Photos: Doma Paudel
Kathmandu, December 16
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”.
According to a press statement released by Paudel, the award, presented by Travel Operators For Tigers (TOFT) in collaboration with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, recognises Paudel’s long-standing contribution to wildlife protection, community empowerment and ethical tourism practices in Nepal.
Paudel is Nepal’s first certified female nature guide and has played a pioneering role in promoting community-based conservation. As chair of the Wildlife Victim Fund and a former leader of community anti-poaching units, she has worked closely with local communities, Chitwan National Park authorities and conservation institutions, including the National Trust for Nature Conservation.
Her achievement is considered historic, particularly as the award competition is often dominated by conservationists from much larger countries. Paudel’s work has also received international exposure through the PBS documentary series In Her Nature. Earlier this year, she was honoured with the 2025 Conservation Award by WWF Nepal and the Bob & Yang Xavier Academy.
Under her leadership, NDET has fully transitioned to animal-friendly tourism, avoiding activities harmful to wildlife and promoting sustainable and slow travel practices. The recognition comes at a time when Chitwan National Park has reported more than 750 days without a poaching incident, highlighting Nepal’s growing success in conservation.
