Moving Forests with Keshav Sharma

The Dark Side of Wildlife Conservation | Dr. Kartik Shanker | Moving Forests | EP- 21

Founder Trustee, Dakshin Foundation, Evolutionary Ecologist, Indian Institute of Science, Marine biologist and writer Dr. Kartik Shanker has spent decades studying sea turtles, coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them. Today, he explains why conservation is far more complicated than simply protecting charismatic animals like tigers and turtles. We discuss: • How one sea turtle changed his life • Why conservation efforts can sometimes harm local communities • What scientists got wrong about turtle populations • Why ecosystems matter more than individual species • How coastal communities can lead conservation • His journey as a scientist, writer, and teacher. This conversation goes beyond wildlife photography and social media narratives to explore the deeper realities of ecology, science, and conservation in India. If you care about wildlife, marine ecosystems, indigenous knowledge, climate, or the future of conservation, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more long-form conversations on wildlife, ecology, conservation, movement, and storytelling. If you like what you see, please follow the journey, review us and share the episode with someone who will find value in the same.

The Hidden World of Tiger Conservation Nobody Sees | Amy Van Gelder | Moving Forests | EP-20

Most people think wildlife conservation is only about scientists and animals in the forest. But behind every rescued animal, protected tiger, and conservation success story, there are people working tirelessly to make it happen. Today, I am speaking with Amy van Gelder, Communications Specialist at WildCats Conservation Alliance. Amy shares how storytelling, local communities, conservation teams, and digital communication all play a huge role in protecting wild Tigers and Amur leopards. In this episode, you will learn: • How wildlife conservation really works • Why local communities are essential for protecting animals • How storytelling can inspire real-world action and funding • What happens behind the scenes in tiger conservation • Why communication is just as important as fieldwork Amy also shares a powerful story about rescuing a slow loris and how one small act changed her life's trajectory. This episode is for anyone who loves wildlife, conservation, storytelling, and understanding how real change happens in nature. If you like what you see, please subscribe, follow, like, review and share it with someone who will find value.

She Came to India for Work & Ended Up Changing an Entire Ecosystem | Janie O’Connor- ARC GOA | EP-19

This is the story of a woman who came to India for work… and ended up transforming an entire ecosystem.It began with one injured puppy on the beach and today, her work has helped reduce rabies and manage stray dog populations through one simple, powerful approach: sterilisation and vaccination.In the coming episode we explore the deeper truth behind stray dogs, fear, and what actually works on the ground.We talk about many things:• How and where Janie began her journey and how real change often starts without a plan.• How misinformation fuels fear• What truly works (and what doesn’t)• The reality of running an NGO for 20+ years Today, we go beyond rescue; into fear, misinformation, and what actually works to change an entire system.This is the story of how ecosystems change when someone decides to act.

Rajendra Kerkar on Saving Goa’s Forests, Policy Battles & A Life of Activism | Moving Forests. EP-18

Today, we sit down with Rajendra Pandurang Kerkar; one of Goa’s most respected environmental voices.With decades of work in conservation, education, and policy, he has played a key role in protecting Goa’s ecological and cultural heritage.This conversation explores:His journey into environmental activismThe biggest threats facing Goa todayBehind-the-scenes of policy influence and grassroots movementsSacred groves and their cultural significanceThe role of education in conservationHis personal philosophy, including homeschooling his childWe also hear him recite poetry, bringing a rare emotional and cultural depth to the conversation :)This is a story of persistence, courage, and belief in something larger than oneself. If you care about the future of our forests, this is a must-watch. Do share it with others if you like what you and yes also subscribe :)

India Didn’t Save Wildlife by Accident | The Real Story of Coexistence | Vidya Venkatesh | EP- 17

What if conservation isn’t about protecting nature… but about learning how to live with it? I am super excited to finally share my conversation with Vidya Venkatesh, Director of Last Wilderness Foundation, in this episode she shares an insightful perspective on conservation in India, one that goes far beyond policies and protected areas. From cultural practices like seasonal food habits that unknowingly support biodiversity, to working closely with communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict, this conversation explores the invisible systems that have helped India retain its wildlife. We also dive into: How traditional knowledge can be more powerful than “pure science” in conservation Transforming hunting communities into India’s first government-certified nature guides The role of trust between communities and the forest department How working with communities led to the return of over 100+ tigers in central India Why coexistence is not idealistic it’s practical This is not just a story about wildlife. It’s a story about people, culture, and coexistence. If you like what you see, pls do share it with other and subscribe to channel for more such content.