Ecological Restoration: When theory meets practice!
Restoring forests, rivers, and lands is about moving from learning to action!
This World Environment Day, we sat down with Swapnil Chaudhari, Founder & CEO of GroundUp Conservation, to explore how young people can drive this in their communities.
With close to two decades of experience leading conservation and development programs across South Asia, the Hindu Kush Himalaya, Eastern Africa, and Europe, Swapnil shares insights from the field, where theory meets practice and passion drives real change.
Meet Swapnil Chaudhari
Swapnil Chaudhari leads GroundUp Conservation, uniting global expertise and local action as an Acumen, and Inlaks Foundation Fellow who has shaped multi-country programs and policy across Asia—proving the impact of hands-on experience and community engagement
Here is a glimpse of what we learnt from him!
What does ecological restoration mean?
Restoration starts with listening to communities and understanding their needs.
“We start with identifying our objective in the context on the ground!” says Swapnil. “It’s about addressing local challenges, whether water scarcity, biodiversity loss or community livelihoods. And the solutions are shaped by the people, given the landscapes they are in.”
Why Is Restoration an Exciting Field for Youth?
Restoration is for everyone—no matter your background! The field is booming, with new jobs in climate solutions, water conservation, and nature-based projects. Teams like Swapnil’s are made up of people with all kinds of skills: from working with communities to studying plants and animals, to telling stories about the work. If you’re passionate and ready to get your hands dirty, there’s a place for you in ecological restoration
How Can Young People Get Started in Restoration?
Academic programs provide frameworks, but real learning happens on the ground.
You don’t need to wait for a fancy degree to make a difference! Real learning happens when you step outside the classroom—volunteer with local NGOs, join community projects, or even start your own small initiative in your area.
Swapnil says, “The best way to learn is by being on the ground, listening to people, and seeing what works.”
“Restoration is not just a career—it’s a long-term vision for change” . Here are some you can engage as a youth activist
- Engage with the community - talk to your local farmers and consumers to understand the production-consumption patterns
- Create spaces for youth to engage with community projects for real-world experience - eg: restore the pond in your locality with the community.
- Create and amplify more jargon-free learning resources on public platforms.
- Talk to your local educational institutions to initiate short courses on Ecological Restoration.
Resource: Check out the Ecological Society, Pune’s “Post-Graduate Program in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources & Nature Conservation” for a 10 month experiential restoration course.