KATHMANDU, June 5: Journalist Bidhya Rai of NepalNews has been selected for the Environment Journalism Award 2025 in recognition of her investigative reporting on environmental issues, according to a press release issued by the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) on World Environment Day.
The award, which carries a cash prize and a certificate, is one of Nepal's longest-running recognitions for environmental journalism. NEFEJ said it has been presenting the award annually for nearly four decades to encourage quality reporting on environmental and sustainable development issues.
Taking investigative journalism to new heights
According to the release, entries published or broadcast throughout 2025 in newspapers, radio, television, and online platforms were evaluated based on thematic relevance, continuity, language and style, and inclusiveness.
Rai was selected on the recommendation of a three-member jury led by former NEFEJ Chair Kosmos Bishwokarma, with former General Secretary Sangita Lama and expert member Batukrishna Upreti serving as members.
NEFEJ said Rai is the 39th recipient of the award established by the organization. The award will be presented at its upcoming general assembly.
The organization also announced certificates of appreciation for outstanding environmental reporting in 2025 to five journalists: Mahesh KC of Kantipur TV (East Rukum), Sabita Budha of Ratopati (Dhangadhi), Hari Bahadur Lamjel of Annapurna Post (Dhankuta), Sirjana Budhathoki of Nepal Samacharpatra (Surkhet), and Ghanshyam Khadka of Ukalo (Myagdi).
