By Abbas Nazil
The Prince of Wales, William’s £5m Earthshot Prize has faced criticism from environmental and wildlife conservation organisations over its decision to host this year’s awards ceremony at a Mumbai venue owned by the India billionaire Ambani family.
The 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 17 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, a facility owned by Reliance Industries, the conglomerate controlled by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
Environmental campaigners have questioned the decision, arguing that associating the prestigious environmental award with a company linked to fossil fuel production and unresolved wildlife conservation concerns could undermine its objectives.
The controversy centres on Reliance Industries’ ownership of the Jamnagar facility in Gujarat, described as the world’s largest oil refinery, and its philanthropic arm’s support for Vantara, a 400-hectare private wildlife facility established by Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani.
Vantara, which houses more than 150,000 animals representing over 2,000 species, has faced scrutiny from conservation groups over the rapid expansion of its animal collection and questions surrounding the origins and acquisition of some endangered species.
Megan Carr of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa warned that selecting a venue owned by Reliance Industries could give the corporate group environmental recognition that conservation organisations believe remains questionable.
Wildlife protection groups have also raised concerns about the sourcing and transfer of animals to Vantara, including species considered highly endangered in their native habitats.
The concerns have attracted international attention, with the 32-member committee governing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, requesting another report from India on measures being taken to address questions surrounding imports of protected wildlife.
The committee also asked the CITES Secretariat to review 11 cases involving unresolved questions about how animals were transferred to Vantara.
Responding to the criticism, Joanna Swift, Executive Director of Communications at the Earthshot Prize, said the organisation had not entered into a philanthropic partnership with the venue and was paying the
standard commercial rental rate.
She explained that the Jio World Convention Centre was selected because it offered the facilities, technical infrastructure and experience required to host an international event of such scale.
Swift also noted that the venue had hosted major international gatherings, including the first Mumbai Climate Week in February 2026.
Meanwhile, Vantara has repeatedly denied allegations of wildlife trafficking, maintaining that its operations focus on rescuing animals in distress, providing veterinary treatment, ensuring lifelong care and rehabilitating those suitable for release into the wild.
The facility also says it undertakes regulated breeding programmes for selected endangered species to support their survival and potential reintroduction into natural habitats.
India’s Supreme Court cleared the facility last year of allegations that animals had been illegally acquired or mistreated.
However, a subsequent CITES fact-finding mission raised concerns about India’s compliance with international regulations governing wildlife imports in 2025 and recommended temporary restrictions, although the recommendation was later withdrawn.
Susan Cheyne, Vice-Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Small Apes Section, questioned whether Vantara’s model had demonstrated meaningful conservation benefits, warning that moving animals from their natural habitats into private facilities might increase demand for wildlife trade.
She argued that genuine wildlife rescue and conservation programmes should prioritise transparent animal welfare arrangements, clearly defined breeding objectives and possible reintroduction into their countries of origin.
Similarly, Daniela Freyer, co-founder of German conservation organisation Pro Wildlife, said environmental awards should be cautious about associating their reputation with organisations facing unresolved questions over wildlife imports and fossil fuel-related activities.
The controversy comes as the Earthshot Prize prepares to hold its annual ceremony in India, a country the organisers consider important because of its growing environmental initiatives and potential solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Founded by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize awards one million pounds annually to each of five winners to support innovative solutions addressing environmental challenges.
Swift maintained that hosting the event in Mumbai would provide an opportunity to showcase environmental progress and recognise individuals and organisations developing solutions with local and international impact.
She described Mumbai as one of the world’s largest cities, with significant environmental initiatives and individuals working towards sustainable development.
Despite the criticism, the organisers have maintained that the venue was selected based on its suitability for hosting the international awards ceremony rather than any philanthropic relationship with its owners.
