Angel works on integrating gender and equity considerations within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and supports the strengthening of the coastal 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

Dr. Angi advises on technical aspects of the One Health and Agroecology project, providing support for project management and cross-sectoral solutions. She contributes to initiatives on antimicrobial resistance, neglected tropical diseases, One Health governance, and veterinary public health

Since joining GIZ in 2021, Angela has worked with the Sector Initiative One Health and the Global Programme Pandemic Prevention and Response. She previously researched drug-resistant pathogens and collaborated with NGOs including Vétérinaires sans Frontières Germany and Naturschutzbund Germany.

Angela grew up in a small village in Saarland, Germany, where her interest in animals and agriculture began. She enjoys hiking in the mountains and draws inspiration from alpine flora and fauna.

Email: angela.schug@giz.de

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

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

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

Komal works as a Design Intern for the biodiversity programme. She is an interdisciplinary designer pursuing a master's degree in Information and Experience Design at NID Bengaluru. Her work lies at the intersection of data, design, and visual storytelling. With a background in Mechanical and Automation Engineering, she brings analytical thinking, system thinking and UX strategy into her design practice. Her interests lie in translating information into research-backed visual narratives that drive understanding and engagement.

Email: komal.komal@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 supports the strengthening of the coastal 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

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 (DPPSpices) 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

Roshan works in conservation initiatives and community engagement as part of the One Health and Agroecology project. He brings experience in wildlife monitoring, conflict mitigation, and climate adaptation.

He holds a master's degree in wildlife management and is a registered pharmacist. Roshan has worked with government and non-government organisations across India, including the All-India Tiger Monitoring project, Karnataka Forest Department’s Climate Change Cell (EMPRI), the French Institute of Pondicherry, and the Global Tiger Forum. Previously, he coordinated the Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation project in Karnataka and West Bengal. Outside of work, he enjoys rock and instrumental music and follows major sporting events.

Email: biodiv.india@giz.de

Dr. Sanjay leads the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and the strengthening of the coastal 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

Shambhavi works on integrated management of wetlands and coastal ecosystems and supports the strengthening of the coastal project (SUNDAR-BAY) 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

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

Suddhabrata works on public–private partnerships in sustainable spice production and value chains in India under the DPPSpices and EFCRESS projects at GIZ India. He has also worked within GIZ on the Access and Benefit Sharing Partnership project and previously supported the Wetlands Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, contributing to wetland conservation, socio-ecological assessments, and policy engagement.

He holds a master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Studies from Nalanda University, with a focus on Environmental History and Political Ecology. He has also worked on grassroots wetland conservation in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.

Email: suddhabrata.chakraborty@giz.de

Tanbir works as a communicator and knowledge management specialist for the biodiversity portfolio and projects. She is a development communication professional with over eight years of experience in advocacy and socio-behavioural change communication on development themes, including localising SDGs, public health and governance review. Previously, 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

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

Yashaswini works within the gender-responsive forestry and agroforestry project (G-VAN) and supports the strengthening of the coastal 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

Yaiphaba works on wetlands and biodiversity conservation and supports the strengthening of the coastal project (SUNDAR-BAY) 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