Environment
The environmental crisis is not separate from the animal welfare crisis — or the civic one. At RSWF, we understand these as interconnected systems. Our environmental work spans urban biodiversity conservation, tree plantation, wildlife rescue, research, and advocacy — grounded in the belief that protecting ecosystems and transforming our food systems are two sides of the same coin.
What We Do
Our environmental programme operates across conservation science, community action, and systemic advocacy — with a particular focus on urban biodiversity and the ecological consequences of our food choices.
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Urban biodiversity conservation
Documenting and protecting butterfly species — including IUCN-listed and Wildlife Protection Act-protected species — through scientifically designed butterfly gardens and habitat restoration in Pune.
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Wildlife rescue & rehabilitation
Rescuing and rehabilitating snakes, birds, and other urban wildlife — reducing human-wildlife conflict while protecting species that are critical to urban ecosystems.
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Tree plantation
Planting native tree species across Pune to restore green cover, support biodiversity, and counter the rapid loss of urban tree canopy to development.
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Research & primary data collection
Conducting field surveys and primary data collection on species distribution, habitat health, and pollinator activity — building an evidence base for conservation advocacy in Pune.
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Advocacy & tree felling objections
Working with municipal offices and regulatory bodies to object to illegal and unnecessary tree felling — and advocating for stronger urban green policy in Pune.
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Food systems & climate advocacy
Educating communities and institutions on the link between animal agriculture, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change — and advocating for plant-based food systems as an ecological solution.
Our reach so far
+
Trees planted across Pune
0
400+
Snakes and birds rescued and rehabilitated
136
Butterfly species documented across garden sites
150+
Interns, volunteers & students
This is why RSWF's environmental work is inseparable from our animal welfare and awareness programmes. We advocate for plant-based food systems not as a lifestyle preference, but as an ecological imperative — and we bring that message directly to students, institutions, and communities through expert talks, film screenings, and campus advocacy.
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Dr. Sailesh Rao — Climate Healers
Stanford PhD · Founder, Climate Healers · Climate Hero, The Guardian (2023) · Executive Producer, Cowspiracy
In 2025, RSWF hosted Dr. Sailesh Rao for a landmark talk on animal agriculture and climate change, reaching 150+ students across Fergusson College, Pune and St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. Dr. Rao's peer-reviewed research demonstrates that animal agriculture is responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions — and that transitioning to plant-based food systems is the single fastest, most cost-effective lever for climate action available to humanity.
Get Involved
Whether you are a conservation researcher, a student, a corporate looking for a measurable CSR partnership, or simply someone who wants to plant a tree — there is a role for you in RSWF's environmental work. We are actively seeking partners for the Ganeshkhind butterfly garden expansion.
🙋Volunteer
Join The Conscious Living Project as a student volunteer or campus leader. Help us run awareness campaigns, food sampling events, and film screenings at your college.
🏫Partner with us
Are you a college, student body, NGO, or funding institution that shares our values? We are actively seeking campus and organisational partnerships to expand our work in Pune.
💛Support our work
Your contribution directly funds animal rescues, feeding drives, legal advocacy, and campus awareness programmes. Donations are eligible for 80G tax deduction.
Reform Social Welfare Foundation is an 80G & 12A certified Section 8 Not-for-Profit Company.
All donations are tax-deductible under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.