Rajasthan GIB Conservation Project Wins Eco Warrior Award
Source:timesofindia-indiatimes ↗

Why It Matters
Important for RPSC RAS aspirants tracking environmental awards, state-specific wildlife conservation initiatives, and the status of Rajasthan's state bird (Godawan/Great Indian Bustard).
Summary
The Rajasthan Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation Project has been honored with the 'Best Project Award' at the Eco Warrior Awards 2026, highlighting significant strides in wildlife conservation, protecting the critically endangered state bird Godawan, and promoting ecological sustainability in Rajasthan.
Key Points
- The Rajasthan Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation Project has won the 'Best Project Award' at the Eco Warrior Awards 2026.
- The award recognizes outstanding initiatives towards the protection and conservation of endangered wildlife species and ecological restoration in the region.
- The Great Indian Bustard (locally known as Godawan) is Rajasthan's state bird and critically endangered, making targeted conservation projects critical for its survival.
Important Terms
Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation Project
A state-led initiative in Rajasthan focused on protecting and breeding the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan), involving captive breeding centers, habitat restoration, and scientific monitoring in the Thar Desert.
UPSC context
Important for RPSC Mains (Paper III - Environment & Biodiversity) and Prelims: tests knowledge of state wildlife conservation initiatives, endangered species, and Rajasthan's state bird.
Eco Warrior Awards
National awards organized by the Indian Forest Service Association and Indian Masterminds to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions in forest, wildlife, and environmental conservation.
UPSC context
Relevant for RPSC Prelims current affairs: tests awareness of national environmental awards, forestry achievements, and recognitions won by Rajasthan projects.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the key protected areas and conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard in Rajasthan?
- Legal Status: Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List, and listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Primary Habitat: Mainly found in the Desert National Park spanning Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
- Breeding Centers: Captive breeding centers established at Sam (Jaisalmer) and Ramdevra in collaboration with WII.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Renewable energy transmission vs. wildlife corridors
The GIB's fragile habitat overlaps with major solar and wind energy expansion zones in Thar, testing India's green vs. green dilemmas.
Expect direct questions on the GIB conservation breeding centers, IUCN status, and Desert National Park geography in RPSC/RSMSSB exams.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
The National Tiger Conservation Authority has conferred the status of the fifth tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, to which of the following sanctuaries?
- 2025RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Choose the incorrect statement with respect to the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project (Phase-2).
- 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following pairings is incorrect? Wildlife Sanctuary – District