India, May 15 -- Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Thursday that the most effective way to maintain coexistence with nature is to ensure conservation and preservation of apex predators.

Stressing that nature protects those who protect it, he also said the 2025 lion census has established Gujarat as holding a position of global leadership in lion conservation. The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister was addressing a gathering at the pre-event on lion conservation in Sasan Gir lion sanctuary in Junagadh district, organised as a prelude to the IBCA Summit-2026 to be organised in New Delhi.

"Nations across the globe must come together in addressing the contemporary need for social and environment-based awareness - specifica...