A Vision for a Regenerative Future
A Sanctuary Report
Imagine a world where clean water flows freely for everyone, without reliance on large filtration systems or inefficient dams. A place where food is not merely abundant but rich in the nutrients that keep us alive and healthy. Picture a society where the economy flourishes, wellbeing is no longer a sought-after ambition, and where every individual has the opportunity and resources to pursue their aspirations. This is the vision that The Habitats Trust (THT) seeks to manifest – a vibrant and resilient environment that amplifies human potential and facilitates desired progress in every aspect of life.
Founded in 2018 by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, and Shikhar Malhotra, CEO and Vice-Chairman of HCL Healthcare, THT is focused on addressing some of the most pressing developmental challenges arising from biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, and global water scarcity. It is committed to undertake pioneering work that goes beyond sustainability and offers regenerative models to secure our future.
An unmanned remotely operated vehicle (ROV) tested as a means to explore and survey reef habitats lying beyond the depth limits of conventional scuba-assisted methods. Photo Courtesy: The Habitats Trust.
In its relatively short existence, The Habitats Trust has expanded its footprint to over six lakh hectares across 26 states in India. THT's initiatives span a wide array of conservation efforts, including terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem protection, marine conservation, ecological restoration, and advocacy for policy changes. The Trust is also involved in fostering education and catalysing further environmental actions. THT currently supports and executes over 50 projects in partnership with more than 100 organisations. These partners include government agencies, Indian armed forces, local champions, sports personalities, and other grassroots organisations, all working collaboratively to address critical environmental challenges. THT's initiatives aim to restore vital ecosystem functions, promote economic resilience, and empower people through innovative and solutions driven
by technology.
A key innovation championed by THT is its work in bioacoustics to estimate the hoolock gibbon population, a Critically Endangered species. By developing a model that isolates the gibbon’s vocalisations from the ambient forest sounds, THT has created a more effective method that may help monitor the species and its habitat. This is just one example of how the Trust integrates technology into its conservation efforts. THT also uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore mesophotic coral reefs for the first time in India, and has developed tools to measure environmental consciousness among frontline forest staff, which helps in motivating them to remain steadfast in their efforts despite the tough conditions.
THT’s efforts extend beyond biological and field research; it also harnesses the power of storytelling as a means of raising awareness. The Trust has produced over 190 films in 25 Indian languages and dialects, many of which have won prestigious awards, including two National Awards. These films play an essential role in educating the public about environmental issues, inspiring action and generating global dialogue about vital conservation threats and solutions.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Indian Navy, The Habitats Trust, and HCL Foundation, towards collaborative nature conservation, bridging critical knowledge gaps, and reducing the Indian Navy's ecological footprint. Photo Courtesy: The Habitats Trust.
Under the leadership of Rushikesh Chavan, THT has pioneered a charter for a nature-positive integrated framework that addresses the interconnectedness of challenges surrounding biodiversity loss, climate change, and human development. Unlike traditional approaches that place these conjoined threats in silos, THT’s multi-pronged approach recognises the need for an interdisciplinary, integrated, and holistic approach that spans ecology, technology, policy and human well-being. The Trust’s core values – collaboration, innovation, authenticity, accountability, empathy and joy – guide its work and ensure that its efforts are not just effective but humane and inclusive. It has become a problem-solving organisation that combines expertise across disciplines that include ecology, economics, social psychology, biomimetics, data science, and policy advocacy.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Co-founder and Trustee, The Habitats Trust and Producer of the 'On the Brink' series received the 70th National Film Award from the President of India for the Best Non Feature Film, Promoting Social and Environmental Values for the film 'Gharial'. Photo Courtesy: The Habitats Trust.
A significant THT initiative is its work in Lakshadweep, an archipelago off India’s southwestern coast. THT is also working on a regenerative development model that incorporates key principles of biomimicry, to address critical challenges that include energy production, waste management, responsible tourism, and water security. It is also focused on the ecological restoration of coral reefs and seagrass beds in the region. If successful, the project could transform Lakshadweep into a global model for climate-resilient development and regenerative living.
The Habitats Trust's innovative approach seeks solutions to the complex challenges emanating from the twin threats of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. It uses conservation, technology, regenerative development and thoughtful leadership to craft multi-solving, living models. Through its innovative projects, strong partnerships and commitment to integrated solutions, THT illuminates the way to a future where all life can thrive.
The Trust’s vision addresses critical ecological concerns even as it empowers people to lead healthier, economically secure lives that inspire positive global change that reveals pathways toward a brighter, resilient future for life on Earth.
About THT: sanctuarynaturefoundation.org/article/meet-rushikesh-chavan
For more information, write to rushikesh.c@thehabitatstrust.org
