National Geographic Honors Krithi K. Karanth as 2026 Explorer of the Year for Human-Wildlife Coexistence Work
Event summary
- Krithi K. Karanth, CEO of Centre for Wildlife Studies, named 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year for her work in human-wildlife coexistence.
- CWS has reached 7,000 villages in India, mitigating conflict for 100,000 people and impacting millions of lives.
- Karanth has authored over 100 scientific research papers and mentored over 300 young scientists from multiple countries.
- Wild Shaale program, co-created by Karanth, has reached 72,000 children in 1,626 schools since 2018.
The big picture
The recognition of Krithi K. Karanth underscores the growing importance of community-based conservation strategies in addressing human-wildlife conflict. Her work aligns with broader trends in environmental stewardship that emphasize collaboration between scientists, educators, and local communities. The National Geographic Society's endorsement highlights the strategic shift towards scalable, science-backed conservation models that can be replicated globally.
What we're watching
- Scalability of Programs
- Whether CWS can sustain and expand its impactful conservation programs across more regions in India and globally.
- Funding and Partnerships
- How the recognition will attract additional funding and strategic partnerships to support Karanth's initiatives.
- Next-Generation Engagement
- The pace at which Wild Shaale and similar educational programs can foster long-term positive human-wildlife relationships.