Pune: Microsoft, CYDA, and Forest Department Launch Eco-Restoration Project in Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Pune: Microsoft, CYDA, and Forest Department Launch Eco-Restoration Project in Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary
Pune, June 6, 2025 – In a significant step toward ecological conservation and sustainable tourism, the Maharashtra Forest Department (Wildlife), Pune, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) to implement a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, supported by Microsoft. The project, titled “Biodiversity and Eco-Protection in Plus Valley, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary”, aims to restore the delicate ecosystem of the Plus Valley, located in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats.
Funded by Microsoft, the one-year project will be executed on the ground by CYDA in close collaboration with the Forest Department. The initiative is designed to tackle key socio-environmental challenges in the region and promote nature-based solutions for long-term ecological resilience.
Tushar Chavan, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Pune, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a step forward in participatory conservation, integrating community-led solutions to address climate and biodiversity challenges.”
Key interventions planned under the project include:
- Installation of solar-powered lights and eco-friendly infrastructure
- Protective entry gates and ecological signage to guide visitors
- Plastic waste management through installation of dustbins and bottle crushers
- Water conservation using bunds and gabion structures
- Provision of essential facilities like drinking water points and sanitation blocks for tourists and wildlife alike
Pravin Jadhav, Executive Director of CYDA, said, “The project is not just about ecological restoration—it’s about raising awareness and creating active engagement with both the local communities and tourists who visit the area.”
Srichandana Nagoji, Community Affairs Lead – India & KUL at Microsoft, added, “At Microsoft, we are committed to supporting grassroots initiatives that address global environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.”
The initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The project also features a robust monitoring and reporting mechanism to track progress, ensure transparency, and facilitate scalability.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at Van Bhavan in Pune, attended by senior forest officials, Microsoft representatives, and CYDA team members.
