Why are Indian business leaders investing in nature? Harish Yarlagadda, Shloka Nath and Dr Ravi Mariwala explore how climate philanthropy, biodiversity conservation and water security connect to India’s economic future.In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Harish Yarlagadda, founder and chief mentor of Malakshmi Group and co-founder of Dharmavana Nature Arc, Shloka Nath, former CEO of India Climate Collaborative, and Dr Ravi Mariwala, founder and CEO of Smart Water and a promoter at Marico.Yarlagadda shares why he moved away from fossil fuel power plants to focus on biodiversity restoration. His 400-acre project involves collecting seeds, conserving threatened plants and protecting the soil, fungi and insects that sustain ecosystems. His experience raises a question for businesses investing in nature. What does conservation require beyond planting trees?Mariwala explains how building a home outside Mumbai exposed gaps in water access and led him to develop water management solutions. He discusses sewage treatment, wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, and why the right technology matters more than the most sophisticated one.The conversation explores nature-based solutions that use plants and bacteria to treat wastewater. It also connects water security with energy consumption, agriculture and public health, examining how filtration, efficient pumps and better maintenance can address everyday challenges.Nath explains why climate change cannot be separated from India’s development agenda. She discusses how philanthropic capital can fund experiments, build evidence and attract public and private investment. The challenge is connecting individual projects with the institutions and expertise needed to expand their impact.The panel examines how Indian business leaders can use CSR funding, land and operational expertise to support biodiversity and climate resilience. They also discuss a just transition, asking who owns renewable energy infrastructure, who benefits from new jobs and whose livelihoods need protection.At the heart of the conversation is a bigger question. Can investing in nature help India build lasting prosperity while protecting the foundations of its growth?Watch the full conversation for insights on climate philanthropy in India, biodiversity restoration, water conservation, CSR funding, nature-based solutions and sustainable development.Chapters00:00 Why Indian Business Leaders Are Investing in Nature01:18 Climate Change and India’s Development02:59 What Climate Philanthropy Is Missing04:38 From Fossil Fuel Power to Biodiversity07:20 Why Planting Trees Is Not Enough08:30 How a Water Problem Became a Business13:10 Sewage Treatment and Water Reuse15:39 Groundwater Recharge and Water Security18:23 How Philanthropy Can Unlock Climate Solutions21:46 Rethinking CSR and Responsibility to Nature23:20 A Ministry of Climate Resilience?24:31 Preparing for Climate Shocks26:45 Understanding Ecological Risk28:35 Building a 400-Acre Biodiversity Project30:57 Collecting Seeds and Restoring Ecosystems32:30 A Living Laboratory for Biodiversity36:26 Choosing the Right Water Technology41:06 Filtration, Rainwater Harvesting and Pumps43:33 How Businesses Can Support Biodiversity46:44 CSR, Watersheds and Mangroves48:29 What Climate Philanthropy Should Fund Next52:49 Who Benefits From the Green Transition?53:46 Consumption and Corporate Responsibility#TheCoreReport #IndianBusiness #Biodiversity #WaterSecurity #ClimateChange #TheCore
