Type of engagement

Type of role

Details

Outcome

Study with Field work and Policy document

 

Principal InvestigatorThe Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Protected Areas in Karnataka. (2013-2014) (Case Studies from Bandipur, Bhadra and Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserves)Project paper on the best practices and guidelines to be adopted in the Ecotourism Policy of the State. Paper Title: M Freeda, Manojkumar IFS, Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism in Bandipur, Bhadra and Dandeli Tiger Reserves. Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board, Karnataka Forest Department, Government of Karnataka. This was a policy construct paper that has used by the Karnataka Forest Department and even referred by the Accountant General for Karnataka. Draft the Ecotourism Policy of Karnataka. In Consultation and Collaboration with Centre for Corporate Governance and Citizenship (CCGC), IIM, Bangalore and the Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board. IIMB-Dharthi-invite-Consutative-Dialogue-25th-Feb_1.pdf
Study with Field work and ReportProject Lead

Impact Assessment of Self-Help Groups (SHG’s) on Women’s Empowerment in Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu (focus area of Padaveedu) Srinivasan Services Trust (SST) of the TVS Group through Phicus. (2014-15)

The impact studies that were undertaken for TVS-SST on the various interventions undertaken were considered as a future growth opportunity by the entity, which led to further augmentation of measures and interventions, besides benchmarks for implementing projects, in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh.

Report writing with Filed work

ConsultantBannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) (2014 – 2018). Conducted detailed research with the Executive Director and Team of the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) and released the annual reports for the years 2014-15, 2016-17 and 2017-18. The Zoo functions under the aegis of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), a statutory body of the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Besides the research and reports, I was instrumental in creating and curating brochures for the BBP to be used for publicity purposes. Annual reports for Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Government of Karnataka, which were sent to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) (https://cza.nic.in/), Government of India as follows.2014-15  https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/bannerghatta-biological-park-zoo-annual-report-20142015/65851362 2016-17 https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/bbp-annual-report-2016-2017/91893983 2017-18 https://://cza.nic.in/uploads/documents/reports/hindi/Annual%20Report%20bannerghatta%20zoo%202017-18.pdf
Field work and report writingPrincipal ConsultantLand use patterns in Hebbe falls, an ecological report. Submitted to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Divisional Forest Office, Karnataka Forest Department, Chikamagalur. (2016-2017)The work was undertaken on account of the fact that forest land had been encroached by various private bodies.  The study of the land use patterns ensured that the officers were able to take decisions on the inputs that were recorded, using satellite imagery, and historical data, which ensured the land was reverted to the forest department in its totality, without any litigation. Report available in hard copy 
Study with field work

Project Lead

Status Report on Rehabilitation and Relocation from The Kali Tiger Reserve. A study being undertaken for a Unit of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka. (2017)

To have a qualitative framework for future Relocation measures of forest dwellers and build on benchmarks. Report and Video Production submitted to Dr. Ambedkar Development Corporation, Social Welfare Department, and Government of Karnataka. Report available in hard copy

