Zeenat, a tigress recently relocated to the Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha, has captured the attention of wildlife experts and conservationists alike. Her journey—traversing nearly 150 kilometers across Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal in a matter of weeks—has become both a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of the urgent challenges in wildlife conservation.
While her movement is natural for tigers in search of new territory or mates, it underscores a pressing issue: the fragmentation of wildlife corridors in eastern India. “Tigers like Zeenat need contiguous habitats to thrive. Her frequent crossings highlight the danger posed by shrinking corridors, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts,” said Himanshu Kumar, Director of the Aadivasi Welfare Foundation (AWF).
Restoring Wildlife Corridors Through Tree Plantations
To address this challenge, AWF has spearheaded efforts to restore degraded landscapes around critical habitats like the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and Simlipal Tiger Reserve. With a commitment to forest restoration in India, AWF has planted over 8 million trees, creating safer pathways for wildlife and contributing to carbon footprint reduction through trees.
“Conservation isn’t just about saving individual species like Zeenat; it’s about rebalancing ecosystems and enabling coexistence,” Kumar added.
CSR Tree Plantation: Partnering for Conservation and ESG Impact
AWF’s conservation work, supported by partners like GrowTree, Rotary, and ImpactGuru, offers vast opportunities for CSR leaders to enhance their ESG goals. Through CSR tree plantation programs, companies can support custom tree planting projects tailored to ecological needs, such as restoring tiger corridors or creating sustainable tree plantations that benefit wildlife and local communities.
These initiatives also drive carbon-neutral events, reduce carbon footprints, and empower rural women through nature-based livelihoods. Partner with AWF to create lasting environmental and social impact while aligning with global sustainability goals.
Empowering Communities with Livelihoods and Social Impact Gifts
AWF’s efforts go beyond reforestation. The foundation actively engages local communities, particularly women, by providing alternative livelihoods such as honeybee farming, fisheries, and crafting social impact gifts like eco-friendly handicrafts. These initiatives reduce dependency on forest exploitation and foster a sense of ownership over conservation efforts.
AWF also promotes innovative campaigns such as “Gift a Tree in India,” allowing individuals and organizations to donate trees as meaningful gifts. This approach merges personal gestures with impactful contributions to conservation.
AWF’s model, combining reforestation, community empowerment, and corporate collaboration, offers a blueprint for addressing these challenges. “By planting trees and restoring ecosystems, we’re not just protecting tigers like Zeenat—we’re securing the future of countless species and the communities that depend on these forests,” Kumar emphasized.
Join the Movement
AWF invites corporations, individuals, and organizations to support its conservation efforts. From nonprofit tree donation programs to innovative social impact gifting, there are multiple ways to make a difference. For more information or to partner with AWF, email info@awf.co.in.
Zeenat’s journey reminds us that every action—whether planting a tree or funding a wildlife corridor—can create ripples of change. It’s time to act for the planet, for wildlife, and for future generations.
