This article has been published in partnership with Rainmatter Foundation.

In India, humans and animals have shared spaces for centuries, coexisting in a delicate balance that reflects our deep connection with nature. However, as rapid urbanisation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change disrupt this harmony, these interactions l are turning strained, often leading to conflict. Beginning to understand the many species that we share our landscapes with, and how organisations and citizens across the country are finding innovative, collaborative and impactful ways to ensure better coexistence, can be the beginning of building new narratives around shared spaces.

Highlighting these success stories is crucial, as they provide a blueprint for the future, showing that coexistence is not just possible but essential.

To shine a light on these solutions, The Better India partnered with Rainmatter Foundation — a non-profit by Zerodha dedicated to climate action, environmental health, and sustainable livelihoods.

Addressing human-wildlife conflicts requires a multi-pronged approach, involving community-led conservation, government-supported habitat restoration, and collaboration with organisations focused on conflict mitigation. Implementing effective land-use practices to reduce habitat fragmentation, along with promoting sustainable agriculture, livestock insurance, and alternative livelihood options, can help ease the socio-economic pressures on communities while fostering a more tolerant coexistence with wildlife.

To spark a broader conversation and emphasise the urgent need for action, we spotlight four key species and seven organisations leading the way. Their work offers hope and a roadmap for a future where humans and wildlife can live together........

© The Better India