
Dr. Santhosh Kumar
Social Scientist (Consultant)
Dr. Santhosh Kumar is a consultant specializing in social science, providing expert analysis and guidance on socio-economic and community-based issues. He conducts research, develops strategies, and offers insights to support sustainable development projects. Dr. Kumar collaborates with stakeholders to assess social impacts, promote community engagement, and ensure that initiatives align with social and cultural dynamics. His expertise helps organizations design inclusive and effective solutions that address the needs of diverse communities.
Dr. Nagamma (B.Sc. Agri, M.Sc. Agri, Ph.D in Agri.)
Senior Expert AFOLU – Agricultural Sciences & Plant Pathology
Dr. Nagamma is an accomplished agricultural scientist with a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from UAS, GKVK Bengaluru (2015). She specializes in agronomy, plant disease management, molecular biology, and bio-control technologies, contributing to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
With extensive experience in ICAR and UAS research projects, her work focuses on crop improvement, soil health, and indigenous technology adoption. She has authored 25+ research publications and presented at several national and international conferences.
Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and land management, Dr. Nagamma blends scientific expertise with practical field insights to drive impactful agricultural solutions.
Dr. Chandra Shekara H C (BSc, MSc & PhD in Sustainability)
Vice President – Carbon Strategy & Partnerships
He is a seasoned environmental and climate expert with 25 years of experience in Forestry, AFOLU and CCB domains. he specializes in ecological restoration, landscape ecology, and carbon project development. His interdisciplinary work bridges ecology, climate science, and community engagement to advance Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) that strengthen climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Passionate about innovation and impact, Dr. Chandra has led multiple large-scale projects integrating scientific rigor with local knowledge to deliver measurable, long-term sustainability outcomes.
Mr. Arjun, B.A., LL.B.
Legal Officer
Arjun is a seasoned legal professional with over five years of experience in corporate and environmental law. He has worked extensively with leading law firms and multinational corporations, providing strategic legal guidance on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks and compliance. His expertise lies in aligning corporate practices with evolving regulatory standards and sustainability mandates.
Mr. Steven Charles
Vice President - Carbon Asset Management
Mr. Steven Charles is a seasoned carbon asset management professional with extensive experience in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector, specializing in the design, implementation, and strategic management of carbon projects across multiple geographies. With over a decade of expertise in sustainable land use, carbon accounting, and project validation and verification cycles, he plays a pivotal role in transforming natural resource initiatives into high-integrity, revenue-generating carbon assets.
As Vice President – Carbon Asset Management, Mr. Charles leads end-to-end management of the carbon project lifecycle — from feasibility assessment and baseline establishment to monitoring, reporting, and credit issuance. His strategic approach integrates technical precision, stakeholder engagement, and financial optimization, ensuring each project achieves both climate impact and market value.
Core Expertise and Responsibilities
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Carbon Project Design & Strategy:
Expert in conceptualizing and structuring AFOLU-based carbon projects under leading international standards such as Verra (VCS), Gold Standard, and ACR. Adept at aligning project interventions with UNFCCC methodologies and national forest carbon frameworks. -
Implementation & Field Execution:
Oversees large-scale reforestation, avoided deforestation, and sustainable agricultural interventions — ensuring scientific rigor in sampling design, carbon pool quantification, and MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) systems. -
Audit & Verification Mobilization:
Experienced in coordinating third-party validation and verification processes, liaising effectively with VVBs (Validation and Verification Bodies), registry reviewers, and auditors to ensure seamless compliance and timely credit issuance. -
Strategic Planning & Carbon Asset Optimization:
Develops long-term carbon asset strategies, optimizing project portfolios for financial performance, permanence, and co-benefits including biodiversity and community development. -
Stakeholder & Investor Engagement:
Serves as a technical and strategic liaison between project developers, investors, and carbon registries, translating complex technical outputs into clear investment propositions and performance insights. -
Policy Alignment & Risk Management:
Ensures projects adhere to evolving ESG, climate finance, and Article 6 frameworks, while implementing robust leakage, permanence, and additionality management plans.
