Candidate info
Particular qualifications:
As a pioneer in research driven development and environmental communication in India and Asia, I bring over 30 years of leadership integrating communication, education, research, and policy advocacy at national, regional, and global levels. My work bridges science and society: mobilizing media, engaging communities, and shaping environmental governance. As Founder and Director General of the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), I led the creation of CMS VATAVARAN, Asia’s largest environmental and wildlife film festival, amplifying local voices and building a global network of filmmakers & educators. Since 2001, I have managed over 60 film festivals and forums across South Asia. I have engaged with 300+ media professionals, 500+ educational institutions, and led 50+ research studies. I have worked with several government organisations and ministries in India and internationally, including Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Canada, the US, the UK, and the EU. I have collaborated with UNEP, WFP, UNICEF, WWF, and other international organisations on diverse environmental issues. I have served on the boards of the Green Film Network, PSO Netherlands, and UNESCO's Media Freedom Committee. I bring both a global perspective and local grounding to this role. My experience spans grassroots outreach, governance and institutional innovation, working with cross sectoral partners. As Regional Vice Chair for South & Southeast Asia and Steering Committee Member of IUCN CEC, I have been pro-active and contributed to CEC’s strategic outcomes, including: - Bhutan’s first Environmental Film Festival, 2022. - Nepal Biodiversity Film Festival with IUCN Nepal, 2023. - Education Day programming at COP 16, 2024. - Youth and Climate Action study with UNICEF-IUCN India, 2022-23. - Leading the Global Survey on Education for Biodiversity 2025. For more details, please visit – www.vasantirao.com
Experience in fields of concern to IUCN:
My work directly advances IUCN’s vision - living in harmony with nature; building resilient, nature-positive communities; and nurturing stewards for planetary wellbeing. I have established leadership in environmental communication and education through: - Conducting policy relevant research on ecological issues. - Leading communication strategies on biodiversity, climate action, pollution, and water conservation. - Designing and implementing campaigns that empower communities and promote sustainable livelihoods. - Developing Nature based Education programs with academia, civil society, corporates, and local governments. - Mobilizing youth, educators, and indigenous voices through storytelling and films to drive behaviour change. - Advocating with journalists, filmmakers, advertisers, writers, and artists on social and environmental causes. These efforts have translated IUCN’s global priorities into on ground action, bridging policy with people, always centring inclusion, creativity, and collaboration. As the only South Asian woman nominated for Chair of the IUCN CEC, I bring both seasoned leadership and the voice of the Global South. I am deeply committed to amplifying under represented perspectives in global conservation dialogues. If elected Chair, I will make CEC more visible, inclusive, and action-driven by: Harnessing digital innovation, indigenous knowledge, and youth leadership; Strengthening cross-pillar collaboration within IUCN, and Launching new initiatives that spotlight member led innovation and impact. I believe in the power of Communication to shift narratives, the strength of nature-based education to build stewardship, and the role of inclusive leadership in driving transformative change. I humbly seek your support and vote to serve as the next Chair of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication.