
Bhavna Menon
Baghesur Collective, Pune, India
I am an independent conservationist with over 15 years of experience in community-based conservation, with a particular focus on tiger conservation and the landscapes surrounding tiger reserves. My work aims to bring together Forest Departments, local communities, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and educational institutions to strengthen conservation.
My experience includes developing and supporting initiatives in tiger reserves focused on environmental education, community engagement, livelihoods, youth leadership, women’s capacity building and responsible and impactful tourism, with a strong emphasis on creating lasting conservation awareness and local stewardship. In 2026, I founded Baghesur Collective to develop collaborative, field-based approaches to conservation.
I believe that protecting tigers means protecting the wider forest ecosystems they are part of. Through conservation storytelling and public engagement, I work to amplify the voices of communities and highlight conservation efforts on the ground.



