Kurdish Conservationist Hana Raza Receives Wayfinder Award 2025

In a momentous acknowledgment of her unwavering dedication to wildlife preservation, Kurdish biologist Hana Raza has been honored with the prestigious Wayfinder Award from the National Geographic Society. This recognition salutes her relentless conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species within Iraq and the Kurdistan region.

Celebration rang out on the 5th of June as the National Geographic Society revealed the 15 champions of its 2025 Wayfinder Award in Washington, D.C. Hana Raza stood among the illuminated individuals celebrated for their groundbreaking endeavors in ecological conservation, scientific innovation, education, and the art of storytelling.

Equipped with a master’s degree in ecology and wildlife preservation, Raza’s tireless work in safeguarding the Persian leopard and other threatened species in Kurdistan’s majestic ranges has been fundamentally transformative. As the founder of Leopards Beyond Borders, she takes her place as a leading voice in the realm of environmental protection in both South Kurdistan and Iraq.

“True to the name of this award, this extraordinary group of changemakers represents the bold spirit of purposeful exploration,” expressed Alex Moen, chief explorer engagement officer at the National Geographic Society. “Their creativity and innovation are helping us to better understand and protect the natural world, and we’re proud to support them as they lead us into a more viable future.”

Hana Raza will formally receive this commendation amidst the illustrious setting of the National Geographic Society’s annual Explorers Festival in Washington. Alongside industry-wide acclaim, the awardees benefit from significant financial backing for their formidable projects and the privilege of joining an expansive global network of researchers and environmental stewards.

Leopard Protection Amidst Conflict

Born in 1971 within a refugee camp of the Peshmerga in the Kurdish region of Iraq, Hana Raza’s early life was set against the backdrop of strife. As an infant, she survived a chemical attack in Sergelê, and fled with her family to the protective embrace of the mountains. Those very forests that once provided sanctuary have become the crucible of her professional life. Today, they symbolize hope, as she dedicates her work to conserving these landscapes as crucial habitats for endangered species.

With more than 15 years devoted to safeguarding the Persian leopard and the Syrian brown bear, Raza has tackled the challenges posed by years of conflict and shrinking natural sanctuaries. Thanks to her diligent deployment of camera traps in 2011, the enduring presence of the Persian leopard in the Qeredax Mountains south of Sulaymaniyah was confirmed. This pivotal discovery led to the establishment of the first officially sanctioned nature preserve in Kurdistan: the Qeredax Nature Reserve. This region is distinguished by its extensive oak woodlands, encompassing nearly 2,300 hectares, and is a mosaic of varied ecosystems, home to nearly a thousand plant taxa and over 180 avian species. The reserve’s camera surveillance has further identified 15 distinct mammalian species.

Nurturing Symbiosis between Humans and Nature

A core aspect of Raza’s mission is cultivating conversations with the communities who reside in these areas. “Understanding nature’s intrinsic value is essential for its sustained protection,” Raza remarked in an interview last year. While majestic yet formidable, leopards can instill fear; however, Raza finds that many locals feel intrinsically connected to these creatures, having shared the refuge of these impassable terrains.

Raza is pioneering efforts to inaugurate Iraq’s inaugural Community Conserved Area, emphasizing grassroots engagement and preservation. She envisions the Persian leopard as a representation of harmony and coexistence between humans, wildlife, and the environment.

A Lifelong Commitment to Nature

Hana Raza’s contributions have previously been recognized when she received the Future for Nature Award in 2017 and was listed among the Explorers Club 50 in 2022, celebrating individuals globally who are making a difference. “Nature is not just my calling – it is my inner fire,” declares Raza. “Without this passion, I wouldn’t be able to get through a single day.”

Championing a Sustainable Future

The Wayfinder Award by the National Geographic Society aims to uplift a new generation of innovators making exceptional strides in conserving our planet. Linking past achievements with future potential, the accolade endows recipients with access to programs for skill enhancement, invaluable financial support, and diverse opportunities for global knowledge exchanges.

Hana Raza’s journey embodies the tenacious spirit of conservation, spotlighting how persistent efforts can inspire change and protect the intricate tapestries of life. As she continues her vital work, the world watches, learns, and follows her lead towards a more sustainable horizon.