Interview

1. Can you share the story of your first jungle adventure at 6 months old and how it sparked your lifelong passion for wildlife?

DK: “During my first wildlife excursion in mid-1993, my parents took me to what is now the core area of Tadoba, before it became a tiger reserve. Traveling on a bike, we had a thrilling encounter with a leopard, marking my initial interaction with a wild animal. This experience brought to life the stories my father shared about his own adventures in the wilderness. These moments sparked a deep and enduring passion for wildlife and nature within me. Subsequent visits to the Central Indian wildlife landscape further fueled my fascination with the natural world, driving me to explore and learn about the diverse species that inhabit our jungles”.

1. What unique exploration methods does Wild Angle Safaris employ to connect people with wildlife?

DK: “Wild Angle Safaris sets itself apart as a sustainable eco-tourism company through its innovative approaches to connecting individuals with wildlife and indigenous cultures. Our focus on ethical wildlife viewing practices ensures minimal disruption to animals and their environments. Expert local guides, knowledgeable in wildlife behavior and conservation, enhance the educational aspect of our tours. By limiting group sizes, we reduce our environmental footprint and enhance guest-wildlife interactions. We also actively collaborate with local communities to promote mutual benefits through tourism and raise awareness about conservation. Traditional exploration methods, such as wildlife tracking using ancient Adivasi techniques, enrich the safari experience and deepen understanding of wildlife behavior. Wild Angle Safaris is dedicated to supporting local conservation efforts, contributing to the long-term preservation of biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism practices. These initiatives provide guests with memorable experiences while aiding in the protection of wildlife and their habitats”.

1. How do you use your photography to promote wildlife conservation and education?

DK: “Photography is integral to our wildlife conservation and education efforts. Through guided tours, we capture compelling images showcasing the beauty and behavior of wildlife in their natural habitats. These photos serve as valuable educational tools in workshops, programs, and community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about conservation and biodiversity. We believe that visual storytelling strengthens the bond with nature and promotes a sense of responsibility towards wildlife and their environments. By sharing these images on social media and in exhibitions, we engage a global audience and advocate for sustainable practices. Our primary goal is to instill an appreciation for wildlife and encourage actions that protect their well-being and preserve natural ecosystems for future generations. A recent video featuring a tigress with a plastic water bottle in her mouth received international acclaim, including recognition from the Prime Minister of India, highlighting the impact of visual storytelling in wildlife conservation endeavors.”

1. Can you discuss specific conservation projects or initiatives that Wild Angle Safaris has been involved in?

DK: “Wild Angle Safaris has been actively engaged in conservation efforts, particularly in collaboration with the Gond community. We have focused on promoting Adivasi culture and the Gondi language, which is at risk of extinction. The Gonds play a crucial role in protecting the forest periphery and wildlife, utilizing their tracking skills for walking safaris and bird watching in approved zones. Through interactions with our guests, we have facilitated mutual learning and support. Additionally, we support local artisans, incorporate homemade meals into our itineraries, and promote sustainable practices such as the use of steel and reusable materials. Our initiatives aim to raise awareness about conservation and foster a symbiotic relationship between wildlife preservation and community livelihoods.”

1. How do you ensure that your safari operations are sustainable and environmentally friendly?

DK: “We ensure the sustainability and environmental friendliness of our safari operations through strategic itinerary planning to minimize travel distance and transit time. Prior to the safari, we educate travelers on essential details, dos, and don’ts to prepare them for a sensitive approach to the ecosystem. Throughout the trip, we focus on instilling love, respect for wildlife, and the significance of wildlife conservation and awareness among travelers. They, in turn, share their experiences and raise awareness about conservation efforts. We actively engage with local communities, including indigenous groups and residents near our safari destinations. Our commitment includes hiring local guides and staff, sourcing supplies locally, and supporting community initiatives that promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods.”

1. How do you see the role of technology evolving in wildlife conservation and safari experiences?

DK: “As a wildlife eco-tourism company, we acknowledge the evolving role of technology in wildlife conservation and safari experiences. Technology is instrumental in monitoring and safeguarding wildlife populations and habitats. In safari experiences, technology enriches guest interactions with wildlife through high-quality cameras and lenses, enabling captivating wildlife photography and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Additionally, technology enables virtual safari experiences, allowing a global audience to engage with wildlife activities and raise awareness about conservation issues. Responsibly integrating technology into our operations enhances the quality of safari experiences and reinforces our dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental education. The forest department also utilizes advanced tracking devices like GPS collars and camera traps to gather crucial data on animal movements, behavior, and population dynamics, aiding in informed conservation decisions and effective management strategies.”

Q. Can you tell us about your journey into the tourism industry and what inspired you to specialize in tourism research and planning? 

DP:  “My journey into the tourism industry was deeply influenced by my family’s passion for travel and the rich cultural environment I was raised in. As a child, I explored many places across India, developing a keen interest in diverse cultures, people, and natural biodiversity. My academic journey began with a graduation in Botany, where outdoor excursions exposed me to various landscapes and villages, further fueling my interest in tourism.

I pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism Industry Management (PGDTTIM) from Mumbai University’s Garware Institute of Career Education and Development. This program laid the foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities in the Indian tourism sector and the need for strategic destination planning.

My career started with Kesari Tours as a Sales Executive, where I envisioned global opportunities. This led me to pursue a Master of Science in International Tourism Management (MSc. ITM) from Sheffield Hallam University, one of the top universities in the UK. This education equipped me with international best practices, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable destination development principles. It shifted my perspective from merely creating travel packages to creating enriching experiences that empower local communities.

Building on this, I was selected by Middlesex University, London, for an MBA, which honed my skills in leadership, consumer mindset, financial management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking. During my time in the UK, I worked at the Peak District National Park, providing sustainable tourism solutions, and offered insights on strategic decisions for Stevenage Borough council ‘s Fairlands Valley Park.

My travels across the global exposed me to diverse cultures and demonstrated how small countries leverage tourism as a development tool. Recognizing India’s vast potential for tourism development, I returned after my studies. I joined Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation which gave me opportunities to visit destinations and have stakeholder engagements across India which led to observing tourism’s economic, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Subsequently, I joined Structwel Designers and Consultants as a Senior Tourism Consultant, working on several government projects to develop new destinations. After gaining over a decade of experience, I founded Elysian Consultancy to focus on sustainable destination development planning.

I would say that my journey is a blend of personal passion for travelling, academic excellence, practical experience, and a profound commitment to sustainable tourism.” 

Q. With over 12 years of experience in the tourism industry, what are some of the most significant projects you’ve worked on, particularly those focusing on sustainable development? 

DP: “My journey in the tourism industry, spanning over 12 years, has been marked by significant projects focusing on sustainable development. Here’s a narrative of some of the most impactful ones:

I started my journey in sustainable tourism with Stevenage Borough Council, UK, where I developed Fairlands Valley Park. The project aimed to enhance visitor experiences and serve as a showcase for the Stevenage District Scouts. We analyzed tourism growth opportunities, involved the local community in planning, promoted eco-tourism, attracted responsible visitors, and introduced new activities. This made the area more self-sustainable and enriched the overall visitor experience.

At the Peak District National Park in the UK, I worked on sustainability and ecotourism for the Castleton area. This project involved aesthetic lake design, introducing a new café, revamping the play area, and providing management and marketing solutions. These efforts resulted in a significant increase in visitor numbers and heightened awareness about conserving the area.

One of the memorable projects back in India was the MTDC Bed and Breakfast Training for Homestays of Maharashtra. This involved conducting a Training Needs Analysis across Maharashtra. I travelled to various regions, interacting with B&B owners, customers, and suppliers to identify sector issues related to legislative, social, infrastructure, and business operations. Based on this analysis, we organized workshops to guide B&B owners on customer service, marketing, business management, and government regulations, leading to improved marketing and increased customer numbers.

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, I conducted a feasibility study for developing Sindhudurg District. Known for its serene beaches, historical forts, and rich folk art forms, Sindhudurg was declared Maharashtra’s first tourism district. Our assessment of infrastructure, sightseeing, and tourism facilities aimed to boost tourist arrivals and create work opportunities for locals.

Another notable project was the Master Plan for Panju Island in Vasai. This 600-acre eco-tourism destination, filled with fragile mangroves, required a sustainable approach. The plan included a pavilion with a restaurant, an activity centre, mangrove walks, agritourism, and village walks, aimed at generating self-sustainable income for the local community.

Working on the Ecotourism project in Pench National Park, Nagpur, Maharashtra, was another highlight. We developed a tourism complex, introduced agritourism, and integrated skill development among local communities through village walks and souvenir making. Additionally, I conducted nature guide training at Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Currently, my consultancy is engaged in Swadesh Darshan 2.0, a holistic development project under the Ministry of Tourism. We are focusing on infrastructure development and capacity building of local communities in states like Sikkim, Tripura, and Madhya Pradesh. By enhancing traditional skills in handicrafts, arts, and culture, we aim to integrate these elements into mainstream tourism jobs, enriching the tourism experiences for travellers.

One of the most ambitious projects we’re working on is the –holistic development of 16 villages in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Satara, Maharashtra. This involves planning infrastructure like roads, electricity, safe drinking water, waste management, public amenities, and tourism amenities such as homestays, treks, and wildlife safaris. This project aims to boost tourism, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development for both the forest and local communities.

These projects reflect my commitment to sustainable tourism development, enhancing local communities’ skills, and preserving cultural and natural heritage.”

Q. Could you provide an overview of the services offered by Elysian Consultancy?

DP: “Elysian Consultancy offers a range of services to promote sustainable tourism development. We create comprehensive master plans for destinations and prepare detailed project reports. Our financial feasibility studies assess project viability, while our market research identifies trends and opportunities. We develop unique tourism products and conduct training programs for skill development and capacity building. Additionally, we plan and implement community-based tourism and agritourism projects. We also provide solutions for fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing local communities, and creating memorable travel experiences.” 

Q. How does Elysian Consultancy differentiate itself from other consultancy firms in the tourism industry? 

DP: “Elysian Consultancy differentiates itself through a unique blend of local expertise and global best practices. We specialize in community-based tourism, integrating local culture and skills into tourism development. We emphasize sustainability, involving local communities in planning and execution, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and residents. We practice eco-friendly methods in our offices, and while conducting study tours we ensure to avoiding plastic and supporting local services for accommodations, food, and transport. Additionally, we offer industry training to students, providing hands-on experience in sustainable tourism. This holistic approach benefits a wide range of tourism industry stakeholders.

Elysian Consultancy differentiates itself through a unique blend of local expertise and global best practices. We specialize in community-based tourism, integrating local culture and skills into tourism development. We emphasize sustainability, involving local communities in planning and execution, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and residents. We practice eco-friendly methods in our offices, and while conducting study tours we ensure to avoiding plastic and supporting local services for accommodations, food, and transport. Additionally, we offer industry training to students, providing hands-on experience in sustainable tourism. This holistic approach benefits a wide range of tourism industry stakeholders.”

Q. Can you discuss the importance of community-based tourism development and how Elysian Consultancy integrates this into its projects? 

DP: “Community-based tourism development is essential because it directly involves local communities in the tourism process, ensuring that they benefit economically and socially. It helps preserve and promote local culture, traditions, and environments. By engaging locals in tourism activities, it creates job opportunities, enhances skills, and fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents. This approach leads to more sustainable tourism, as communities are incentivized to protect their natural and cultural resources, ensuring long-term benefits and a positive impact on both residents and visitors.

Elysian Consultancy places a strong emphasis on community-based tourism development as a cornerstone of its approach to sustainable tourism. By actively involving local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring they share in the economic benefits of tourism activities, Elysian Consultancy empowers these communities and enhances their socio-economic well-being. Cultural preservation is integral to their projects, as they promote authentic experiences that showcase local traditions and heritage, thereby enriching visitor experiences while safeguarding cultural identities. Environmental sustainability is also prioritized through advocacy for eco-friendly practices and support for initiatives that conserve natural resources and protect biodiversity. Elysian Consultancy invests in capacity building and education within communities, providing training in tourism-related skills to enhance local participation and benefit from tourism ventures. Collaboration with local stakeholders, NGOs, and government agencies ensures inclusive and transparent project development, fostering long-term resilience and alignment with community aspirations. Through these efforts, Elysian Consultancy strives to create sustainable tourism initiatives that not only benefit communities economically but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship for future generations.”

Q. What are your future goals for Elysian Consultancy, and how do you envision the company’s role in the evolving tourism industry.

DP: “At Elysian Consultancy, our future goals include expanding our work to more Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh , Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and North East sector while focusing on heritage conservation projects. We also aim to extend our expertise internationally, collaborating with organizations like UNESCO and UNWTO to develop community tourism and sustainable development in culturally rich countries. By leveraging our experience and innovative approaches, we envision playing a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry globally, enriching both local communities and visitors through meaningful and responsible travel experiences.”

Q: With your passion for adventure and wildlife, how has your personal experience shaped the vision and offerings of Globe N Beyond and Aranyamie Wilderness Safaris?

A: Our services are designed to provide authentic and immersive experiences that connect travelers with nature. Our first hand experiences enable us to curate customized tours, treks, wildlife trips and adventure camps that cater to thrill-seekers and nature lovers. These offerings are not just about visiting new places but about creating memorable experiences that inspire and educate.

Q: Could you give us an overview of what Globe N Beyond and Aranyamie Wilderness Safaris specialize in? What sets your companies apart in the tourism market?

A : Globe n Beyond specializes in customization of trips like sports tours,offbeat treks and destinations while Aranyamie’s forte is wildlife safaris. Choice of destinations, attention to detail and personalized services is what sets us apart in the tourism market.

Q: Can you provide insights into the sales performance of Globe N Beyond and Aranyamie Wilderness Safaris? What percentage of growth have you seen over the years?

A : Post covid era, both Aranyamie and Globe n Beyond (GnB) have seen a steady growth. In fact what we have noticed is there is a significant rise in wildlife segment, almost 15% as compared to previous years while GnB has seen an almost 15% to 18% rise in luxury and offbeat travel.

Q: How do you measure the success of your business apart from financial metrics? Are there any specific milestones or achievements that you are particularly proud of?

A: Our biggest success apart from financial metrics is our ever growing family of  repeat customers and the fact that most of our marketing happens by word of mouth. GnB will be completing 10 years of operation in 2025 while Aranyamie in just its 3rd year will be breaching 5k happy customers.

Q: Sustainable tourism is increasingly important today. How does Globe N Beyond and Aranyamie Wilderness Safaris integrate sustainability into their operations?

A: One of our biggest policies is to follow NO PLASTIC. We also are looking at providing souvenirs that are made out of recycled products where off late we have been giving out sunglasses which are made from recycled wafer packets.

Q: Are there any upcoming projects or expansions that you are excited about sharing with your clients and stakeholders?

