The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and Rainmatter Foundation invites you to the fourth episode of THE GREEN MANDATE SEASON-3, focusing on ‘Access, Ethics, and Law in Wildlife Research and Filmmaking’. The episode features a panel discussion with Dr Vidya Athreya, Director- Wildlife Conservation Society-India and Ms Akanksha Sood Singh, Founding Partner- The Gaia People. They will be in conversation with Debadityo Sinha, Lead, Climate and Ecosystems team at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.
The conversation will take place at Lecture Room-1, India International Centre-Annexe, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi on 29th April 2025, 6-7.30 PM.
About the Discussion
While India has strong laws and policies governing forests and wildlife, their effectiveness depends on how well these laws are understood, enforced on the ground, and continuously adapted to address emerging challenges. On-ground research and filmmaking play a crucial role in shaping public understanding and are extremely crucial in informing law-making and conservation policies. The discussion is expected to reflect on how India’s conservation frameworks accommodate or constrain research, filmmaking, and broader conservation efforts. It will also explore necessary reforms to make these frameworks more enabling while ensuring ecological integrity and ethical accountability. Ultimately, the session aims to spark a broader dialogue on aligning science, law, and storytelling to advance conservation efforts.
This conversation brings together two leading voices—Dr Vidya Athreya and Ms. Akanksha Sood Singh—who draws from their extensive field experiences and professional journeys to explore the intersection of science, storytelling, and conservation governance.
About the Speakers
Dr. Vidya Athreya
Dr. Vidya Athreya is a distinguished ecologist specialising in large carnivore biology and human-wildlife coexistence. A member of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group and the SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence Specialist Group, she has worked extensively with the media and Forest Departments to influence state and national policies on managing human-leopard conflict. Her research has underscored the presence of large carnivores outside Protected Areas and explored the cultural factors that shape wildlife tolerance in India.
Vidya holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and currently serves as the Director of Wildlife Conservation Society – India. She has received numerous accolades, including the Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award, the TN Khoshoo Memorial Award, and the Maharana Udai Singh Award.
Akanksha Sood Singh
Akanksha Sood Singh is one of India’s foremost natural history filmmakers and a founding partner of The Gaia People, a leading independent production company. With over 22 years of experience, her storytelling captures the beauty and complexity of India’s ecosystems while raising awareness about the impact of climate change on wildlife and habitats. Her work has been broadcast on major global networks and has received over 200 awards and nominations, including 6 National Film Awards, a Wildscreen nomination, and a UN Film Award.
Akanksha serves as a communications consultant for UNEP, a juror for the International Emmy® and RealScreen Awards, and is a member of the Jackson Wild Advisory Council. She was recognised as one of the 75 Women Leaders in India by UN Women and featured in their book Hum: When Women Lead.
About the Green Mandate
THE GREEN MANDATE is a platform for in-depth conversations on issues affecting current conservation challenges and aims to develop a more profound public discourse on the legal and policy aspects of conservation. Click here to watch previous discussions under The Green Mandate.
Schedule
29th April 2025, Tuesday, 18.00-19.30 HRS (IST)
India International Centre, Lecture Room I, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi 110003
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17.30 hrs: High Tea
18.00 hrs: Introduction of the Speakers
18.10 hrs: Moderated Discussion with the Panellists
19.00 hrs: Q&A Session with Audience
19.30 hrs: Vote of Thanks
The event is open to all, but prior registration is recommended. Fill out the form below to RSVP. The event will not be live-streamed.