The National Geographic Society has named Kurdish conservationist Hana Raza one of 15 recipients of its prestigious 2025 Wayfinder Award. Raza is recognised for her leading role in protecting endangered wildlife in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Announced on 5 June in Washington, the award celebrates “changemakers” breaking ground in science, education and environmental stewardship. Raza, who founded the Leopards Beyond Borders organisation, has spent over 15 years safeguarding habitats in the Qeredax Mountains.
Her work led to the creation of Kurdistan’s first officially protected nature reserve, home to the endangered Persian leopard, the Syrian brown bear, and over 180 bird species.
Born in a Peshmerga refugee camp and a survivor of chemical attacks during the Anfal campaign, Raza has made it her life’s mission to defend the forests that once sheltered her. “Nature is not just my calling – it is my inner fire,” she said in a previous interview.
Raza promotes local engagement, aiming to establish Iraq’s first Community Conserved Area. She sees wildlife protection as a path to healing war-torn landscapes and reconnecting people with the environment.
Winners of the Wayfinder Award receive financial support and access to an international network of researchers, environmentalists and educators. Raza will be officially honoured at the Explorers Festival in Washington later this year.
