17-year-old Thai wins two global awards for hornbill conservation project
Thai teenager Yanin Tangkaravakoon won top honors from The Earth Prize and National Geographic's Slingshot Challenge for her project creating artificial hornbill nests from recycled plastic to protect declining bird populations in southern
GENEVA, Switzerland — 15 May 2026, A 17-year-old Thai student has received international recognition from both The Earth Prize 2026 and National Geographic's Slingshot Challenge for a conservation project aimed at protecting hornbills through artificial nests made from recycled plastic.
Yanin "Proud" Tangkaravakoon was named the Oceania and Southeast Asia winner of The Earth Prize 2026 for her project Homes for Hornbills, which combines wildlife conservation, recycled materials and community engagement to address declining hornbill populations in Thailand. As one of seven regional winners in The Earth Prize, Proud will receive US$12,500 in funding and mentorship to further develop the project. Public voting to select the global winner is scheduled to open on 18 May, with the overall winner due to be announced on 29 May.
The same project was also recognised as a Top Honors Award recipient in the 2026 Slingshot Challenge, a global environmental competition supported by the National Geographic Society and Allen Family Philanthropies. Top Honors Award recipients receive US$10,000 in funding and become eligible for the public-voted People's Choice Award, as well as the Explorer Connection Award recognising projects closely aligned with the work of National Geographic Explorers.
Hornbills are regarded as vital to forest ecosystems because they disperse seeds across wide areas, helping forests regenerate naturally. According to organisers, 51 of the world's 62 hornbill species are experiencing population declines due to deforestation, habitat destruction and poaching.
Proud said her interest in hornbills began during a primary school field trip to Khao Yai National Park, where she became fascinated by the birds and later learned about the threats they face. She went on to work with the Thailand Hornbill Research Foundation to develop a three-part conservation model consisting of durable artificial nests designed around hornbill behaviour, school-based conservation education and long-term plans to create alternative income opportunities for local communities to reduce poaching and deforestation.
The nests are built using upcycled materials including discarded plastic bottles. So far, 20 nests have been installed in southern Thailand. Organisers said 14 hornbill chicks successfully fledged in 2025, while 14 nests were occupied in 2026.
The initiative has involved 60 local students and partnered with TOA Venture Holding to support the use of recycled plastic materials in nest construction.
Proud has also produced Homes for Hornbills, an award-winning documentary that ranked among Thailand's top 10 youth documentaries and is now streaming on Thai PBS's VIPA platform. She has presented her findings to the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University.
