Ayiswarya S. Varghese

Ayiswarya S. Varghese is an early-career conservation practitioner with an academic background in Zoology and a Master’s in Environmental Studies and Conservation Practice from ATREE, Bengaluru. Her journey began with an interest in animal behaviour and ecological interactions, which she explored through an internship on plant-gall parasitoid systems. Over time, her interests evolved toward interdisciplinary conservation, particularly at the interface of ecology and community-based approaches. She has developed a keen interest in working with communities and exploring traditional knowledge systems to inform inclusive and sustainable conservation strategies.
For her Master’s thesis, conducted in collaboration with Dakshin Foundation, she examined the challenges faced by fisheries co-management institutions in Palk Bay and explored their potential in managing the Blue Swimming Crab fishery. Ayiswarya now works with Dakshin’s Sustainable Fisheries Programme, where she continues to practice inclusive and interdisciplinary conservation. She sees the Chilika Field School as an opportunity to deepen her understanding and learn from diverse perspectives at the intersection of ecology, governance, and community wellbeing.