Krithi Karanth on Community-Driven Conservation

Conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife. It’s about making it possible for people and animals to coexist. In this episode of B-Sides: The Deeper Side of Leadership, host Lorelle Atkinson speaks with Dr. Krithi Karanth, Director at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, whose work sits at this critical intersection. Growing up in the forests of India, she developed an early connection to wildlife that continues to shape her approach today. From helping farmers access compensation for wildlife-related losses to building trust between communities and conservation systems, Karanth focuses on practical, community-driven solutions. Through initiatives like Wild Seve and her work as a children’s author, she is also inspiring the next generation to care about biodiversity. This conversation offers a grounded look at conservation rooted in empathy, education, and coexistence.