Swapnil has over fourteen years of experience leading conservation and development programs in South Asia, Hindu Kush Himalaya, Eastern Africa, and Europe. Having served in different capacities at national, regional and international levels, his work focused on climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and transboundary cooperation. He has managed complex multi-partner, multi-country programmes from design, development, implementation to monitoring and evaluation, which have contributed to several policies issues in Asia. He is an alumnus of University of Cambridge Conservation Leadership Program, Inlaks Foundation, Salim Ali School of Ecology Pondicherry University, Bharati Vidyapeeth, and Ecological Society of India.

e: swapnil@groundupasia.com

Radhika has been working in the Himalayan region for over twelve years. Having worked with several NGOs/CSO’s, she specialises in community-based conservation and developing grassroot capacities. She is an alumna of University of Cambridge Conservation Leadership Program and a recipient of the Robert Sansom Scholarship and Shared Cambridge Commonwealth Award, LEAD Fellowship, and the Dalai Lama Fellows program.

e: radhika@groundupasia.com

Preety is a mixed-race individual with an indigenous background working towards community-based conservation initiatives in IPLC territories. She has spent time in the field working on sustainability and conservation issues with tribal women of trans-Himalaya, potter communities of different regions in India and tribal communities of western ghats. She has also worked on understanding the country’s education and skill development landscape through her experience as an education fellow in Rajasthan, a consultant for a government advisory consultancy and managing the donors and projects for an education scholarship organisation. She is developing holistic conservation initiatives in her home state and north-eastern region of India, using her learning in conservation, entrepreneurship and education.

e: preety@groundupasia.com

Aringle, passionately champions environmental causes and community engagement in Nagaland. As the Local Coordinator at GroundUp Conservation, she spearheads initiatives, fostering community involvement at the Old Jalukie Reserve. Aringle has previously worked on the People Biodiversity Register (PBR) for Old Jalukie BMC and has contributed to the biodiversity records and community-driven conservation efforts. She is also the Treasurer of Jalukie Students Union (JSU), and also volunteers at Kingdom Steward, a local NGO.

e: aringle@groundupasia.com

Vishal with a background of ecology and biodiversity, have worked with Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History Society and other NGO’s possess over six years of experience in research and consultation in the field of biodiversity and ecology. His experience includes working for the conservation of critically endangered species like Great Indian Bustard, Vultures; conducting biodiversity surveys, wildlife management plans. Furthermore, his scholarly contributions include the authorship of more than thirteen peer reviewed publications in renowned journals such as Zoo Taxa and Herpetological Review.

e: vishal@groundupasia.com

Sainath, with a background in Environmental Science, began his career in an NGO specializing in environmental education. With 16 years of experience spanning NGO, consultancy, and corporatesectors, he excels in environmental education, wildlife conservation, and ecotourism. Sainath has been recognized for his achievements in legal compliance and social work across various sectors. He actively volunteers with NGOs and the Forest Department, focusing on nature conservation and environmental education in Amboli, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra since 2005. His passions include environmental education, conservation of natural habitats, and promoting ecotourism.

e: sainath@groundupasia.com

Amit brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of storytelling, community building, and entrepreneurship. After beginning his career in global finance with the Bank of New York, he took a bold leap into the world of startups—co-founding ventures like Mitti Ke Rang and Hello Sports that focused on connection and impact. A solo backpacker and digital nomad, Amit’s journeys across India and beyond have deepened his belief in the power of authentic stories and shared experiences. At GroundUp, he leads communications and marketing with a passion for elevating community voices and weaving narratives that inspire action. He is also the founder of Calmado Labs, a platform exploring curiosity, human connection, and storytelling..

e: amitjain@groundupasia.com

Amit Shinde is an MBA marketing and environment science graduate passionate about conservation, eco-tourism, and community-based social services for over two decades. He has diverse experience across education, tourism, and real estate. His notable assignments include conducting environment education camps for students in Maharashtra, serving as an environment expert and bird-watching guide with Himalayan Eco Drive for five seasons, and promoting tourism at LAVASA, Pune. Amit is also an active environment educator and volunteer within his corporate roles.

e: amit@groundupasia.com

Mengusanuo Hedwig Sekhose has worked extensively on rural governance, participatory planning, and evidence-based development approaches. A Fellow at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), she has gained strong experience in community-led development and local governance systems. She also works in advancing gender-inclusive development in Northeast India through a mentorship program with the Destiny Foundation and the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata. She is committed to strengthening community voices, supporting sustainable, data-informed development at the grassroots.

e: asanuo@groundupasia.com

Thangsoi M. Khiamniungan is a documentary filmmaker and alumnus of Green Hub (2021– 2022 cohort). His work focuses on Hoolock Gibbon conservation and fostering community engagement in Noklak District, Nagaland. In addition to his conservation efforts, he serves as the Executive Chairman of the Choklangan Students’ Union (CSU), advocating for youth leadership and community development.

e: thangsoi@groundupasia.com

Janvi is an emerging practitioner working at the intersection of environmental justice, community leadership, and regenerative land practices. She holds a First-Class MA (Hons) in Economics and Geography from the University of St Andrews, where her work explored how histories of colonisation, capitalism, caste, and state policy shape contemporary environmental and socioeconomic systems.

Raised in Jharkhand and Mussoorie, Janvi brings a strong place-based perspective shaped by close engagement with Adivasi and Himalayan Mountain communities. These experiences anchor her commitment to community-led, socially just, and ecologically grounded approaches to climate action.

At GroundUp, Janvi works for Grassroots Leadership Programme as Research and Implementation associate aim to deepen her practice in ethical community engagement, indigenous knowledge systems, and regenerative land stewardship, supporting locally rooted and financially sustainable conservation efforts.

e: janvi@groundupasia.com