat loss, wildlife trafficking and climate change impacts. A total of five individuals and organizations have been nominated across different categories under the National Wildlife Conservation Award Policy 2025.
According to an official notification issued by the Forest Wing of the ministry on May 24, the nominees represent leading contributions in conservation practice, research, education and enforcement.
In the individual wildlife conservation category, renowned wildlife expert Adnan Azad (Faisal Bin Azad) has been nominated under Category ‘A’. He is the convener of the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association and president of Save Wildlife and Nature (SWAN).
Widely known as the “Reptile Man of Bangladesh,” Adnan Azad has been actively engaged for nearly three decades in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, particularly involving snakes and other species entering human settlements. His long-standing work has also focused on promoting awareness of human-wildlife coexistence and biodiversity protection.
In the institutional category, Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) has been nominated for its contributions to biodiversity conservation and community-based environmental initiatives. Founded in 1987, the organization focuses on protecting nature, conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable natural resource management and improving human lives through community empowerment.
In the wildlife education and research category, Professor Dr Sajeda Begum of Jahangirnagar University has been nominated in recognition of her academic and research contributions in zoology and wildlife studies. The Department of Zoology of the same university has also been nominated in the institutional category for its role in advancing wildlife education and research.
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit under the Forest Department has been nominated in the category for forest officers, staff and field-level conservation efforts, particularly for its work in combating illegal wildlife trafficking and wildlife-related crimes.
A senior official involved in the process said, “Recognizing conservation leaders, researchers and enforcement teams is essential for strengthening national biodiversity protection efforts at a time when ecosystems are under growing stress.”
Environmental activists and conservationists welcomed the initiative, saying such recognition could encourage stronger public engagement and institutional commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s natural heritage.
The ministry confirmed that the awards will be presented in accordance with the National Wildlife Conservation Award Policy 2025. Conservationists added that the initiative could help strengthen collaboration among government agencies, researchers and grassroots actors working to safeguard Bangladesh’s biodiversity.
