Aashima works on creative design and knowledge management for the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) at GIZ India. She blends traditional cultural elements with modern design techniques and contributes to graphics, displays, photography, and outreach materials for community-focused initiatives.

She holds an undergraduate degree in Communication Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kangra. Prior to joining GIZ, Aashima interned with the HP-FES project, NEst by Arpit Agarwal, and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, gaining experience in marketing, promotion, and community engagement.

Email: aashima.negi@giz.de

Angel works on integrating gender and equity considerations within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and coastal regional project (SUNDAR-BAY) at GIZ India. Much of her work is rooted in her identity as an indigenous Meitei woman from Manipur, Northeastern India.

Before joining GIZ in 2025, Angel served as Gender Technical Advisor at the International Water Management Institute in India and Bangladesh. She has also worked as a Gender Specialist at GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance in Geneva, and at UNICEF in New York.

Email: angel.konthoujam@giz.de

Apoorva works on strengthening capacity for the Electronic People's Biodiversity Registers (e-PBR) Project at GIZ. She has over 10 years of experience in climate change, sustainable development and institutional development, with expertise in designing and delivering learning programmes.

Prior to joining GIZ, Apoorva worked with The Nature Conservancy on climate adaptation through wetland conservation and nature-based solutions, and with UNDP on capacity development and disaster risk reduction. She holds a master's degree in Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management through the joint programme of the University of Twente and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Email: email@gmail.com

Dr. Atul works on the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN). He brings over 15 years of experience in agricultural economics, agroforestry, and rural development project management at national and international levels, leading research and implementation projects focused on agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Prior to joining GIZ India, Dr. Atul worked with the National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NCAP), ICARDA, and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), contributing to policy research, project design, and field-based interventions in agriculture and agroforestry.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Dr. Avantika works on wetland management, conservation, and climate action projects contributing to initiatives that enhance ecosystem services and support community engagement.

She holds a postgraduate degree in Environmental Biology and a Ph.D. from the University of Delhi. She has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and brings expertise in policy research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and documentation. She has worked on integrated wetland management planning, climate risk assessment, and urban and peri-urban wetlands for water sustainability and flood mitigation.

Email: avantika.bhaskar@giz.de

Dr. Balaji works on disease surveillance, laboratory strengthening, and inter-sectoral coordination for zoonotic and infectious diseases as part of the One Health and Agroecology Project. He brings expertise in epidemiology, diagnostics, and health system strengthening.

He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, India. Dr. Balaji began his career with the Indian Council of Medical Research in 2020 and has worked with the National Centre for Disease Control on national zoonotic disease control programmes. He is committed to promoting healthy living and improving public health systems.

Email: bio-div@giz.com

Dr. Sanjay leads the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and support the coastal regional project (SUNDAR-BAY) at GIZ India. He provides technical guidance and supports project design and implementation.

He holds a Ph.D. in Forestry with a specialisation in Landscape Ecology and has over 18 years of experience across NGOs, research institutions, and international organisations. Before joining GIZ, Sanjay worked with the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), where he managed research initiatives in South Asia.

Email: sanjay.tomar@giz.de

Stefanie leads the One Health and Agroecology project at GIZ India, providing strategic guidance on topics related to the One Health approach, including zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, food safety and antimicrobial resistance.

She holds a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and has over six years of research experience at the Institute for Food Hygiene, University of Leipzig, Germany. Since joining GIZ in 2011, Stefanie has worked on environmental projects across West Africa, South, and Central America, and has supported the German Environmental Ministry as a Policy Advisor.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Jyoti works within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) specialising in vegetation science and wildlife ecology. She provides field training on ecology and biodiversity to local communities, corporates, and students.

She holds a master's degree in Natural Resources Management from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi. Since 2013, Jyoti has contributed to projects with IUCN, Green Future Foundation, and GIZ on biodiversity conservation and management. She enjoys bird watching and travelling.

Email: jyoti.kashyap@giz.de

Kapil works with sustainable agriculture, horticulture, watershed management, and rural development within the One Health and Agroecology project. He has helped set up more than 40 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across India, enhancing market access and incomes for smallholder farmers.

