Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, spoke at the Thinkedu conclave in Chennai, emphasizing the vital role of local communities in protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change.
During her talk, Sahu shared a touching story from a project focused on the Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat. A tribal woman highlighted the importance of certain grasses that the tahr needs to survive. Sahu and her team later confirmed that cultivating these grasses is essential for the tahr’s well-being. This illustrates how local knowledge can lead to effective conservation strategies.
She also discussed a successful initiative involving the communities near mangroves. They proposed a fish-bone canal model that combines fresh and brackish water for the mangroves, enhancing their growth. Sahu described this as a “miracle of nature,” showcasing how local solutions can thrive.
When asked how young people can contribute, Sahu mentioned several government programs, including the Green Flag Fellowship and bio-incubation centers in schools. These initiatives encourage youth to engage in biodiversity and conservation projects.
Another touching story was shared about an elderly woman in Pichavaram. After losing family members to natural disasters, she took it upon herself to protect the remaining mangroves, showing the deep connection between people and their environment.
Jyotin Kutty Sastabhavan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Tata Motors, highlighted his company’s shift toward sustainability post-COVID. He noted that the chairman introduced a new approach focused on respecting the Earth, which includes goals for net-zero emissions, circular economy practices, and renewable energy.
To deepen their understanding of biodiversity, Tata Motors invited experts from around the world for discussions. They also assessed the pollution levels around their operations and mapped their supply chain to implement effective sustainability measures.
These discussions reflect a growing trend in corporate responsibility and community involvement in environmental efforts. With nearly 90% of people supporting local conservation initiatives, it’s clear that both individual and collective actions are critical in the fight against climate change.
For more insights on climate initiatives, check out the United Nations’ climate change resources.
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Supriya Sahu,Biodiversity Conservation,TNIE ThinkEdu 2026