A : Aranyamie Wilderness safaris will be coming up with some exciting new tours in Africa and Amazon.

1. What are some of the most pressing issues facing wildlife and animals in India today, and how does Wildlife SOS address these challenges?

There is a lack of awareness and tolerance in people regarding animals, and this leads to man animal conflict. One of the biggest challenges is to convince people, and evoke compassion and kindness toward animals. The next major issue is the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats due to human encroachment and infrastructure building. As a result, more animals seem to appear in urban landscapes. This escalates conflict situations with wild animals, mostly due to lack of awareness about this complex issue. Poaching for illegal wildlife trade is another huge threat to wildlife populations globally. This can be due to various factors such as luxury products, keeping exotic animals as pets and for unscientific medicinal uses. Another major predicament for the field of wildlife conservation is to find the financial resources to support meaningful initiatives, and the associated human resource to facilitate these initiatives.

2. Could you share some success stories or notable achievements of Wildlife SOS in rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals?

One of the biggest success stories is with the Kalandar community, where we rescued over 620 sloth bears, helped reform over 3,000 families and sent over 11,000 children to school so that they did not have to exploit sloth bears anymore. Today the same community has settled in alternative livelihood and they no longer think about exploitation of wild animals for supporting their families.

With the establishment of the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) and India’s first Elephant Hospital in Mathura, Wildlife SOS cares for over 30 elephants, including an injured female calf who was rescued from a train accident. 

We run and manage the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Maharashtra – established in 2007 – in collaboration with the forest department, caring for over 30 leopards. We also actively rescue leopards from conflict scenarios and rescue various wild animals from the threat of open wells in Maharashtra. The biggest achievement for leopard conservation in this landscape is that Wildlife SOS has reunited 110 leopard cubs since 2007, in partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department.

3. How does Wildlife SOS collaborate with government agencies, local communities, and other organizations to achieve its conservation goals? Share some ongoing projects or initiatives Wildlife SOS is currently involved in, and their impact on wildlife and animal welfare?

As mentioned earlier, there are several challenges to wildlife conservation. Wildlife SOS is involved in multiple initiatives to address and resolve these issues. Firstly, to combat the threat of open wells to wild animals in the Junnar landscape, Wildlife SOS is carrying out the Open Wells Conservation project in Maharashtra. Various groups, including the villagers and the state forest department are involved in the endeavour. Under the project, we have already covered 14 open wells in the state out of the 40 open wells planned to be covered. 

In partnership with the various state forest departments, Wildlife SOS is involved in conservation of species and their habitats. The organisation is carrying out radio-collaring projects on Himalayan brown bears, sloth bears and elephants.

In Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Bhopal, Wildlife SOS works toward rescuing, treating and rehabilitating tigers.

4. What are some of the innovative approaches or techniques Wildlife SOS employs in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts?

Under the aegis of the J&K Wildlife Protection department, a Himalayan brown bear radio-collaring project is being implemented in Kashmir to understand the anthropogenic pressures on the species, their behaviour and strategies for human-bear conflict mitigation within the region.

By joining hands with the Karnataka Forest Department, Wildlife SOS is implementing a sloth bear radio-collaring project to understand their behaviour, population density, and causes of human-bear conflict for the species using radio-collaring technique. 

With the help of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, we are also working with villagers and farmers to mitigate human-elephant conflict in the state. This is done after setting up early warning alert systems by researching elephant herd movement. As part of this initiative, the combined team has employed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to monitor and track the movement of elephant herds in the wild.

5. How does Wildlife SOS raise awareness about wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and related issues?

Every rescue we conduct is an opportunity to educate people and build mass awareness. It is important for people to understand the intrinsic value that every animal plays in every ecosystem. They are often unaware of how a frog, a snake or even a butterfly can indicate the health of our surrounding environment. Their very presence in any ecosystem is a reflection of that ecosystem’s health.

At our leopard rescue centre in Junnar, Maharashtra, we work with the local communities such as farmers and villagers to train and sensitise them about leopard avoidance behaviour. This minimises negative interaction between leopards and humans. The local communities understand the ecological role played by leopards and we make them realise that their forefathers farmed here while coexisting peacefully with leopards. Through this, we have been able to build tolerance in the local communities toward leopards.

We also worked for 20 years with Delhi police to sensitise policemen and the police control room. We even get calls from VIP locations if a snake or a bird is seen in distress. So people now inform our helpline instead of taking matters in their own hands. It is a result of our efforts to engage with citizens in raising awareness.

We run active outreach programs throughout the country and conduct awareness sessions with schools, colleges and even corporate offices.

1. Can you tell us about your extensive experience serving in the Indian Army, particularly in combat operations and anti-terrorist actions in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeastern states?

Navaz Shariff: “I have had the good fortune of serving the country with 33 years of decorated service in the Indian Army. I was actively involved in various counter insurgency & terrorism operations all over the country and abroad including Operation Pawan of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka.Other combat mission’s including militant tracking using K-9 tracker dogs in counter-terrorist operations in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Manipur and Mizoram. These operations resulted in the apprehension of numerous terrorists along with confiscation of huge amounts of arms and ammunitions used by the terrorists in subversive activities.”

