R. S. RAWAT

Dr. R. S. Rawat is a senior scientist at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun (INDIA), currently serving the Biodiversity and Climate Change Division of ICFRE. With over 27 years of experience in forestry research mainly in the fields of climate change mitigation, forest carbon assessment, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.  Dr. Rawat is a Ph.D. in Forestry from the Forest Research Institute (Deemed University), Dehradun. Over the course of his career, he has contributed significantly to national and state-level policy development, particularly in climate change and forestry. He played a lead role in the formulation of India's National REDD+ Strategy and Safeguards Information System for REDD+ Implementation in India and State REDD+ Action Plans for the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim.

In addition to policy work, Dr. Rawat has been deeply involved in technical and scientific research. He has published more than 75 research articles in peer reviewed national and international journals, 49 books and 10 proceedings on forestry mainly biodiversity and climate change. He has served as the principal investigator or co-investigator for over 26 research projects. Currently executing 03 international and national research projects related to forest and climate change as a Principal Investigator. 

Dr. Rawat’s dedication and impactful contributions to forestry research have earned him multiple honours. He was awarded the ICFRE Outstanding Research Award in 2019 for his exemplary research output. Earlier recognitions include the Brandis Prize (2014) and the Schlich Prize (2007), both awarded for excellence in forest science and research. Beyond his scientific accomplishments, he has contributed to capacity building among State Forest Departments, particularly in enhancing their ability to measure, report, and verify forest carbon stocks as part of climate action efforts.

Organised 300 training programmes and workshops for capacity building of the IFS officers, scientists & technologists, officers and staff of State Forest Departments and local community members on climate change and carbon mitigation, REDD+, carbon sequestration, measurement of forest carbon stocks and sustainable land management. Built the capacity of more than 20000 stakeholders.