DONATE

Vanasa Conservation Foundation, established in 2023, to safeguard biodiversity, restore ecological harmony, and promote the importance of conserving lesser-known species.

Our work philosophy

At Vanasa, we foster species survival through innovative research, evidence-based initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.

Our team is committed to prioritise species survival at a grassroot level. At the heart of our approach lies our commitment to advanced research. We explore ecosystem intricacies, study behaviour, habitats and threats faced by different species. By understanding the unique ecological needs and challenges of wildlife, we prioritize conservation efforts, develop targeted conservation strategies and allocate resources efficiently that are effective and sustainable.

We consider awareness and education as fundamental pillars of our organisation. Our focus is to highlight lesser-known yet important creatures and their ecological significance. Through specially curated talks and workshops for schools, colleges, young adults, and professionals, we aim to instil a sense of responsibility towards wildlife and its habitats.

We passionately advocate that conservation is a collective effort, requiring collaboration with educational institutions, businesses, government bodies, local communities, and NGOs. Our skilful collaborations are paramount for project success. Engaging stakeholders at all levels nurtures a shared sense of responsibility for preserving our natural heritage. This approach not only magnifies our impact but also empowers individuals from diverse disciplines, interests, and skill sets to become dedicated conservation advocates.

Meet

The Founders

Akshita Pungaliya

Co-founder & director

Akshita is a wildlife ecologist with a Master’s degree in Conservation from Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), UK. With more than a decade of experience in wildlife conservation, Akshita possesses a holistic understanding of the natural world. Her work has spanned a wide array of genera, ranging from insects to mammals, reflecting her commitment to conserve biodiversity. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive expertise across multiple disciplines, resulting in a well-rounded personality that enables her to incorporate multidisciplinary approaches in her work. Akshita has spearheaded numerous programs focused on otters, slender lorises, micro fauna and wildlife research techniques. She has also collaborated on community-based conservation efforts.

Atul Borker

Co-founder & director

Atul is an otter expert, a multidisciplinary innovator, and an educator. For his otter conservation work, he received the Future Conservationist Award by the Conservation Leadership Program. He has held positions as the West Asia Continental Coordinator and Species Coordinator for the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group. Throughout the past decade, Atul has trained over thousand individuals from different countries in various aspects of wildlife documentation, research, and conservation. He has authored a book on the small mammals of Goa and has made significant contributions to the scientific community. Prior to transitioning into a wildlife profession, Atul worked as a software engineer.

Meet

Our Collaboraters

Neeti Joshi