2. What motivated you to conduct humanitarian veterinary aid camps in conflict-ridden areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh?

NS: “To answer this question, an understanding of the context of the abovementioned region is essential. Majority of the civilian population in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-Eastern states at the time are living below the poverty line. For a lot of them, animal husbandry was the only means to make a living. To assist the population that is dependent on animal husbandry, I was involved in various humanitarian and veterinary aid camps that assisted with deworming and vaccination of the animals along with any surgical interventions when necessary.

I trained the unemployed youth in animal husbandry, particularly in Sheep Rearing & Pig rearing to rehabilitate them and prevent them from leading a life of alcoholism and narcotic addictions. I also facilitated the process of helping them acquire soft loans from the State Bank of India to kickstart their farming and animal rearing farms. “

3. In your current role at People for Animals Wildlife Rescue, Conservation & Hospital in Bangalore, what are some of the key challenges you face in wildlife rescue and conservation efforts?

NS: “Being a non-profit organization dealing with high-risk situations on the daily, we constantly encounter wide variety of challenges. These include resource crunch, depleting forest lands / green covers, wildlife trafficking, increasing global temperatures and a severe lack of public awareness. Not all these issues are under our control, but we pride ourselves in working through struggles and making the most of every situation. Our work speaks for itself and over the years, it has gathered well-wishers who support us unconditionally. “

4. Achievements and contributions to PFA:

NS: “In the multifaceted role of both the Chief Veterinarian and General Manager of PfA Bengaluru, the first order of business was to streamline all the processes of the organization. Some of the notable improvements include a mobility boost to the 24×7 rescue operations in the form of more two and four wheeled ambulances which greatly improved our response times. When the inflow of injured animals was streamlined, we worked towards improving the quality of veterinary care by introducing an advance physio laser in combination with traditional acupuncture physiotherapy to boost the recovery period of injured wildlife under our care. To cite the effectiveness of the same, it reduced the recovery period of snakes with spinal injuries by 25-30%.

Establishment of a feather bank within the premises of PfA Bengaluru was another notable achievement. This enabled us to perform “imping” (feather implantation) on birds that have lost feathers due to injuries sustained to the wings. This method not only provides a higher chance of recovery but also a fast one. This had a significant positive impact on the success rate of our bird rescues and treatment.

Our latest successful venture was Operation Quench Thirst. My vision for this operation is to assist the wildlife consisting of spotted deers,wild boars,kites and peacocks of Turahalli Forest Reserve and B M Kaval Forest in combating the heat and prevent fatalities due to dehydration and animal-human interactions. With temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Bengaluru, PfA has delivered over 75,000 litres of water via water tankers into the forest to replenish natural watering holes as well as strategically placed concrete water rings. Since the inception of the second phase in March of 2024, reports of wild animal sightings outside the forests have seen a significant decline. “

5. How do you envision the future of wildlife conservation in Urban settings within India, considering the current growing urban infrastructure, environmental challenges and conservation efforts?

NS: “Time is of the essence when it comes to urban wildlife rescue and most of our efforts go into minimizing the response time. The vision of PfA Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre, in this light, is to expand our operations to reach more parts of the city to provide timely aid to all the voiceless creatures in need.

Despite our best efforts, we are but one organization. True wildlife conservation starts with public awareness. The day Manja ceases to be in use, the day urban construction work stops happening unplanned, the day our public becomes aware of the pest controllers and pollinators who live amidst us, that is the future that we are working towards through our wildlife conservation efforts.”

As a freelance writer in the field of conservation, how do you approach storytelling to raise awareness about wildlife and environmental issues?

Bhavna Menon: ”My vision as a storyteller is to raise awareness about the people who are making a difference on the ground with regard to conservation or environmental interventions. If I can help highlight the issues from the lens of the person executing solutions, it helps in giving a holistic perspective.” 

In your role as a consultant at Earth Focus Foundation and PashooPakshee what were the specific areas of work you were involved in? and how do Earth Focus and PashooPakshee contribute to the field of conservation?

BM: ”I have been involved in the space of conservation for 10+ years, wherein I have been engaged with conservation outreach, creation of alternate livelihoods and capacity building with the Forest Department. However, specific to Earth Focus Foundation (EF) I was engaged in capacity of partnership building, fund raising and outreach, to create larger awareness about the work being done by the organisation. 

With PashooPakshee (PP), I was involved with communications and marketing the Crafts for Conservation outlet at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. EF is working in the Kanha landscape for foundational education (Maths, Hindi and now also working on a biodiversity curriculum) and development in the primary schools and anganwadis in the buffer zone villages, while also engaging with the community members in villages for restoration of  land with regard to agriculture, thereby ensuring food security to the villagers, income via Government schemes and reducing distress migration to the cities, thereby maintaining the social fabric of the villages, and strengthening students participation, attendance and learning  in the schools. 

