Recognizing global conservation champions: From innovative technology to community-driven conservation

Seven young, talented nature conservationists are in the race to become one of the three Future For Nature Award winners of 2025; gaining international recognition and 50.000 euro prize money per person. On top of that, they will be added to the Future For Nature Family of conservationists. This FFN Family works all over the world to protect wild species. Their dedication and impact are reshaping the future of biodiversity. Here are this years’ nominees.

Anthony Waddle

Anthony Waddle (Australia) is tackling the critical issue of amphibian declines caused by infectious diseases. He has pioneered groundbreaking solutions, including an artificial thermal shelter known as the ‘frog sauna’ and a vaccination program for Australian green and golden bell frogs, offering hope for the survival of this species.

Arunima Singh

Arunima Singh (India) has spent over a decade conserving tortoises and freshwater turtles across the Gangetic Plains. Collaborating closely with the Kanjar community, a nomadic tribe and historic hunter and gatherers, she focuses on developing sustainable livelihood options by identifying and enhancing entrepreneurial skills within the community.

Gabriela Ochoa

Gabriela Ochoa (Honduras) established the NGO ilili — the Miskito word for "shark" — in 2020 to conserve sharks and rays, working alongside indigenous communities. Her organization has created the country’s first systematic fisheries data collection program for sharks, utilizing community monitors to drive impactful conservation strategies.

Kumar Paudel

Kumar Paudel (Nepal) founded Greenhood Nepal in 2012 and spearheaded the Nepal Pangolin Roundtable in 2015. By integrating science-driven conservation and stakeholder collaboration, he catalysed Nepal's first pangolin surveys and conservation action plans. To safeguard pangolin’s habitat and maintain a viable wild population in Nepal’s forests, he has launched a pangolin survey and behaviour change program in Chitwan National Park as well as anti-poaching programs.

Mikaela Clarissa

Mikaela Clarissa (Indonesia) launched Tamang Dugong.id in 2020 to protect dugongs and their seagrass habitats on Pantar Island, Alor Regency. Her efforts include forging sustainable partnerships, promoting "blue jobs", and enhancing knowledge of local food to improve protein intake.

Priya Ranganathan

Priya Ranganathan (India) is working to restore the endangered Myristica swamps by studying the ecological and social factors impacting two species of wild nutmeg. Her comprehensive approach includes threat mapping, documenting traditional ecological knowledge, and encouraging community participation in restoration efforts.

Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya

Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya (Peru) has dedicated the past decade to conserving species and ecosystems in the Andean highlands. In 2023, she founded the Peruvian Wildlife Foundation to address critical threats to Andean bears and other species, such as the dwarf deer, while focusing on preserving ecosystem connectivity.

“Our International Selection Committee of expert nature conservationists now has the difficult task of selecting the three winners, who will each be granted the Future For Nature Award in May 2025. We are excited to learn who our new FFN Family members will be!” – Rascha Nuijten, Director Future For Nature Foundation.

The Future For Nature Awards will be presented in 2025 in Royal Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem, one of the main sponsors since the foundation was founded. More information about the candidates and the work of the foundation can be found on https://futurefornature.org .