Marks on a long climb.
Recognition is never the goal — protecting the Himalaya is. But the awards and mandates entrusted to FOSEP affirm that the work holds, year after year, on ground that does not forgive shortcuts.
Awards & designations.
A record built over two decades of conservation, health, and community work across the Darjeeling Hills and Siliguri.
2026
Whitley Award — the “Green Oscar”
The Whitley Award is an international honour recognising grassroots conservation leaders from around the world, popularly known as the “Green Oscar.” This year it was awarded to Dr. Barkha Subba for her ongoing work on Himalayan salamander conservation and the fragile wetland habitats of the Darjeeling Hills.
2004
Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra (IPVM) Award
Conferred by the Government of India in recognition of pioneering afforestation and environmental stewardship — among the country's highest honours for tree conservation.
2011
Anirudh Bhargawa “Environment 2011 Award”
Awarded by INTACH, New Delhi, acknowledging sustained contributions to environmental protection in one of the Himalaya's most fragile landscapes.
Designation
Regional Resource Agency (RRA)
Entrusted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests as the Regional Resource Agency for National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) activities across the Darjeeling Hills and Siliguri — a standing mandate to coordinate environmental awareness across two zones.
The work, in markers.
Read these like altitude markers on a climb — points reached, with more ridgeline ahead.
Whitley Award to Dr. Barkha Subba for Himalayan salamander conservation
Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award, Government of India
Anirudh Bhargawa Environment Award, INTACH New Delhi
Regional Resource Agency for NEAC, Ministry of Environment & Forests
Zones served — Darjeeling Hills & Siliguri
Out in the community.
Beyond the awards, the work shows up in gatherings, partnerships, and festivals across the hills.
The next marker is yours to help reach.
Join as a member, lend your hands as a volunteer, or support a program directly.