Nagpur: Noted scientist Shalini Dhyani has been elected to the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP) of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a key global body guiding biodiversity policies. Known for her research spanning over two decades on conservation of forest ecosystems, Dhyani was elected during the 12th IPBES Plenary held in Manchester in February 2026, becoming the first Indian woman to join the panel.Dhyani, head of the Centre for Ecological Systems and Resilience Design at CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), said that India’s voice is vital in shaping global environmental negotiations, particularly as a representative of the Global South.With its vast ecological diversity, ranging from 16 major forest types to hundreds of sub-types, India offers unique insights into balancing conservation with development, she said. “What works in the Global North may not always be feasible here. Bridging that gap is essential,” Dhyani noted.She also pointed out the growing threat of invasive species such as water hyacinth and lantana. These, along with climate change and developmental pressures, are placing ecosystems under stress, Dhyani said. “We cannot adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Solutions must be tailored to local landscapes and ecosystems,” she said, advocating for site-specific and scalable interventions.A strong proponent of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, Dhyani stressed that indigenous practices, refined over generations, hold immense value. “Science brings evidence and innovation, but traditional knowledge offers time-tested solutions. Combining both can be transformative,” she said, echoing IPBES’s emphasis on inclusive knowledge systems.Dhyani’s work focuses on ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, which she says are directly linked to improving quality of life. She also called for greater citizen participation, noting that India is emerging as a hub for “citizen science”, where individuals contribute valuable long-term data on biodiversity. “If people understand their local ecosystems, they are more likely to protect them,” she said.Looking ahead, Dhyani aims to ensure that India’s scientific perspectives and socio-ecological realities are reflected in global policy frameworks, while also learning from international experts. “It’s an opportunity not just to contribute, but to bring back global learnings to strengthen our national efforts,” she added.
