In India’s diverse landscapes, the intersection of human and wildlife lives is far more than conflict—it is about justice, recognition and shared stewardship. The article argues that conservation cannot remain a singular pursuit of protecting wildlife without addressing the rights and perspectives of people living in these same ecosystems. When local communities are excluded, denied access or portrayed only as victims of wildlife, the result is social injustice and ecological inefficiency. On the flip side, true coexistence emerges when conservation policies integrate land-use justice, respect for forest-dwelling peoples, and institutional fairness—ensuring that those who share space with wildlife also share in decision-making and benefits. The piece highlights that conservation must shift from being a top-down sanctuary model to a more inclusive, collaborative framework in which local knowledge, contexts and livelihoods are central. Finally, it notes that ecological goals and human rights are not opposing forces but interwoven: long-term wildlife protection depends on fair treatment of people, secure tenure, transparent institutions and meaningful participation. Only then can India’s conservation narrative evolve into one of justice and coexistence, not just exclusion.