Charlotte Grey is a 34-year-old British environmentalist working with an NGO focused on conservation and community-driven environmental solutions in Asia. Based out of U.K., Charlotte travels regularly to Asia to spend her days working with local stakeholders on projects to protect endangered species and restore ecosystems. Her passion for the natural world began during childhood hikes in the Scottish Highlands, but it was Asia’s biodiversity that truly captured her heart.

“Asia is where the stakes are highest.”

Charolette explains, “This continent is home to some of the most endangered species on Earth, and the solutions happening here are some of the most innovative. Rewilding isn’t just about animals; it’s about people, culture, and the way we live with nature.”

From India’s tiger sanctuaries to Thailand’s elephant corridors and Malaysia’s bird conservation efforts, Charlotte has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of rewilding—and how it is reshaping the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Tigers Returning to the Wild in India

One of the most remarkable rewilding efforts in Asia has been the recovery of India’s Bengal tiger population. Once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and poaching, the species is making a comeback thanks to decades of conservation work under Project Tiger, launched in 1973. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the population now exceeds 3,500 individuals, accounting for over 70% of the world’s wild tigers.

Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is a flagship example of this success. In 2009, the reserve had lost all its tigers, but through a reintroduction program that relocated tigers from other reserves and invested in community engagement, the park is now thriving with nearly 80 tigers.

Charlotte visited Panna last year to meet local forest rangers and villagers who have played a vital role in the reserve’s success. “What struck me was how committed everyone was—not just the officials, but the communities. Villagers who once feared tigers are now their biggest defenders because they see the economic benefits of conservation tourism.”

Indeed, tiger reserves across India have become magnets for ecotourism, contributing millions to local economies while fostering a sense of pride and ownership among nearby communities.

Elephant Corridors in Thailand

In Thailand, where wild elephant populations have dwindled to around 3,000 individuals (WWF Thailand), rewilding efforts focus on reconnecting fragmented habitats through elephant corridors. These protected pathways allow elephants to migrate freely without coming into conflict with farmland, towns, or highways.

Kui Buri National Park in southern Thailand has become a model for such initiatives. Green Horizon, the NGO Charlotte works for, collaborates with local farmers to create “buffer zones” around the park. These zones are planted with crops like chili and lemongrass that elephants avoid, reducing the risk of crop raids while guiding the animals toward safe habitats.

“Seeing the farmers and the elephants find a way to coexist—it’s powerful,” Charlotte says. “It’s not about fences or barriers. It’s about finding solutions that work for both humans and wildlife. And these farmers are incredible; they’re turning what was once a problem into an opportunity.”

This coexistence is key to rewilding’s success in Thailand, where ecotourism linked to elephants brings in millions of dollars annually, funding both conservation efforts and local livelihoods.

Bird Conservation in Malaysia

Charlotte’s work has also brought her to Malaysia, where rewilding efforts have taken flight—literally. The country’s tropical rainforests are a haven for rare and endangered bird species, but deforestation and illegal hunting have pushed many to the brink of extinction. In response, organizations like the Malaysian Nature Society are spearheading ambitious bird conservation programs, from protecting nesting grounds to reintroducing species into restored habitats.

One standout success story is the conservation of the critically endangered helmeted hornbill. Once targeted for its ivory-like casque, this bird has become a symbol of Malaysia’s fight against wildlife trafficking. Protected reserves in Sarawak and Sabah now serve as safe havens, and community-driven eco-projects provide locals with sustainable alternatives to poaching.

Charlotte recalls her visit to one such reserve: “Listening to the calls of the hornbills at sunrise felt like stepping back in time. It’s a reminder of what we’re fighting for. These birds aren’t just part of the ecosystem; they’re part of the culture, the stories, the identity of the people here.”

A Balancing Act

While rewilding offers hope, it also presents challenges. Restoring habitats often means addressing the complex interplay of biodiversity, local livelihoods, and economic development. For Charlotte, the key is collaboration.

“What makes Asia’s rewilding efforts stand out is the community involvement,” she explains. “Whether it’s farmers in Thailand, rangers in India, or Indigenous groups in Malaysia, the people who live closest to nature are the ones leading the charge. That’s why these efforts are working—they’re not imposed from the outside; they’re built from the ground up.”

As rewilding projects gain momentum, they are also drawing global attention, inspiring travelers to seek out Asia’s wild places and contributing to the growth of sustainable ecotourism. For Charlotte, the hope is that these efforts will not only save endangered species but also transform the way humanity relates to the natural world.

“Rewilding isn’t just about bringing back wildlife—it’s about rethinking how we live on this planet,” she says. “Asia is showing us that a different way is possible. It’s challenging, it’s messy, but it’s also incredibly hopeful.”