Dr. Pradhan has more than 25 years of experience leading programs and research in Asia focused on natural resources management and the environment. Before joining Forest-Plus 2.0, he was the Chief of Party for a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project in Indonesia on participatory land and forest mapping and planning; regional coordinator of the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) Southeast Asia Program in Indonesia; and program officer at the Ford Foundation’s India and Indonesia offices. Dr. Pradhan holds a doctorate in development sociology from Cornell University and has authored and edited several books and articles on a wide range of topics relating to natural resources management and the environment.

Mr. Raj brings continuity to this program after having worked on the previous Forest-PLUS program (2012–2017), where he oversaw and supported four regional teams in the implementation of successful landscape demonstration programs. He also ensured the harmonization of training, communication, and institutional development components of the program. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in India’s NRM sector administering community forestry and sustainable livelihoods projects.

Mr. Gamaliel has over twenty years of experience handling financial management and accounting operations in the development arena. He leads and manages the administration and financial operations of the Forest-PLUS 2.0 office. Mr. Gamaliel has extensive experience in applying USAID regulations and Indian accounting standards within a diverse range of large and complex organizations.

Dr. Pandey served as a Forest Officer within the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department for 30 years, retiring as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Throughout his career, he has maintained an abiding passion for the Himalayas, and especially for biodiversity conservation of Himalayan environments. He served as the director of two major biodiversity hotspots in Himachal Pradesh: the Pin Valley National Park in Spiti and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Kullu and played an important role in promoting the latter’s successful inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Dr. Mitra, who holds a doctorate from the University of Florida in natural resource economics, has three decades of experience in the fields of natural resources management, energy and environment, climate change, rural development, and institutional development and capacity building.

Dr. Pattanaik has nearly 30 years of experience in the areas of enterprise development, natural resource management, participatory forest management (community forestry), community development, institution building, and local self-governance. His work has focused on strengthening local institutions and governance structures and facilitating the establishment and effective operation of community-managed agricultural and forest-based enterprises.

Ms. Gupta is a social media and communication enthusiast with professional experience in development communication and social marketing. As a participant in a training program organized by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), she researched and wrote a paper on strategic communication for women in Asia. She has also produced and documented several community radio shows in New Delhi and Maharashtra.

Ms. Mathur has a master’s degree in environmental science, and her experience working on the environment–development interface includes with the Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environment Education and WWF-India.

Mr. Ali has a master’s degree in business administration (specializing in finance) from the Symbiosis Institute in Pune, India, and more than thirteen years of professional experience in administration, operations, human resources, and procurement.

Mr. Das previously worked in the first Forest-PLUS program (2012–2017), bringing continuity to the financial structures and processes of the current 2.0 program. His particular areas of expertise are accounts and finance, office administration, and grant/contract management.

Mr. Kiran is a young professional with applied experience in natural resource management and project management. He has a postgraduate qualification in forestry management from the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal, India, specializing in conservation and livelihood development.

Mr. Sailu has more than 13 years of research and development experience focused on biodiversity conservation and the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, conservation of ecologies and environments, and wildlife and forest management.

Dr. Pacholi previously worked as the regional coordinator in the first Forest-PLUS program (2012–2017). He has a doctorate in forest ecology and more than 20 years of professional experience working in programs focusing on communities, livelihoods, and forests.

Mr. Khan has over 10 years of cross-sectoral experience and has worked on 50+ projects across 20 countries. These projects have covered natural resource management, program management, monitoring and evaluation, developing business models, building private sector partnerships, and strategic consulting and innovation.

Ms. Saxena holds master’s degree in Business Administration (Specialization in Human Resources) from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune, India. She possesses more than eighteen years of professional experience working with the development sector in project administration.

Ankit is forestry and a spatial expert with more than 8 years of experience. He is supporting Forest-PLUS 2.0 program on development of innovative tools for informed decision making on forest management and land use planning. Ankit has also served phase-1 Forest-PLUS program (2012-2017). Prior to joining to Forest-PLUS 2.0, he was involved with national and international organization like FAO-Cambodia, WSP-UK team, Bauminvest and IORA Ecological Solutions Pvt Ltd.

Ms. Ankita Sardana is a postgraduate in forest management from Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. She has 5+ years of experience in areas of natural resource management, livelihoods and economic empowerment of women.