PP on the other hand, is working with community members across Pench, Kanha and Panna with regard to alternate livelihood, wherein the community members are trained in putting together of contextual, nature inspired responsible souvenirs, which not only gives them a source of livelihood, but helps in reducing Human- Wildlife conflict. The sustainable source of income reduces dependency on forest products (spending time in the forest would bring people directly in conflict with wild animals) and allows people to work from the safety of their homes.”

When writing about conservation issues, how do you navigate the ethical considerations, ensuring accurate representation while maintaining public interest?

BM: “In my opinion, rather than worrying about public interest, it is important to stick to the facts of a story instead of sensationalising it for the sake of readers. Also, if there is genuine work being done on the ground, it will automatically attract public interest while representing the exact nature of work. When you talk about ethics, it is important to do sufficient ground work, and I usually make sure to either visit the project or person in question to the extent possible, rather than relying on here say.”

Balancing roles as a consultant, writer, and director can be challenging. How do you manage these various responsibilities, and do you find synergy between them?

BM: “Yes! It is definitely challenging to juggle different roles. However, my work is centred around what I believe is my forte. Conservation and responsible tourism. Whatever roles I may essay, at the core of it, it contributes to the verticals mentioned, and that’s how the necessary synergy is achieved. Love for my work is of course another factor that contributes significantly.   I have learnt to manage my responsibilities by being more disciplined, and carving out a daily schedule I follow, to do justice to the work in question.” 

Looking ahead, what do you envision as the future of wildlife conservation, and what role do you see yourself playing in shaping that future?

BM: “The future of conservation is, and always will be the community members living around our Protected Areas. I hope to continue working with the people, their skill sets, traditional knowledge and opinion, to pave the way forward for long – term safeguarding of our wilderness spaces.”

Q. Can you share a brief overview of your early career and how you entered the field of forestry and wildlife management?

Sunil Limaye: ”During my college days, I was not sure what exactly I was to do. Normally, the people who are taking science in 11th or 12th grade always think that they want to become doctors or engineers. But if they can’t, they don’t have any plan B. The same thing happened to me when I did my graduation in geology. Thereafter, I started giving the exam. But before that, during my college days, I used to go a lot in the jungle because I am from Kolhapur. Radhanagiri and Dajipur are two famous places in Kolhapur. Most of the people who go to that area go hiking and trekking. And that’s where I started loving the forest. So, after my graduation, I decided I should join the army because that was my first preference. But when I didn’t get into the army, I took the examination of a range forest officer. And in my first go, I fought to the range for the exam. I joined at Chandrapur. While doing the training, I got selected for the next higher post, which is the assistant forest contractor. Then, I had my one-second training in Coimbatore. After doing the training, I was doing my probationary period in the Bundiya area. Meanwhile, in 1987, I appeared for the Indian Forest Service examination. Once again, I got selected. And I joined the forest service in 1988. Thus, for 6-7 years, I was undergoing training and various postings. And finally, I got into IFS. So, I will say, as I used to love the forest, I used to love wildlife, and I used to move in the forest area. That helped me get into the forest service. And it was my pleasure. Then, in 1988, I did my training at Dehradun. I came to Maharashtra in 1990. And until 1992, I was really a happy person. All the time, I served the forest department. I had one stint as the Additional Tribal Commissioner of Ambalvati, where I worked for the Tribal Development Department. I had my BSF postings at Alibaug, Satara, and Budhapur. But more than half of my period of service was in wildlife. I think I would be the first person in Maharashtra who has worked as DCF Wildlife, that is, Deputy Conservator, then Conservator, then Chief Conservator, then Additional PCCF, and finally PCCF Wildlife. So, my destiny was a forest. And I was very happy in the forest department. And whatever I get in my life, I always owe it to the forest department and the forest. So, this is my service. So, I started preparing for the competitive exam in 1984. Until 1990, I was giving the examination training. And from 1990 onwards, my career started as a forest officer”.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in forestry, and how did you find your initial experiences in the Indian Forest Service?

SL: ”As I told you my background, I was a geology student. So, getting into GSDA or GSI was our prime target. However, another goal was to join the army. From my side, that is, from my family, there was no one in the army. Some people were there. There used to be one, my uncle, who was in the army. But in the recent past, there was no one in the army. So, my first choice was to get into the army. But I told you it was my love and passion. My initial years during my college days were the first year of my graduation, the second year, and the third year. We moved a lot in the jungle. I had two very nice teachers with me in college. One was Mr. Bagi, because of whom I got into Gokhale College. And I was doing my graduation. Another one was Mr. Jagdale. He taught us how to go to the forest area, how to read the forest, and how to enjoy the wildlife. And because of that, I got into the forest. During my initial years, I was really happy as a D.C.A. I worked a lot at many places. Alibaug was quite challenging because a lot of problems were there regarding the encroachment on forest land. During my tenure as an additional tribal commissioner, I really enjoyed it. I was working for the welfare of the tribal people. I did a lot of things so that they would get a proper education. I shifted many tribal students to a very nice English school, which is Sanjeevan School. Many people helped me. One thing I can tell you is that if you are really in love with the forest, I think there is no better service than the Forest Department Service. So during all my tenure, it was wildlife, wildlife, wildlife, and people’s welfare. So I really enjoyed all my postings as D.C.A., C.A., and C.C.A. And once I became Additional Commissioner, that was mainly the policy. But every Saturday and Sunday, I kept my routine to go into the forest area and stay with the forest personnel, who were the frontline staff”.

