ICICI Foundation Signs MoU with Sahyadri Tiger Reserve for Wildlife Conservation and Community Development
By | Arvind Jadhav
Satara: A Important step towards strengthening wildlife conservation and sustainable development in the Western Ghats was taken on Sunday as the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Kolhapur Wildlife Division, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth.
The agreement was signed on March 9, 2026, to jointly implement initiatives focused on wildlife protection, habitat development, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and livelihood enhancement for local communities.
The MoU was formally signed by Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, on behalf of the forest department, and Deepak Patil, Regional Head of ICICI Foundation.
Under this partnership, several conservation and community development programs will be undertaken in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve landscape as well as in nearby wildlife sanctuaries. Key focus areas include wildlife protection, habitat improvement, biodiversity conservation,
watershed management, ecosystem restoration, research initiatives, and awareness programs.
The agreement also emphasizes community-based eco-tourism, skill development programs, and the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for local villagers living around forest areas. Officials believe that these initiatives will help strengthen conservation efforts while encouraging greater participation from local communities.
The collaboration is expected to benefit the broader ecosystem that includes the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary and Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary along with the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Authorities also plan to implement projects promoting sustainable natural resource management, rural development, and environmentally responsible tourism in the region.
Forest officials expressed confidence that the partnership will help improve conservation outcomes while ensuring that development initiatives support both nature and local communities.
