In Maharashtra’s Satara district, afforestation is transforming degraded land between the Koyna and Chandoli wildlife sanctuaries. Led by former migrant laborer Santosh Kadam and supported by corporate social responsibility funding, locals – mostly women – are planting native trees, restoring biodiversity, and earning a sustainable income. The Wildlife Research and Conservation Society has reforested over 900 acres across 18 villages. In Loni Kalbhor, a similar model focuses on napier and commercial timber forestry for faster dividends. These projects show how conservationand community empowerment can go hand in hand.