Brinda Kashyap Wins UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Award for Rhino Conservation

Out of 15 young scientists globally who received the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Award, Kashyap's work stands out for its potential to make a lasting impact on rhinoceros conservation in India.

A young researcher from Guwahati, India, Brinda Kashyap, has been honored with the prestigious UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientist Award for her groundbreaking work in rhinoceros conservation. Kashyap's research, which utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and advanced modeling techniques, focuses on creating a habitat suitability model for rhinoceros populations in the Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam.

Kashyap’s innovative approach aims to provide a critical reference for future land cover simulations and socio-economic impact assessments, offering a powerful tool for conservationists working to protect rhinoceros habitats. A significant aspect of her research is the evaluation of how climate change may affect these habitats, a factor crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.

Out of 15 young scientists globally who received the UNESCO MAB Young Scientist Award, Kashyap's work stands out for its potential to make a lasting impact on rhinoceros conservation in India. Her research not only holds promise for the protection of these majestic animals but also offers valuable insights for conservation efforts worldwide.

Mr. Böer, a representative from UNESCO, emphasized the importance of Kashyap’s work, stating, “We must understand that the protection of flagship conservation species requires the science-based management of whole ecosystems, including soils, water, air, and all biota. For the successful conservation of rhinos, it is key to preserve the habitats they need, such as grasslands and wetlands in the Himalayan foothills and large riparian ecosystems of the Brahmaputra and Ganga.”

The MAB Young Scientist Awards, established in 1989, reflect UNESCO’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of scientists dedicated to solving ecological and sustainability challenges. The awards provide up to US$5,000 to young researchers conducting interdisciplinary research related to the MAB Programme, which focuses on ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity with an emphasis on biosphere reserves.

These awards are designed to inspire young scientists, especially from developing countries, to engage in research at MAB sites and biosphere reserves. The awards align with the MAB Strategy and the Lima Action Plan (LAP), which guide the MAB Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves until 2025. These frameworks are integral to achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Brinda Kashyap's recognition through this award not only underscores her exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation but also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and innovative research in preserving the world’s biodiversity.