Sikkim’s award-winning naturalist accorded rousing welcome at Rangpo

GANGTOK,: Award-winning naturalist and conservationist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Rangpo on Monday by well-wishers and members of various organisations.
The reception was attended by OSD to MLA Dzongu, Roshan Subba; OSD to the Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha (Sikkim), Nosang Limboo; members of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim; Dzongu Bikers Club; and members of the public from Dzongu.
A native of Dzongu, Wangchuk was returning to his home State, Sikkim, after receiving two prestigious national-level awards in recognition of his contribution to nature conservation and sustainable tourism. He was conferred the Young Naturalist Award by the Balipara Foundation in Guwahati and the Wildlife & Tourism Initiative Award by TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers) in New Delhi.
Expressing his gratitude, Wangchuk thanked all those present for the warm reception and stated that the honour served as strong encouragement for him to continue his work in the field of butterfly conservation and wildlife tourism. He added that such recognition would further strengthen Sikkim’s sustainable tourism model and inspire many others to contribute towards environmental conservation.
The awards highlight Sikkim’s growing contributions in the field of environmental conservation, showcasing that besides its rich talent in music and dance, the State has made significant strides in nurturing environmental champions.
Also present on the occasion were Sonam Pintso Sherpa of Rimbi, recipient of the Green Journalist Award, Balipara Foundation 2024, and Tenzing Lepcha, recipient of the Balipara Award 2023.