Two Indian women conservationists have won the Whitley Awards 2026, popularly called the 'Green Oscars'. Parveen Shaikh was recognised for community-based efforts to protect the endangered Indian skimmer, a waterbird. Barkha Subba was honoured for conserving the rare Himalayan salamander and restoring its habitat. The awards are presented every year by the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature to support grassroots conservation leaders. Each winner receives £50,000 in funding for one year, along with training, international recognition and support for their projects.