He holds an M.Sc. in Agriculture (Extension Education and Rural Sociology) from JNKVV, Jabalpur. Kapil enjoys sports, hosting cultural events, and thrives in diverse, collaborative environments.

Email: kapil.pagnis@giz.de

Kuldeep works on biodiversity monitoring, community engagement, and capacity building to support the strengthening of the coastal project (SUNDAR-BAY) at GIZ India. He has previously worked with WTI and WWF-India on community engagement and awareness programmes, including a conservation initiative for the endangered Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in Arunachal Pradesh and human-animal conflict mitigation projects across India. He enjoys travelling to remote areas and learning from indigenous communities.

Email: Not Available

Kunal leads the development of the Electronic People’s Biodiversity Register project (ePBR). With over a decade of experience, he has designed and implemented projects that bring together cross-sectoral planning, data-driven decision-making, digital systems and innovative finance to scale nature-based solutions for climate action (wetlands and forest ecosystem).

Prior to joining GIZ in 2019, Kunal worked with IORA Ecological Solutions on climate finance and mainstreaming the value of nature into policy. Kunal holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and a master’s degree in environmental studies and resource management from TERI School of Advanced Studies. He is an avid trekker and a scuba diver, both ways of experiencing the very nature he aims to conserve.

Email: kunal.bharat@giz.de

Meenakshi works on environmental and forestry within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and coastal regional project (SUNDAR-BAY) at GIZ India. She has six years of experience in forestry, environmental management, and policy implementation.

She holds a graduate degree in Botany (Hons.) from Gargi College, Delhi University, and a postgraduate degree in Forestry from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Before joining GIZ, Meenakshi worked with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as a UNDP Consultant on Sustainable Development Goals and international environmental agreements. She has also contributed to the Delhi Forest Department and INTACH’s Natural Heritage Division.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Mira works on programme management for the IGBP at GIZ India and advises the SUNDAR-BAY project supporting initiatives in biodiversity, natural resource management, and climate adaptation. She provides technical and strategic guidance to ensure effective project implementation.

She holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Processes and Natural Hazards from the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany. Mira has previously worked with an Indian NGO in the Western Ghats on agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and eco-tourism. She has also interned with GIZ India’s Climate Change Team.

Email: mira.amtmann@giz.de

Amaan works as a Communications Intern with the SUNDAR BAY project at GIZ. He is interested in development communication and human centred research, with a focus on creating meaningful engagement through storytelling. Prior to joining GIZ, he on projects with The/Nudge Institute, Feeding India and the Centre for Social Design (C4SD).
Amaan holds a bachelor’s degree in design from Delhi Technological University, specialising in design research for social impact.

Email: email@gmail.com

Neha works on participatory biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem services management, and climate change adaptation within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) at GIZ India. She also supports knowledge sharing and communication initiatives to strengthen natural resource management projects.

She holds a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management from TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi. Neha has previously worked with ICIMOD, the National University of Singapore, and Winrock International India. Outside work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and weightlifting.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Nidhi supports national partners in implementing the One Health and Agroecology and ePBR projects. She brings over seven years of experience working with government ministries and departments on environment and conservation initiatives.

She grew up in military cantonments across India, where early exposure to green spaces shaped her connection with nature. Nidhi holds a postgraduate degree in Natural Resource Management. Outside work, she enjoys photography, capturing field stories, and exploring nature. She is motivated by learning from local communities and traditional knowledge to strengthen conservation efforts.

Email: bio-div@giz.com

Pradnya works on climate-resilient agriculture, watershed management, and soil and water conservation within the Enhancement of Spice Farmers in Sustainable Farming (DPP Spices) and DPP Red Chilli project at GIZ India. She supports the development of digital tools, capacity-building initiatives, and project assessments to improve farming practices and land management.

She holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering and an M.Tech in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Rahuri. Prior to joining GIZ, Pradnya worked with the Watershed Organisation Trust on agro-advisory applications, farmer training, impact assessments of watershed projects using Remote Sensing and GIS, soil health monitoring, and GHG emission assessment from agricultural fields.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Ravindra leads national and regional initiatives on sustainable biodiversity management, supporting livelihoods and climate resilience. He brings expertise in natural resource management, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.

