N. MANIKA

Conservation ecologist with 14 years of demonstrated expertise in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate change mitigation across diverse institutional landscapes. My career has centered on the ecologically critical Terai and eastern Himalayan regions, where I've led research and implementation initiatives addressing complex conservation challenges at the science-policy-community nexus.

I bring comprehensive experience in designing and managing large-scale conservation programs funded by bilateral organizations, multilateral agencies, government departments, and philanthropic foundations. My technical specialization encompasses landscape ecology, forest restoration, invasive species management, medicinal and aromatic plant conservation, and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Published researcher with strong foundation in phytosociology and ecosystem dynamics, complemented by strategic capabilities in policy development, climate finance architecture, and gender-responsive conservation frameworks.

Having navigated government  institutes, NGO, and private sector environments, I've cultivated skills in multi-stakeholder coordination, resource mobilization, and translating scientific evidence into actionable strategies. My work directly advances Sustainable Development Goals 13, 15, 5, and 3, with particular focus on integrating forest-fringe communities into conservation.

I remain committed to conservation approaches that achieve both ecological integrity and tangible improvements in community well-being—recognizing that lasting environmental solutions emerge from genuine partnerships rather than top-down interventions. Beyond research publications and project management, I find purpose in bringing communities into conservation dialogues, exploring uncharted territories, and translating complex ecological science into action. At heart, I remain an explorer—of ecosystems, ideas, and the spaces where nature and people thrive together.