Qualifications: M.Sc. Ecology and Environmental Science, Pondicherry University, 2020

Email: shweta@dakshin.org

Profile: Shweta found a deep sense of awe about the natural world during her first trek to the Himalayas. She found it fascinating how nature isn’t only physical but also weaves its way into folklore and culture. As she journeyed across diverse landscapes, she understood that humans and nature both exert their influence on each other. During her Master’s thesis project, she realised social and political factors play a crucial role in human-non-human-nature relationship. She has previously worked on Forest Rights Act and tribal governance across the central Indian belt. During field work, she observed that different groups of people have different perspectives on nature and express distinct desires for its protection and management. She learned about the mechanisms involved in policy making and governance of natural resources in India. 

Shweta has an interest in understanding the various facets of human-nature relationships. She wants to use multidisciplinary approaches to strengthen biodiversity conservation which also ensures wellbeing of the dependent communities. 

At Dakshin, she hopes to contribute meaningfully to the SeaChange programme through policy research and open dialogue with stakeholders. 

Outside work, Shweta finds joy in long walks, good food and interesting books. 

Publications:

• Hughes, A. C., Tougeron, K., Martin, D. A., Menga, F., Rosado, B. H., Villasante, S., … & Do Couto, E. V. (2023). Smaller human populations are neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for biodiversity conservation. Biological Conservation, 277, 109841.
• Madgulkar, S. (2021). Guiding towards Nature. A conversation with Payal Mehta. ZOO’S PRINT, 36(12), 12-14.
• Suresh, V., Anoop, A., Shetty, D., Madgulkar, S., Bhattacharjee, T., Ravindra, U., … & Komanduri, A. (2022). About time for a system update for Indian zoos?. ZOO’S PRINT, 37(1), 34-46.