He studied economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University and has worked across rural India to understand development challenges and trade-offs at the grassroots. Ravindra joined GIZ in 2004 and has since contributed to the design and implementation of multiple projects in biodiversity, climate adaptation, and natural resource management.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Tanbir works on communication and knowledge management for GIZ's biodiversity portfolio and projects. She has over eight years of experience in development communication, specialising in strategic communication, knowledge management and social and behaviour change communication. Prior to joining GIZ, she worked with UNDP, Evidence Action India and Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (GCAP India).

Tanbir holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Social Work, specialising in Social Development.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Sangeeta is a working on the EU-supported project Supporting Agroecological Transformation in Rajasthan for Climate and Biodiversity Goals under the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN).

She holds master’s degrees in social work from SHUATS Allahabad and in Philosophy from JNV University Jodhpur. Sangeeta brings over a decade of experience in WASH, community mobilization, natural resource management, education, and women’s empowerment. Before joining GIZ, Sangeeta worked with UNOPS India as WASH State Consultant for the Jal Jeevan Mission in Rajasthan.

Email: email@gmail.com

Shambhavi works on integrated management of wetlands and coastal ecosystems within the SUNDAR-BAY project at GIZ India. She is particularly interested in supporting community stewardship and documenting traditional ecological knowledge. She also steers the Gender Working Group of the Environment Cluster currently.

She has been with GIZ since 2019 and previously worked at INTACH’s Natural Heritage Division on rivers and wetlands, sustainable farming, natural heritage documentation and has interned in NITI Aayog and JNCASR. She holds a master's degree in Environmental Studies and a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from University of Delhi.

Email: shambhavi.krishna@giz.de

Saurabh is a working on the EU-supported project Supporting Agroecological Transformation in Rajasthan for Climate and Biodiversity Goals under the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN). He brings over a decade of experience in designing and implementing rural livelihoods initiatives.

Prior to joining GIZ, Sourabh worked with Transforming Rural India Foundation, Centre for microfinance and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India). His expertise spans sustainable agriculture, horticulture, climate smart technologies and strengthening FPOs to improve the livelihoods of smallholder and underserved farming communities.

Email: email@gmail.com

Suddhabrata works on enhancing sustainable agricultural value chains and alternative livelihood development through public–private partnerships in India under the DPPSpices and DPP Chilli projects at GIZ India. Within GIZ, he has earlier provided technical support to the Wetlands Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change across policy implementation, knowledge management, implementation of national campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. He was also involved in the Access and Benefit Sharing Partnership project, supporting institutional strengthening and community-level implementation.

Suddhabrata holds a master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Studies from Nalanda University, with a focus on Environmental History and Political Ecology.

Email: suddhabrata.chakraborty@giz.de

Utkarsh works on people-centred capacity development and project coordination, with a focus on public–private partnerships under Nurturing Income Through Development of Hyacinth-based Initiatives (NIDHI) project at GIZ India. He has also worked on wetlands projects at GIZ.

He holds a master's degree in environmental policy from Sciences Po, France, and previously worked with the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands, coordinating a network of 32 civil society organisations and contributing to advocacy processes. He has also held research-oriented roles at TERI and CEEW. Utkarsh holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Liberal Studies (Young India Fellowship) from Ashoka University.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Yaiphaba works on integrated management of wetlands and coastal ecosystems within the SUNDAR-BAY project at GIZ India. He supports initiatives that strengthen ecosystem management and policy implementation.

He holds a master’s degree in Environment Management from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, and a bachelor's degree in physical science from Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Yaiphaba began his career at Wetlands International South Asia coordinating the Asian Waterbird Census and later served as Assistant Advisor for Asia-Oceania at the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. Before joining GIZ, he was Manager-Wetlands at WWF-India, supporting the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems. Yaiphaba enjoys bird watching and is passionate about environmental conservation.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Yashaswini works within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and coastal regional project (SUNDAR-BAY) at GIZ India.

She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Sophia College, Mumbai, and a master’s degree in Environment Management from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. After interning with GIZ on the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystem Services project, she joined as a Junior Forestry and Biodiversity Advisor in April 2025. She previously served as a Scientific Skilled Person in Rajasthan’s State Level Expert Appraisal Committee.

Email: yashaswini.choudhary@giz.de