Center for Wildlife Studies India
India's largest nature conservation organization is CWS (Center for Wildlife Studies). India boasts a rich and diverse biodiversity. Numerous wild animal and plant species make India's natural environment unique. CWS is committed to harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The organization achieves this through wildlife research, activities to protect endangered species and their habitats, and community empowerment.
Miranda and Krithi met during the International Wildlife Congress in Norway. Dr. Krithi Karanth is the CEO of CWS. Her father founded CWS, and Krithi continues her father's work with great passion. Thanks to her university degree in Environmental Sciences and postdoctoral research in ecotourism at Columbia University (United States), she can now train other scientists dedicated to wildlife conservation. In collaboration with Manipul University India, PhD candidates can pursue their PhDs in one of CWS's wildlife sanctuaries. CWS is committed to truly sustainable ecotourism.
The way CWS combines poverty reduction and nature conservation is inspiring. In agricultural areas, people and wildlife live in close proximity. When wildlife causes damage, this can have a significant impact on people already living in poverty. And when people's livelihoods are threatened, there is also the risk that people will want to kill these wild animals. CWS engages in dialogue with affected people and compensates them for the damage they have suffered. CWS also works with local residents to find solutions that allow people and animals to live together in harmony and safety. In addition, there is a health program for people living near nature reserves. This program focuses on preventing the transmission of diseases from animals to humans and from humans to animals.
Educational programs for children are designed to help younger generations grow up knowing about wildlife. More than 1,490 schools use these educational wildlife programs, reaching almost 70,000 children!
Project LiON
The Lion-tailed Macaque is the most endangered monkey species in India. It is endemic to India. Fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain, and their habitat is rapidly declining due to human impact. To save the species, swift action is needed! That's why Cross Nature supports CWS in its research on the Lion-tailed Macaque and its efforts to preserve the forests where the monkeys live.
Watch this motivating video from CWS to learn more about wildlife conservation in India:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvN58ouA4u8