- Loss and Damage Research Observatory
- Loss and Damage Research Observatory
Assistant Professor cum Scientist
Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST Kashmir, India
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India
Areas of Expertise:
Nature of engagement:
Overview
I hold a PhD in Forestry from the Forest Research Institute of India and have worked on forest conservation, climate change Adaptation, REDD+, and certification projects in India, Kenya, and KSA. I have advised the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) on the Access and Benefit Sharing Project and served as Deputy Director for the RCFC North-II of NMPB, Govt. of India. I currently guide over 31 PhD, MSc, and BSc Forestry students in researching different aspects of Temperate Himalayan Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Additionally, I have published 51 research articles and am an active member of CEM & WCPA of IUCN.
"Working on diverse projects related to climate change adaptation, ABS, and medicinal plants has deepened my understanding of ecosystem interconnectedness and global collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. Engaging with students and guiding their research has been fulfilling, as it allows me to share knowledge while learning from their fresh perspectives."
Saleemul Huq Memorial Scholarship: Project Update
2024-10-19
...Read more
NWFP vis-a-vis Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | PhD Forestry
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During my doctoral studies, I focused on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) vis-a-vis medicinal plants, recognising their essential role in supporting rural livelihoods and sustainable forest management, especially for climate change adaptation. My research centered on conserving two key medicinal tree species, i.e. Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew) and Rhododendron arboreum (Tree Rhododendron), in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir states of India. I developed innovative conservation strategies, including a new in-situ propagation technique for these species, advancing sustainable practices in forest management while ensuring biodiversity preservation and economic support for local communities dependent on these resources.
Agriculture Skill Council of India under National Skill Development Corporation | NTFPs vis-a-vis Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
2021-03-31
The primary aim of this role as a trainer is to provide ASCI-certified skill development training to unemployed yet educated youth in various aspects of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) vis-Ã -vis Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The objective is to equip them with the knowledge and skills to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation in these sectors, ultimately fostering gainful employment and contributing to the region`s socio-economic development.
Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) Govt. of India |
September 16, 2013
In 2013, I became the first forestry scholar from J&K, India to receive the `Young Scientist Award` from SERB, Govt. of India, along with a 2.5 million INR grant. My research on NTFPs-based livelihoods in Kashmir focused on bioresource management, capacity building and led to first NTFP policy in J&K.
Agro Environmental Developmental Society & SHUATS, UP, India |
November 29, 2018
This award was conferred for outstanding contribution to field of forestry on the occasion of International Conference on “Emerging Issues in Agricultural, Environmental & Applied Sciences for Sustainable Development held between 28th to 29th November, 2018 at Sam Higginbotton University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) Allahabad, UP, India.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, India |
January 1, 2024
This award was conferred upon me by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir for my contribution to research and development activities.
CEM & WCPA
2013-01-01 - Present
Since 2013, I have been a member of two prestigious IUCN commissions: Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). This engagement has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities, enabling global collaboration and keeping me updated on the latest developments in ecosystem management and conservation.
Benhama, Ganderbal - 191201 (J&K) | Assistant Professor cum Scientist
2018-08-09 - Present
As an Assistant Professor cum Scientist, my core responsibilities include teaching, research, and extension. I design curricula and supervise research on forestry, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and medicinal plants for students PhD, PG & UG in forestry. I lead projects on NTFPs, medicinal plants, and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources, working to ensure equitable distribution of benefits. I collaborate with research institutions, NGOs, local communities and government agencies on joint projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives. My achievements include mentoring students, securing research funding, publishing papers, and improving livelihoods through sustainable resource management. I developed community-based programs, notably the Bangus Model, benefiting forest-dependent communities. I have also implemented ABS frameworks and contributed to REDD+ projects. Recently, I established the "Centre of Excellence on Herbal Technology" at SKUAST-Kashmir, India, focusing on Bioprospecting Biodiversity for Bioeconomy. My work enhances knowledge sharing and supports sustainable forestry and climate resilience efforts.
New Delhi, India | Technical Expert
2016-11-03 - 2018-04-06
My primary responsibilities included supporting the National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) in establishing Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), assisting SBBs in developing state regulations on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources, and contributing to the development and dissemination of ABS best practices and case studies. I was also responsible for maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and providing technical assistance to both local and international experts.
Along the Juniper forests in Gurez
Photo Credit: - Muzamil
I led a study tour with fourth-year BSc Forestry students of SKUAST-K to the Jun...
Brainstorming Session on HWC at Dehradun
Photo Credit:
Moderating brainstorming session on Human-Wildlife Conflict Management with seni...
Chitternaar Forest Training School, Kashmir
Photo Credit:
Delivered a talk on "Diversification of NTFP Value Chains for Sustainable Forest...
At World Unani Congress 2023
Photo Credit:
Presented an invited lecture on "Factors Influencing the Variation of Bioactive ...
Promotion of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
Brief Introduction about the HADP PROJECT No. 5 `Promotion of Medicinal and Aro...
Field visit to MAU Forest Complex, Kenya
Field visit to MAU Forest Complex with officers from the Kenyan Forest Service f...
Yoga in Kashmir Himalayas at 12000 ft above sea level
Practiced yoga to relax and rejuvenate our legs at an altitude of 12,000 feet ab...
At SEKMOL Ladakh
With my undergraduate students at the eco-friendly SECMOL Alternative School nea...
