As Co-Founder of The Sacred Groves, Monisha Krishna leads an enterprise aimed at conserving forests and natural habitats worldwide. Her journey is marked by a deep-seated passion for nature, a commitment to long-term impact, and a drive to challenge the status quo in environmental conservation.
Monisha’s path began early in life, influenced by her academic pursuits in Economics at one of India’s prestigious institutions, Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi. Through her studies, she gained insights into how global systems function, the role of policies, and how economic forces can drive social change. This foundation in Economics sharpened her decision-making abilities, shaping her approach to problem-solving and ultimately steering her toward a purpose-driven career.
Her motivation to work in environmental conservation stems from a stark realisation: the natural world is facing a crisis of unprecedented scale. Over the last half-century, humanity has witnessed the loss of nearly 70% of global biodiversity, with vast expanses of natural habitats vanishing every day. Recognising that the existing measures to combat the climate crisis were insufficient, Monisha decided to take a proactive stance by co-founding The Sacred Groves, a Community Interest Company, in February 2020.
The Sacred Groves has since made remarkable strides in forest conservation. It currently protects three forests – two in Wales, United Kingdom, and one in Nova Scotia, Canada. These forests are vibrant ecosystems that provide essential services to the communities around them. In July 2024, the Welsh government recognized the two Welsh forests as “National Forests for Wales,” acknowledging their importance as rare temperate rainforests and underscoring the value of Sacred Groves’ conservation efforts.
The Sacred Groves has garnered international attention, with the organisation being part of Microsoft’s ‘Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact’ Accelerator and included in the “PwC NetZero Future50 – Middle East” report. Its work has also been acknowledged by the International Advertising Association at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2023, and the organisation was invited to the prestigious ‘Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum’ at COP28 in the UAE. Most recently, in October 2024, Monisha was invited by Microsoft to present The Sacred Groves’ impact journey at SOCAP24 in San Francisco. These accolades reflect the widespread respect and support The Sacred Groves has gained, as well as its influence in promoting environmental responsibility on a global scale.
Post her MBA, Monisha began her professional journey in the development finance sector with India’s oldest Development Financial Institution. This experience taught her the importance of balancing long-term goals with the demands of short-term thinking. This balancing act has been a recurring theme in her career, as she continues to champion strategies that prioritise sustainability and positive impact.
At this stage in her career, Monisha Krishna is fully invested in the mission of Sacred Groves. The organisation’s goal is simple yet ambitious: to protect natural habitats from destruction and create a legacy of conservation. This work aligns perfectly with her career goals, which are centred on creating lasting social change and leaving a better world for future generations.
Monisha attributes much of her motivation to her family, particularly her mother, who she describes as her most significant influence. Growing up, Monisha watched her mother juggle the demands of a successful corporate career while raising her and her sister with immense love and care. Her mother instilled in her the values of time management, resilience, and making the most of every opportunity—a lesson that stays with her to this day.
In facing challenges and setbacks, Monisha relies on her sense of purpose to remain grounded. She approaches difficulties with a mindset focused on adaptability and perseverance, recognizing that challenges are an integral part of any meaningful journey. Her philosophy is rooted in grit and resolve, qualities she believes are essential for navigating the ups and downs of life and work.
Reflecting on her early years in development finance, Monisha acknowledges the valuable lessons she learned from observing both successes and failures within organisations. These experiences taught her the importance of strategic clarity, prudent financial management, and the development of a strong corporate culture. This insight has been invaluable in her transition from the world of Financial Capital to Natural Capital—a shift that has shaped her belief in the potential of capital to drive systemic, positive change.
If she could offer advice to her younger self, Monisha would encourage resilience and an unwavering commitment to her goals. She emphasises the importance of passion and determination, especially when things don’t go as planned; and to embrace setbacks as part of the growth process.
Looking to the future, Monisha has a clear vision for her legacy. She is driven by a goal that is as ambitious as it is inspiring: to protect at least a million acres of forest from destruction. For her, this is not just a professional target but a personal commitment to living a life of service, impact, and continual improvement.
Monisha Krishna’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Through her work with The Sacred Groves, she is creating a meaningful impact on both a local and global scale, inspiring others to join her in the quest to live harmoniously with nature. Her journey serves as a reminder of the power of purpose-driven action, and her legacy is one that will undoubtedly inspire future generations to continue the mission of conservation.
