India, with its rich ecological heritage, is home to four of the world’s 36 global biodiversity hotspots—the Western Ghats, Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland. Yet, despite this immense natural wealth and its growing vulnerability, only 7.9% of CSR spending in India in FY 2022–23 was directed toward environment and sustainability. This disconnect is particularly concerning in light of global trends, with the IPBES warning that over 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activities.
In an era marked by ecological imbalance and climate uncertainty, biodiversity conservation is no longer a choice. The role of businesses, especially under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandates, has evolved from mere compliance to becoming catalysts of ecological transformation. It is a unique position to be able to revolutionize an area of social development. Without any onus of constituents or hard boundaries in research and implementation, CSR has the opportunity to pick anywhere in an open field to enhance existing systems or create disruptive change.
But what has been this disruptive change in biodiversity conservation? What does it take to truly be a trailblazer in biodiversity conservation?
It’s not just about planting trees or funding animal rescue programs. It’s about vision, integration, innovation, and community engagement. It’s about going beyond tokenism to create a measurable, long-term impact. Here’s how some of India’s leading companies are doing exactly that.
1. Tata Chemicals Limited
Tata Chemicals has embedded ecological conservation deep within its sustainability goals.
Tata Chemicals collaborated with the Gujarat Forest Department to secure over 1,200 open wells in Gir to protect Asiatic lions. It has also been noted an increase in the number of Gir Lions from 674 to 891 in 5 years as per the 16th Lion Census (2025). Their “Save the Whale Shark” initiative with the Wildlife Trust of India has saved over 800 whale sharks since 2004. Over 3,000 sq m of artificial coral reefs have been created in Mithapur, helping marine biodiversity thrive. The 150-acre botanical reserve in Mithapur preserves over 21 native plant species and supports diverse bird life.
Trailblazer Element: Multi-dimensional approach — marine, terrestrial, and species-specific conservation with community and government partnerships.
2. Blending Ecology and Livelihoods: JSW Foundation
Since 2016, JSW Foundation has restored over 380 hectares of mangroves in Raigad, Maharashtra, by planting 2 million+ saplings. These mangroves stabilise coastlines and enable communities to engage in sustainable crab farming and pisciculture.
Trailblazer Element: Linking biodiversity regeneration with community livelihoods and climate resilience.
3. Circular Ecosystems: Indore Zoo’s Zero Waste Model
With CSR support from Godrej Products Limited from 2025, Indore Zoo is on the path to transition to India’s first zero-waste zoo, managing over 500 kg of daily waste through composting and recycling.
Trailblazer Element: Integrating biodiversity education, waste management, and circular economy principles into a public institution.
So what exactly sets trailblazers apart in the biodiversity conservation space?
According to India’s CSR Outlook Report 2024, over ₹26,000 crore was spent on CSR, with nearly 34% allocated to environment and sustainability. Yet, only a fraction is strategically directed toward biodiversity. With India home to 8% of global biodiversity, home to 4 of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots, corporate involvement is critical.
Maturity Scale of Biodiversity Initiatives
Understanding where your organisation stands on the Maturity Scale of Biodiversity Initiatives is the first step toward meaningful action. Whether your current efforts are limited to symbolic tree plantations or you’re already investing in ecosystem-wide regeneration, this framework helps assess the depth, intentionality, and impact of your biodiversity initiatives.
This maturity scale is not a ranking, it’s a roadmap. Understanding where you are today helps you chart a credible path toward becoming a nature-positive enterprise tomorrow.
Being a trailblazer in biodiversity conservation doesn’t require grand gestures — it requires consistency, courage, and community impact. In a time where nature needs champions more than ever, businesses have the power — and the responsibility — to lead the way.
