Can India achieve rapid economic growth while protecting its forests, rivers, wildlife and ecosystems?
At the Eco Warrior Awards 2026 Conclave, the third and final panel discussion explored this crucial question through the theme “Sustainable Development & Environmental Ethics.”
Moderated by Dr. Nishant Verma, IFS, Joint Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, the panel brought together Dr. Madhu Verma, environmental economist and wildlife expert; Dr. Deepankar Ghosh, Senior Director, WWF; and Kunal Satyarthi, IFS, 1997-batch Himachal Pradesh cadre officer.
The discussion explored:
Why forests and ecosystems must be recognised as valuable natural capital
How environmental economics can help put a value on ecosystem services
Why environmental clearance must be followed by effective compliance and monitoring
The importance of integrating conservation into master planning and infrastructure development
How landscape-level planning can protect wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity
The role of local communities in conservation and development
Nature-based solutions and the circular economy
Payments for ecosystem services and other conservation incentives
How India can balance economic development, national security and ecological security
The panel delivered a clear message: India does not have to choose between development and conservation. The real challenge is to build a development model where both strengthen each other.
As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, protecting the natural capital on which future generations depend must remain at the heart of sustainable development.
