XLRI – Xavier School of Management, one of India’s leading management institutes, successfully organized the Business-Biodiversity Conclave on April 28, 2025, at its International Centre in Jamshedpur. The event was spearheaded by the Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology & Sustainability (FACES) in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), aiming to foster dialogue on the critical intersection of business and biodiversity in India’s evolving economic landscape.
Bringing Together Leaders for a Sustainable Future
The conclave gathered eminent personalities from academia, industry, government, and international organizations to discuss how businesses can play a transformative role in biodiversity conservation. Shailja Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board, set the tone for the event by delivering the keynote address.
She called on businesses to rise above mere regulatory compliance and take a leadership role in adopting biodiversity-friendly practices. Singh also underscored the significant potential of advanced technologies as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things-to drive innovative solutions in conservation efforts.
Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation, delivered a special address, underscoring the importance of aligning corporate strategies with grassroots realities and encouraging deeper collaboration between businesses and communities for effective biodiversity outcomes.
Panel Discussion: Charting the Way Forward
A high-impact panel discussion titled “Business & Biodiversity – Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward for Indian Business” brought together thought leaders, including:
- Wei Hsien Lee, Senior Technical Officer, Finance and Economics for Nature, IUCN
- Smita Pankaj, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Jamshedpur
- Vaishnavi Prabhakaran, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Tata Power
- K. Sourabh, Bureau of Indian Standards
Moderated by Prof. Tata L. Raghu Ram, the session explored actionable strategies such as biodiversity offsets, managing invasive species, adopting global reporting frameworks like TNFD, and innovative insurance solutions for biodiversity risks. The discussion reinforced that integrating biodiversity into business strategy is essential for ecological integrity and long-term business resilience.
XLRI and IUCN: Pioneering Sustainable Leadership
FACES at XLRI continues to champion the institute’s ethos of “Excellence with Integrity” and “For the Greater Good” by promoting multidisciplinary dialogue and ecologically inclusive growth. The collaboration with IUCN, a globally recognized authority with UN Observer status, brings international expertise to the table, strengthening the capacity of Indian business leaders to drive nature-positive change.
A Commitment to Responsible Leadership
This conclave is a testament to XLRI’s ongoing commitment to nurturing ethical, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious leaders. By facilitating such platforms, XLRI and IUCN are equipping businesses to become stewards of biodiversity, ensuring sustainable development for India and beyond.