Q. Could you share a memorable experience or success story from your tenure as Director of Sanjay Gandhi National Park that stands out in your mind?

SL: ”Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s director post is a challenging one. I joined there in May. Two big problems were there. The first was to remove the encroachment from the border area of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. That was my own problem. That was the department’s problem. But another problem was that many people used to think that there were a lot of leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. They don’t have a big prey base. That’s why they can’t survive in the park. And they come out of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and they attack the people. And that was a myth. As a forest worker, I knew that that was a myth. But it was very important to repel that myth and dispel that myth. So, one of my friends, Vidyarth Rishi, suggested me, let us do a project. So, we started one project called Mumbai Curse for Sanjay Gandhi National Park. And we went under, living with the leopards. So, first, we studied whether a leopard really has enough prey over there. We got the answer: yes, enough prey is there. Then we started finding out why the leopard was going out. Then we found out that an easy prey base was there. The dogs are there, the pigs are there, and the rodents are there. And why are they there? Because a lot of debris is there. Then we contacted all the stakeholders: local people, people staying in surrounding societies, municipal corporations, police, revenue officials, naturalists, and biologists. And we made it a citizen’s project. We decided that anybody who wanted to know about this project should come to the park and do all this work. Another thing is that we made our people, the forest officials, responsible people. When people used to complain regarding this leopard problem, we used to react. But we totally changed that. We started responding to the people. We started telling them that the main problem lies with us. We are creating problems for the leopard. We have already encroached on the leopard’s land. So, now either give the leopard his land back to him or you stay away from the forest area. But that was not easy for the people either. Then we decided we should behave in such a way that whatever leopard needs, we won’t provide. So leopards will not come into our territory. And it is a huge success. Many attacks, they stop. People now understand that leopards are not attacking them. Normally, 90% are accidents. And people are avoiding the things to do that are liked by the leopard. And that project, which is called Mumbai Coverage GMP, or Living with the Leopard, going pretty strong for the last 12 years. And I think that was the biggest achievement for any person who has worked in Sanjay Gandhi National Park”.

Q. Being recognized with the naming of a new species of gecko and spider is quite an honor. How does such recognition impact your perspective on the work you’ve done?

SL: “Yes, that was also a real story. It’s a funny story actually. I am not responsible for discovering any of these species. One is a day gecko that is called Nemaspis Limaye. And another is a jumping spider of HGMP that is called Zalzego Sunil Limaye. Both the names have been given by the researcher to those species just to honor me. Because when I was a college student, whenever I used to move in the forest area of Kolhapur and nearby areas, we never got the accommodation to stay. We never got any help from the forest officials. So when I became a forest officer, I decided I should always help the local people. I should always help the researcher. So many times researchers used to come and stay in my house till they complete their project. So one person, Rajesh Shanab, was there with me. Then another was Amit Syed, he also was there with me. And these two persons, they discovered two new species and these names were given. So I always tell them when you get some important position, when you are in a position to help the people, always help the people and that will always repay you.So whenever people think that Leemai is a great scientist and he had discovered it, I always tell them this example. It is not me, but it is the people whom I have helped a little bit. They are trying to repay whatever I have helped them in this way. So this was the best experience for me and another best thing that I could get from them is I also got an idea, what is the research, how research is being done, what is the help that they require and how those people can help the forest department”

Q. Were there instances where you faced resistance or difficulties in implementing conservation measures, and how did you overcome them?

SL: “Yes, a lot of problems were there during my first posting at Kolhapur. I was trying to see that there should not be any unauthorized mining in forest areas. So a very big company was against me. They tried to influence our minister, they harassed me like anything. But I did not budge and I could fight with them with the help of the local people and of course with the higher judiciary. I always see that the higher judiciary always helps the forest department when the question of wildlife conservation comes. So that was my big experience. So I understood when I have to fight with big people, I have to be very street smart, I have to be good with the local people. Even during the Sanjay Gandhi National Park tenure, when my first job was to remove the encroachment, I took local people with me. I started telling them, why should encroachment be removed? And that helped me a lot because removing the encroachment from the border of Sanjay Gandhi is a very difficult job. Honorable Mumbai High Court has given an order in 1997 that within the next 18 months, the encroachment should be removed. For the first 25 years, we are fighting tooth and nail with all these people. It is pretty difficult to remove the encroachment. So removing the encroachment from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, that was a big task. And I could do it because of my staff’s cooperation, my good relation with other people and of course with the help of the higher judiciary. And that has left an indelible mark in my mind. Because if you want to do some good work, many people will be against you. But if you are clear in your thoughts, if you are clear what you want to do, if you are clear that you have to do it for the forest and future generations, I think most of the people will help you”.