Notable Achievements
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Successfully conceptualized and led multiple AFOLU projects generating measurable GHG removals and reductions in alignment with VM0007, VM0033, VM0042, Climate, Community, Biodiversity Program and AR methodologies.
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Streamlined the validation and verification mobilization process across multi-district project clusters, improving audit efficiency and reducing certification turnaround time.
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Designed comprehensive carbon asset roadmaps for investor portfolios, aligning ecological outcomes with carbon market returns.
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Spearheaded the adoption of advanced GIS, remote sensing, and digital MRV tools for transparent and traceable carbon accounting.
Professional Attributes
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Visionary leader with a strong foundation in carbon quantification science and market mechanisms.
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Proven ability to build multi-disciplinary teams integrating technical, financial, and community expertise.
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Deep understanding of climate policy landscapes, registry protocols, and emerging voluntary and compliance carbon mechanisms.
Dr.U.M.Chandrashekara
AFOLU Expert - Consultant
Member of the Forest Ecology department with over two decades of research experience in forest ecology and agroforestry. He has successfully completed over 26 research projects, gaining extensive expertise in areas such as:
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Regeneration ecology
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Restoration ecology
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Eco-cultural analysis for forest conservation
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Interaction between aboveground and belowground biodiversity
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Environmental education related to biodiversity conservation and management
His publications focus on tropical forest ecology, biodiversity, and the diversity and conservation of sacred groves in Kerala. He was elected as a Fellow of the National Institute of Ecology, India, and has served as Assistant Editor for the Journal of Food, Agriculture, and Environment of the International Society of Food, Agriculture, and Environment.
Dr. Chandrashekara has also received training in Forest Policy and Landscape Ecology and has guided three Ph.D. students at the FRI University, Dehradun. Since April 2001, he has served as the Scientist-in-Charge at the KFRI Sub Centre, Nilambur, where he holds administrative responsibility for the management and development of the Sub Centre campus, the Teak Museum, and the Bioresources Nature Park.
Mr. Udai Rastogi
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Udai is a strategic leader overseeing the organization’s financial operations. With expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and risk management, he plays a key role in driving growth, maintaining financial stability, and optimizing resource utilization. He leads financial reporting, compliance, and strategy development, offering valuable insights to inform decision-making and long-term goals. Working closely with senior leadership, he ensures that financial strategies are aligned with the organization’s objectives, fostering sustainability and profitability.
Ms. Sindhu
General Administration & Accounts Manager
Ms. Sindhu oversees the daily administrative and financial operations of the organization. She manages office procedures, coordinates administrative activities, and ensures smooth workflow. Additionally, she handles accounting functions such as budgeting, financial reporting, and maintaining accurate records. She is also responsible for ensuring compliance with financial regulations, managing accounts payable and receivable, and providing financial analysis and support to senior management for decision-making.
Dr. Manjunath M
Data Scientist - GIS & Remote Sensing
Dr. Manjunath M is a Data Scientist specializing in GIS and Remote Sensing, providing expert analysis and solutions for spatial data management and interpretation. He leverages advanced technologies to collect, process, and analyze geographic and environmental data, supporting decision-making in various sectors. Dr. Manjunath designs and implements GIS models, remote sensing applications, and data-driven strategies to optimize natural resource management and environmental monitoring. His expertise helps organizations make informed decisions based on accurate, real-time data.
Ms. Adhvi A
Director - General Administration
Ms. Adhvi A is the Director of General Administration, overseeing the efficient management of administrative operations within the organization. She is responsible for streamlining office procedures, ensuring smooth coordination of daily activities, and maintaining a productive work environment. Ms. Adhvi plays a key role in supporting senior leadership, managing office resources, and implementing administrative policies to enhance organizational effectiveness. Her expertise ensures the seamless functioning of all administrative tasks, contributing to overall operational success.
Ms. Shoba Rathna
Director - Project Operations
Ms. Shoba Rathna is the Director of Project Operations responsible for overseeing and managing the execution of projects within the organization. She ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals. Ms. Rathna provides strategic direction, coordinates with various teams, manages resources, and addresses challenges to ensure smooth project delivery throughout all stages. She also monitors project performance, implements best practices, and ensures compliance with policies and standards.