Study with Field work

Principal InvestigatorImpact Assessment (Environmental and Socio-economic) of trekking routes in Dandeli (Uttara Kannada District) (48 km), Skandagiri (Doddaballapur District) (4.5 km) and Kodagu/Madikeri (Kodagu District) (6 km) using Standard Indicators. A study being undertaken for Karnataka Forest Department and Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board (KEDB) (2017-2018)Cumulative Impact Assessment report and Created a manual for the Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board (KEDB), Government of Karnataka, on the Ecotrails in Karnataka, and developed a blue-print for promoting sustainable adventure tourism through trekking in various landscapes of the State.  Worked with the Chairman of KEDB and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) (Chief Wildlife Warden) to ensure a framework for adventure tourism.
Case study with field workProject HeadWorked on the Tadoba and Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve EDC Villages in Maharashtra to ascertain the policy construct and its impacts on the Communities in the vicinity of the Tiger Reserve. I got to train the local communities and engage them to create opportunities for better livelihoods. (2019)Worked on behalf of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden to ensure a qualitative understanding of the landscape and suggest measures to ensure community participation in the Tiger Reserve.
Research and ImplementationProject Lead (PhD study)Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts- Role of SHG’s and Ecotouris m Management Committees (ETMC) in promoting Ecotourism in Tamil Nadu. (2018-2023)A research study undertaken for the submission of a report of the SHG’s and ETMC’s and suggest best practices for implementation and collaborations. Comprehensive and Integrated Tourism Development program in the forest areas, of Tamil Nadu. Collaborations: Tamil Nadu Forest Department (TNFD), Government of Tamil Nadu, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai and Dharthi. Report available in hard copy
Field work and ImplementationProject leadFor the Forest Department of Government of Chhattisgarh. I was engaged along with my team to study the Policy construct of Ecotourism through ecotourism development committees (EDCs) and provide for a report. Besides reconnaissance of the Forest Areas of Chhattisgarh along with the Forest Staff, I was to train the officers across levels and ensure an understanding of the functionalities of the policy construct of EDCs. (2023)This under the invitation of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden to do a reconnaissance of various Tiger Reserves and the Bastar area, along with the local officers, and further train them on the needs of engaging the local community in a better manner.  The efforts also led to the creation of a entrepreneurial opportunities, through rural, agricultural opportunities, besides, ecotourism, which enabled the community to participate and engage with the Forest Department.
Study with field work Understanding the Sustainability and CBT Models of India and Srilanka (2024-2026).a.Swarna M., Freeda Maria; Gnanapala, Athula; Khan, Shaheed; Duminduhewa, Chinthana & Parasuraman, Mahadevan (2025). Green Sustainability Certifications, Challenges, options, and opportunities for Hospitality businesses in India and Sri Lanka. (Eds.). Sharma, M., Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Innovation and Regenerative Trends in Tourism and Hospitality Industry (IRTTHI 2025), Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research DoI: https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-799-1_15 Publisher: Springer Nature b.Gnanapala C., Athula; Swarna M., Freeda Maria & Khan, Shaheed (2026). Exploring Sustainable Tea Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities in Sri Lanka and India. (Eds.). Banerjee, Shuvashree; Tyagi, Pankaj & Ganguly, Biswanath. Sustainable Tea Tourism and Heritage Preservation. Cambridge Scholars ISBN: 9781036465698 c.Swarna M., Freeda Maria; Gnanapala C., Athula; Kannan, R., & Khan, Shaheed (2025). Revitalizing local economies through community-based ecotourism (CBET), case study of Gulf of Mannar National Park and Biosphere Reserve, India. (Eds.). Bhatt, Vaibhav; Singh Pramendra & Tyagi, Pankaj. Regenerative tourism for community growth and empowerment. Nova Science Publishers. (to be released by April 2026). d.Swarna M., Freeda Maria; Gnanapala, C., Athula; Khan, Shaheed & Kannan, R. Comparative Analysis of Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) Models in India and Sri Lanka. (Paper presented in an International Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, accepted for publishing). e.Swarna M., Freeda Maria; Khan, Shaheed & Gnanapala C., Athula (2025). Kataragama as a Shared Sacred Tourism Destination: Exploring Religious Harmony and Human Oneness. (Eds.). Sharma, Anukrati; Rehman, Moklesur & Chowdhary, Nimit. Exploring the Strength of Shared Culture and Religion in Tourism: A Cross-Cultural Analysis. Emerald Publishing. (To be released by June 2026). f.Expected Edited Book (Expected Publication, July 2026). Gnanapala, C., Athula; Swarna M., Freeda Maria; Chowdhary, Nimit & Khan, Shaheed. Community-Based Ecotourism in South Asia: Sustainable Practices and Development Perspectives. Publisher: Publisher of Repute from United Kingdom.

A2. Dharthi Green Project (2019 till date)

 

  1. M/s Goodera (2021 till date): Collaborated as a Partner through Dharthi Green Project and engaged with Leading Corporates: Amadeus, Net App, IBM, Ernst and Young, Ericsson, TATA Communications, and Allegis IT in the domain areas of Ocean Guardians, Ecowarriors, and Responsible Traveler.
  2. Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu (2019-2022 ): Worked on the Destination sustainability report for destinations in Mannavanur (Dindigal District), and Kolli Malai (Namakkal District).  Worked with the Managing Director/Director, Tourism and respective District Collectors, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), and District Forest Officers to focus on Carrying Capacity, Community Involvement, investments, and mapped the resources for qualitative entrepreneurship in the domain areas of tourism, and agriculture.
  3. Mangalore Surf Club (2020 till date): provide support and guidance on the nuances Coastal Regulatory Zone, and promotion of surfing in two Coastal areas of Karnataka (North of Mangalore/Mangaluru).  This has led to the appreciation of the efforts in creation of the Tannerbhavi Blue Flag coastal areas near Mangalore.
  4. Sakleshpur Resort Owners (2020 till date): Worked with the association on dynamic areas of Sustainability in the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats in Hassan district and advised the Resort owners on the creation of opportunities to promote sustainable agriculture/horticulture methods, besides bringing about a focus on entrepreneurship in the domain of ecotourism.
  5. Chief of Sustainability (2021) Grape County Luxury Resort and Viveda Wellness Village. Took care of the end-to end sustainability standards and goals, including rebranding and communications. 
  6. Member, Outlook India-IRTA and GSTC IWG are Knowledge partners for the Awards and Summit 2021, 2022 and 2023. I lead this as part of the India Working Group.
  7. Invited by the NHAI, Green Mission program to consult on the Training Need Analysis (TNA) leading to the creation of a Training Manual that is to be imparted to the stakeholders across India, in the Green Highway Mission program.
  8. Coastal Karnataka Bloggers Program, organised for the Ministry of Tourism, GoI. And Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, represented by Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) #wanderlustwomenwriters #sheontheseashore. My article published https://www.mangalorean.com/wanderlusting-in-coastal-karnataka/
  9. Consultant and Content, Set up a wildlife interpretation centre in the Kabini property for the knowledge of the tourists. Project for: Orange County Luxury Resorts, Kabini, Karanataka, India. Project Outcome: The Interpretation Center (IC) was not meant only for the tourists, but also for the local community which included a school in the Beeramballi Village adjacent to the resort. The focus was not only conservation, preservation but also on the dynamics of Responsible Tourism (RT). The inputs provided laid emphasis on the local biodiversity, where the local community would get to understand the aspects better. 
  10. Consultant to Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board for inputs on Ecotourism Charter and Strategies.