Q. Since your last posting as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), what have been your engagements or contributions to wildlife conservation, and do you have ongoing projects or initiatives?

SL: “The best part I think when I was PCC for life was that we decided we came with a 10 years plan for our state, Maharashtra state. My predecessor, Mr. Kakodkar, who is a very good wildlife expert, who is my friend, decided we should have a 10 years perspective plan for the Maharashtra state that what we are to do in the next 10 years for wildlife management. And that has come up very nicely. It is in the implementation stage. Also, we had decided to have at least one transit treatment centre in every district of Maharashtra. We started that way and the biggest problem was the man-animal conflict. Mainly the conflict with the tigers in Chandrapur, Nagpur area. And all over Maharashtra, it is the conflict with labor. Another new conflict has started in Gadichuruli and part of Kolhapur Sindhu, that is the elephant problem with the elephants. So we started doing a lot of work, awareness programs, people support and we have come up with a very nice standard operating procedure on how to deal with man-animal conflict. Another great thing we started is the translocation of a good population of tigers from one place to another. We started with Nagjira and hopefully within the next few months or a year, we will translocate some tigers from Nagpur, Chandrapur area to Sainadi tiger research that is in western Maharashtra. Great. For young individuals who are aspiring to contribute to wildlife conservation”.

Q. For young individuals aspiring to contribute to wildlife conservation, what advice would you offer based on your extensive experience?

SL: “The best advice I can give to the people, if you are really interested in wildlife or the forest, if you have got a passion for the forest, please come join the forest service. You can do the research also, that is the best part. But we need good administrators also because when you have research with you and the good people there in the administration, we are required to save our forest. It is only 21% forest that is there in India, same in Maharashtra. At least we have to conserve that forest. We are increasing the forest and it is a pretty difficult job. It is next to impossible. But courts are there with us, higher judiciary is always with us. So when we have to conserve our forest, that means we have to preserve the forest. At the same time, we have to try to increase the forest. If not possible, at least we can increase the tree cover. And for that purpose, we require intelligent officers and at the same time passionate officers. Because if you have got intelligence but if you don’t have the passion, then you cannot be a good forest officer. You need to have the passion. So all the people interested in research, interested in studies, if you have got the passion, join the forest service. Forest service is one of the noble services that one can say, just like doctors, teachers. But I will request all the passionate nature lovers to come and join the forest service”.

Q. Can you share with us what initially sparked your interest in wildlife photography, and how did you embark on your journey as a wildlife photographer?

Shivang Mehta: ”I have always been an outdoor person and for me spending time with nature in the form of hikes, outdoor adventures kept me going in my teens. My love for outdoors took me to the Corbett landscape and memories of Corbett stories resonated with the woods of Kumaon. From being a tourist visiting national parks, I trained myself as a naturalist in early 2000s and photography became a by-product for me to document my exploration and experiences with the natural world”.

Q. What sets wildlife photography apart from other forms of photography, and what challenges do you typically encounter in capturing compelling wildlife images?

SM: ”Wildlife photography as genre is where the subject isn’t under your control. You have to rely on the natural light for a majority of the work you do. So this is one genre where apart from developing the technical skills one has to keep learning the art of photography and decisions have to be made at the split of a second as moments in the wild are not repeated. A moment missed is a moment gone forever”

Q. How do you approach ethical considerations when photographing wildlife, especially in terms of respecting the animals’ natural behaviour and habitats?

SM: ”A sound research and understanding of the subject, the environment and habitats and the behaviour is critical for any wildlife photographer. Knowing what can cause harm to a specie or it’s habitat is imperative and for that I would normally do a lot of planning for any project by reading about the species, talking to experts who have worked on that species and learning from any previous work done on that subject. Use of technology in today’s time enhances your productivity but knowing the boundaries of the extent to which technology should and can be used comes with this critical research and planning.”

Q. Can you walk us through your typical process when preparing for a wildlife photography expedition, from planning and equipment selection to on-site shooting techniques?

SM: ”Different expeditions and projects require different planning and preparation. A project that requires being on foot versus projects where you need to work using a vehicle. The approach would be different depending on field scenarios like dust, weather, terrain, facilities and logistics available on the field. Once all these aspects are narrowed down then I would think of the kind of equipment needed and what kind of protection the equipment needs as well.”

Q. What role do conservation and environmental awareness play in your work as a wildlife photographer, and how do you aim to inspire others through your images?

SM: ”Photography is a powerful medium of wildlife conservation. The visual form connects with the audience in an impactful way. They say that an image can speak a 1000 words and that’s what great wildlife images do – be it educating people about species, their behaviour or a conservation issue depicted through a storytelling image. My aim is to sensitise people and specially the communities sharing space with wildlife through the medium of my photographic work.” 

Q. What advice would you offer to aspiring wildlife photographers who are just starting their journey in this field?

SM: ”Consider yourself to be blessed in a country which has this unique biodiversity of flora and fauna. A country with plethora of stories of conflicts and coexistence with wildlife. Think beyond flagship species like tigers and think how impactful stories can be told through the medium of imagery”.