India’s diversity of ecosystems with forest-dependent populations therein makes human-wildlife conflicts varied and complex. In addition to various sociocultural, socioeconomic, environmental, and socio-environmental problems, there is a demand for land, unemployment among the former hunting communities, ongoing illegal wildlife trade, and impact of devolution of authority in local institutions with a concomitant dilution in the Forest Department’s mandate to deal with conservation and enforcement. These contribute to the persistence and escalation of conflicts, which can be addressed through a paradigm shift in problem-solving. The concept of ‘in loco parentis’ or guardian recognizes the need to balance human and non-human interests and rights, challenges the notion of human dominance, and emphasizes a symmetrical view of the natural world in relation to the rights of human and non-human species. This chapter traces the history of the transition of human-wildlife interactions, addresses the development of important perspectives, examines the causes and effects, and attempts to provide some solutions and action points for managing conflicts. Against this background, the reasons for adopting the paradigm of institutionalization of ‘in loco parentis’ are presented to suggest that in this way conflicts can be minimized, coexistence promoted, and a more holistic approach to sustainable nature conservation can be achieved. This shift from the anthropocentric approach currently implemented requires a concerted effort to change mindsets, develop institutions, and conservation practices supported by policies and statutory instruments, and good governance that will ultimately create a more balanced and sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world. It is suggested that this approach would contribute to a better understanding of human-environment relations; and at the same time to effective, efficient, and sustainable management of environmental resources.