Nepal has achieved a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation as Doma Paudel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Dynamic Eco Tours (NDET) and the Wildlife Victim Fund, has been awarded the prestigious TOFT “Conservationist of the Year 2025”. The award was presented by Travel Operators For Tigers (TOFT) in collaboration with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, recognizing Paudel’s long-standing and impactful contribution to wildlife protection, community-based conservation, and ethical tourism practices in Nepal.
According to a press statement released by Paudel, the recognition honors her pioneering efforts in bridging conservation with sustainable tourism while empowering local communities living in and around protected areas. Her achievement is considered historic, as she becomes the first Nepali conservationist to receive this award, which is often dominated by nominees from much larger countries, particularly India.
A Pioneer in Community-Based Conservation
Doma Paudel is Nepal’s first certified female nature guide and has been a leading figure in conservation for several years. As Chair of the Wildlife Victim Fund and a former leader of community-based anti-poaching units, she has worked closely with local communities, Chitwan National Park authorities, and national and international conservation institutions, including the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Her work has focused on creating strong partnerships between communities and conservation agencies, ensuring that wildlife protection goes hand in hand with local livelihoods. Paudel’s conservation journey and leadership have also gained international attention through the award-winning PBS documentary series “In Her Nature,” further highlighting Nepal’s conservation story on the global stage.
Championing Ethical and Animal-Friendly Tourism
Under Paudel’s leadership, Nepal Dynamic Eco Tours has emerged as a model for ethical tourism in Nepal. The company has fully transitioned to animal-friendly tourism, discontinuing activities harmful to wildlife, including elephant rides and exploitative wildlife encounters. Instead, NDET promotes responsible wildlife viewing, slow travel, and environmentally conscious tourism practices that prioritize animal welfare and long-term conservation impact.
This approach has not only strengthened conservation outcomes but has also earned NDET consistently high ratings on platforms such as Google Reviews and Tripadvisor, reinforcing the belief that quality-driven, ethical tourism can create meaningful and sustainable benefits.
Multiple Honors Reflect Global Impact
Earlier in 2025, Paudel was also honored with the Conservation Award by WWF Nepal and the Bob & Yang Xavier Academy, further recognizing her dedication and leadership in the conservation sector. The TOFT award adds to this growing list of accolades and comes at a time when Chitwan National Park has reported more than 750 consecutive days without a poaching incident, underscoring Nepal’s growing success in wildlife protection.
Reacting to the honor, Paudel said the award was not solely a personal achievement but a tribute to the collective efforts of her team and the people of Chitwan. She emphasized that the recognition motivates her to continue working with greater environmental consciousness and deeper respect for both people and wildlife.
A Symbol of Nepal’s Conservation Success
The recognition of Doma Paudel’s work highlights the importance of supporting small, local, and community-driven initiatives within Nepal’s tourism and conservation sectors. Her achievement brings renewed international attention to Nepal’s conservation efforts and serves as an inspiration for future generations, particularly women leaders in conservation.
As Nepal continues to strengthen its global reputation as a leader in wildlife protection and sustainable tourism, Paudel’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder that dedicated individuals and ethical practices can create lasting change for nature and communities alike.
