People
SHAHID S. SULAIMAN
FOUNDER. Researcher, Conservationist, and Advocate for Sustainable Pastoralism in the Kashmir Himalayas
Dedicated researcher specializing in Pastoralism, Grasslands, Climate change, and Sustainable Pastoral practices in the Kashmir Himalayas. Founder of the Himalayan Pastoral Trust, focusing on the development of sustainable grazing plans, forest plantation, and reclamation of degraded grasslands. Actively involved in addressing the challenges posed by changing climatic regimes i.e. drought and water Scarcity through innovative Community led solutions such as creating ponds in alpine meadows. Also working as a core committee member for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) for South Asia and have been Involved in the preservation of traditional Pastoral knowledge.
YAMEEN NAZIR
Co-Founder of Himalayan Pastoral Trust and Dedicated Environmentalist
Yameen Nazir is the co-founder of the Himalayan Pastoral Trust and an enthusiastic environmentalist with a passion for rangeland preservation. i am actively engaged in initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring rangelands, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. My work focuses on the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of ecological balance in the Himalayan region.
SHAFIQ QURESHI
Founding member and Treasurer of Himalayan Pastoral Trust.
A dedicated environmentalist and founding member of the trust, I hold a Masters degree in English Literature, specialising in eco-criticism, eco-feminism and environmental studies. My academic background fuels my passion for preserving indigenous stories, culture and heritage. I’am committed to the empowerment of tribal communities, especially women, using my expertise to promote awareness about menstrual hygiene and gender equality among tribal women through various workshops and awareness programmes. I look forward to successfully implementing several initiatives, including literacy programs that incorporate tribal languages and traditions, and environmental projects that utilize traditional ecological knowledge to enhance conservation efforts. I aim at bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern sustainability efforts and to collaborate with tribal leaders to develop programs that promote economic development while respecting cultural traditions and protecting natural resources, i believe in empowering these communities to be stewards of their land and culture, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. Additionally, I fulfill the role of treasure for the trust.
JABID CHAUHAN
Empowering Van Gujjar Education and Heritage, Experienced Nature Guide and Conservationist
advocate for the Van Gujjar community A Pastoral Tribe Based in Uttarakhand , specializing in education and cultural preservation. As a Project Coordinator at Jeevan Shiksha, I teach and develop learning materials for Van Gujjar children. I also work as a Nature Guide at Rajaji National Park and Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve, highlighting the community’s natural heritage. My projects include cultural preservation under the Samvaad Fellowship and biodiversity monitoring with Sanctuary Asia. Awarded the Western Himalaya Green Hub Conservation Small Grant in 2024.
DR. RAYEES AHMED
Expert in Climate Change and Natural Hazards with a Focus on Himalayan Extremes
Dr. Rayees Ahmed is a leading researcher in Climate Change, Natural Hazards, and Disaster Risk, currently a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Leeds under the International Strategy Fund. With a Ph.D. from the University of Kashmir, he has published over 45 articles and serves on editorial boards, including Springer and Frontiers in Water. Recognized with the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (2020), he has expertise in remote sensing, GIS, and glacial geomorphology. Dr. Ahmed also serves as Secretary for the GSAG of AAG and has presented his work at AGU, EGU, and AAG.
IDREES AHMAD
Dedicated to Promoting Eco-Friendly Initiatives and Sustainable Futures
dedicated and passionate professional with a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Kashmir, I have devoted my career to promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. With a strong academic foundation in geographical principles and practices, I aims to address pressing environmental challenges and develop eco-friendly solutions that foster a sustainable future in bordering district of Kupwara. I have been actively working with the Chopan pastoral community, to make a positive impact on the environment.
aRIF CHOUHAN
Innovative Educationist and Activist Supporting High Altitude Tribal Education
Arif Chouhan is an experienced educator specializing in tribal schooling, with 5 years of experience in summer mobile schooling. He actively engages in capacity building for Gujjar and Bakerwal students during their summer migration in high Himalayan meadows. His work focuses on adapting educational strategies to the unique needs of these communities, ensuring continuity in education despite seasonal migrations.