 

A3.Independent Consultant (2006- 2013): 

  • Have been actively conducting nature education workshops for Government school children around Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore.
    1. 4. Have been involved with corporate organisations viz., M/s Tally, TVS-SST to create corporate policy for CSR on the front of Environment and Ecology and understand the impacts of the interventions that the corporates adopted over a period of time.  
  • 5. Have consulted with Kenterra in the Waste Management sector to use alternative solutions to tackle solid waste disposal in the city of Bangalore.
  • 6. Have volunteered with the Government department understand the status of its Voluntary Relocation programme in Nagarahole National Park.
  1. 8. Animal Rights Fund, to set up Humane education programmes and be involved in communications through writing in news dailies to drive awareness among common people. 

A3. ATREE- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (2005-2006) Position: Research Associate

Restructuring policies and policies to ensure ecologically sustainable and socially responsible ecotourism. A research study funded by the British High Commission, New Delhi through

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Bangalore.

Project Outcome: White paper submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India for evolving ecotourism policies in the country at a Macro level.

  • Education (Masters and Research)
  1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 2025, Madurai Kamaraj University. 
  2. Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Ecotourism), 2010, The Global University.
  3. Master in Tourism Administration (MTA), 2005, Bangalore University (Christ College, now known as Christ Deemed to be University).
  4. Master of Science, 2009 Ecology and Environment (MSc), Sikkim Manipal University (Distance Learning Program).
  5. Bachelors in Business Management, 2003, Bangalore University.

Other academic qualifications:

  1. ESG Reporting and Impact Measurement ESG Reporting and Impact Measurement National Institute of Technology Rourkela National Institute of Technology Rourkela. Issued Oct 2023. 
  2. Attended short courses from the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India), NIRDPR, Hyderabad in the areas of: 
    1. Strategies for identifying and maintaining Common Pool Resources through Panchayati Raj Institutions (September, 7 – 11, 2020) 
    2. Training the Trainers on Conducting Community Based Participatory Research in Rural and Tribal Areas (October, 19 – 21, 2020) 
    3. Community Based approaches for Sustainable Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Adaptation Practices, Rural Livelihoods (November, 9 – 13, 2020) 
    4. Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Livelihood Models for Rural Communities (August, 16 – 19, 2021) 
    5. Community Forest Rights and Forest Rights Act (August 23 – 27, 2021) 
    6. Integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Implementation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan (September, 23 – 24, 2021). 
  3. Certificate: Exploring Sustainability in the Indian Context, Azim Premji University. 
  4. Certificate: Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi. 
  5. Leadership Course in Biodiversity Conservation, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). 
  6. Sustainable Tourism and Travel Program (STTP) Certificate of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) an organization initiated by the Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation), and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), USA. 
  7. Sustainable Tourism Destination Management, STAMP, Cornell University

C. Membership of Boards and Associations:

    1. Member, Research and Academic Working Group (Current), Global Sustainable Tourism Council, initiated by the Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation), and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), USA. (2021 onwards).
    2. India Working Group and Member (April 2021 to May 2023), Global Sustainable Tourism Council, initiated by the Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation), and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), USA. (2021 onwards).
    3.  Member, International Standards Committee (ISC) (April 2022 to June 2023), GSTC. Through this Committee (formerly a Working Group), the GSTC strives to promote sustainable tourism through the adoption and creation of universal principles for sustainable tourism. The standard setting strategy focuses on the management and revision of the current version of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and the creation or adaptation and distribution of additional criteria, standards and relevant indicators.
    4. Member of Governing Council, Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board, Karnataka Forest Department, Government of Karnataka. (2016-2019/ 3 years term). https://ecotourism.karnataka.gov.in/
    5. Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, as a Research Scientist. (Current)
    6. Life Member, Society for Environmental Sustainability.
    7. Member by invitation, The Responsible Tourism Society of India

Language Proficiency: English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam

Countries Travelled: European Union, Turkey, Morocco and Srilanka.



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