Krithi Karanth is a woman on a mission to transform the way communities interact with wildlife in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions. As the CEO of the Centre for Wildlife Studies in India, Karanth is combining her passion for conservation with innovative solutions to help rural farmers coexist peacefully with endangered species like elephants and tigers.
Growing up in the forests of India’s Western Ghats, Karanth developed a deep connection to nature that has guided her conservation efforts. She understands the challenges faced by communities living on the edge of wildlife habitats, where encounters with elephants and tigers can lead to crop damage, property loss, and even human injuries or deaths.
In 2015, Karanth launched the Wild Seve program to provide real-time assistance to farmers dealing with wildlife conflicts. By calling a toll-free number, farmers can report incidents and receive immediate support from trained field assistants. This streamlined process has helped thousands of families file for government compensation, protecting their safety and food security.
But Karanth’s efforts go beyond just addressing conflicts after they occur. To promote long-term sustainability, she also launched the Wild Carbon initiative, which encourages farmers to plant and maintain fruit, timber, and medicinal trees. By diversifying crops and creating green corridors, farmers can generate new sources of income while restoring fragmented wildlife habitats.
Both the Wild Seve and Wild Carbon programs have been successful in engaging local communities and earning their trust. By empowering farmers to take control of their interactions with wildlife, Karanth is paving the way for peaceful coexistence between humans and endangered species.
Karanth’s innovative approach to conservation has not gone unnoticed. Her team recently received the prestigious John P. McNulty Prize for their impactful work in addressing critical global challenges. This recognition highlights the unique blend of rigorous science and tangible impact that defines the Centre for Wildlife Studies under Karanth’s leadership.
As Karanth looks to the future, she believes that the lessons learned in India can be applied to other biodiverse regions facing similar challenges. By empowering communities to take ownership of their relationship with wildlife, Karanth is setting a powerful example for conservation efforts around the world. In a world where human populations continue to encroach on the habitats of endangered species, finding a balance between conservation and coexistence is paramount. Dr. Krithi Karanth, a renowned conservation scientist, is leading the charge in India to develop innovative solutions that protect both wildlife and local communities.
Whether it’s elephants and lions in Africa, or tigers and leopards in Asia, Dr. Karanth emphasizes the importance of helping communities prevent and recover from wildlife-related losses. Rather than expecting these communities to simply tolerate these losses, she believes in empowering them to be a part of the solution. In a country like India, where 1.5 billion people compete with endangered species for land and resources, it is crucial to engage those living closest to these animals in conservation efforts.
Looking to the future, Dr. Karanth and her team are working to expand these solutions to address the urgent challenges that wildlife face. With climate change rapidly shrinking habitats and pushing wildlife into closer contact with humans, India’s response to these issues will have far-reaching implications for global conservation efforts.
The Centre for Wildlife Studies, founded by Dr. Karanth, is at the forefront of innovative rewilding efforts in India. Their work aims to not only protect endangered species but also to create sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and local communities. By visiting their website, individuals can stay updated on their progress and support their vital conservation work.
The McNulty Foundation, in partnership with the Aspen Institute, recognizes visionary leaders like Dr. Karanth who are making a lasting impact on conservation efforts. Through the John P. McNulty Prize, these leaders are celebrated for their courage and dedication to solving critical challenges. By strategically investing in mid-stage ventures, the McNulty Prize positions these leaders for greater impact and global scale.
As we navigate the complex relationship between humans and wildlife, Dr. Krithi Karanth’s work serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. By engaging local communities, developing innovative solutions, and addressing the urgent challenges facing wildlife, she is paving the way for a more sustainable future for both people and animals.
