Silver Spring: Mike Pandey, renowned environmentalist and filmmaker conservationist, has been honoured with the 2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award – one of the highest honour and accolades in wildlife and environmental filmmaking. The award was presented to him for his exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation through his powerful and hard-hitting films over the past 45 years.
2024 Jackson Wild Legacy Award was presented at a gala event held at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, in the presence of a global audience and experts.
“I'm deeply humbled and touched. Receiving the Jackson Wild Legacy Award is a deeply profound honor, not just for me, but for the voiceless we share the planet with; every voice and every species these films have sought to protect. Storytelling is a powerful tool, and, I hope to continue raising awareness and inspiring action to safeguard our planet's fragile ecosystems, At the end of the day we all…every life form on earth needs the environment and biodiversity to live,” said Mike Pandey. He added, "This award not only recognizes the impact of storytelling in highlighting environmental issues but also celebrates the wider biodiversity of India and the remarkable efforts of institutions and individuals in environmental conservation.”
The Jackson Wild Legacy Award celebrates individuals who exemplify the transformative power of storytelling to drive real-world change. The Legacy awardees have been lauded for their lifelong dedication to effectively fostering a community of filmmakers, creators, and conservationists committed to using media to promote sustainability and support efforts for a more sustainable planet. Past Legacy Awardees include Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Dr. Sylvia Earle, among others.
"Mike Pandey's incredible passion for wildlife conservation and environmental protection has left an indelible mark not just in India, but all across the globe," said Jackson Wild's Executive Director, Geoff Daniels. “His films have driven critical legislative changes and inspired millions, setting a benchmark for how storytelling can catalyse real-world impact. It has been a true honour to witness his tireless efforts and celebrate his remarkable legacy.”
Mike Pandey's Experiences With Wildlife
Mike Pandey’s journey into wildlife conservation began in Kenya, where he was born, and carried forward to his life in India. His early experiences with nature laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment. Over the years, Pandey’s documentaries have played a pivotal role in raising awareness about critical environmental issues, particularly those affecting India’s ecosystems.
Notable works, such as Shores of Silence: Whale Sharks in India (2000), brought global attention to endangered species and vulnerable habitats in the region. His advocacy, driven by storytelling, has led to important policy changes in India, protecting species like whale sharks, vultures, and elephants.
As the presenter and director of Earth Matters, a national environmental program, Pandey has engaged millions of viewers across India for 18 years, spreading awareness about conservation to some of the most remote corners of the country. He also chairs the Earthwatch Institute India and Earth Matters Foundation, where he continues his mission to protect the planet.
Pandey’s dedication to conservation has earned him numerous awards, including three Panda Awards, the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award, and recognition as a "Hero of the Environment" by Time Magazine. Beyond his filmmaking career, he serves as the Brand Ambassador for the Uttar Pradesh Government, where he promotes eco-tourism and heritage conservation across India.