In 2023, Sweta Kawar Daga and Kapila Chandan, two Mumbai-based mothers, founded Nature’s Crusade, a grassroots initiative dedicated to environmental conservation. Their journey began with a shared concern for the planet’s future, particularly in the context of raising children in an increasingly polluted world. This concern quickly evolved into a mission to inspire meaningful action through tree plantation projects, environmental education, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and community engagement.
A Vision Rooted in Family and Motherhood
Sweta and Kapila’s environmental commitment runs deep in their family. Their father, a passionate conservationist, has personally planted over 200,000 trees across barren lands in Rajasthan, creating green cover where there was once desert. This legacy of environmental stewardship profoundly influenced the founders’ vision.
As mothers, they were further motivated to leave a healthier, greener planet for future generations. Nature’s Crusade focuses on large-scale tree plantation drives, educational programmes, and corporate social responsibility collaborations that engage businesses in meaningful environmental action.
Miyawaki Forests and Active Tree Planting
A signature initiative of Nature’s Crusade is the creation of Miyawaki forests, dense mini-forests that grow rapidly and replicate native ecosystems. These forests not only improve air quality and urban greenery but also provide habitats for birds, insects, and small wildlife.
The founders actively involve communities, allowing individuals to plant trees in memory of loved ones, creating a personal and lasting connection with nature. Businesses also participate through CSR programmes, planting trees and funding forest restoration projects as part of their sustainability commitments.
Impact Through Action
Nature’s Crusade has grown from local tree-planting drives to ambitious rewilding projects covering over 200 acres. Volunteers, schools, and corporate partners have joined in planting trees, restoring habitats, and participating in educational programmes about sustainability. By combining practical action with awareness campaigns, Sweta and Kapila are cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility in both urban and suburban communities.
Challenges and Triumphs
Environmental activism comes with challenges, including limited resources, logistical hurdles, and deeply ingrained attitudes towards conservation. Nature’s Crusade has met these obstacles with determination, community support, and CSR partnerships.
A Call to Action
Nature’s Crusade is more than a tree-planting initiative; it is a movement empowering individuals and businesses to take responsibility for the environment. Sweta and Kapila emphasise that small actions multiplied across communities can create significant change. From planting trees in memory of loved ones to participating in corporate sustainability programmes, everyone can contribute to a greener future.
Looking Ahead
The founders plan to expand Miyawaki forests, launch more educational programmes in schools, scale CSR partnerships with businesses, and advocate for policies that support environmental sustainability. They also aim to forge global partnerships. Through these efforts, Sweta and Kapila aim to inspire a generation that not only values nature but actively works to protect it.