Aman Singh

Aman Singh is an ardent advocate for Orans in Rajasthan and the Founder of “Krishi Avam Paristhitiki Vikas Sansthan” (KRAPAVIS). KRAPAVIS is a grassroots organisation working towards the betterment of Orans to ensure sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities in the dry lands of Rajasthan. He has trained over 500 community volunteers who disseminate information, conduct training and provide assistance on biodiversity conservation, water management and pastoralism. He has been working over two decades to revive Orans in the World’s Oldest Aravali Mountain Range and Great Indian Desert of Rajasthan. They increased awareness of biodiversity and improved hundreds of local ecosystems.

Aman has received ‘Paul K. Feyerabend Award (2016) – A World of Solidarity is Possible’; ‘Dalmia Environment and Water Conservation Award’, the Ashoka Fellowship and others. He has also received sponsorships from IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), ICCA Consortium, UNDP, UNOCHA/ WISP, Schumacher College U.K., ILC/IFAD, Ford Foundation, University of California, etc. He has written extensively on community conserved areas, ecology and pastoralism and published books on Orans: Ecological Traditions of India – Rajasthan and ‘Orans’ Indigenous Community Conserved Areas of Rajasthan-Lessons from Past, Future Perspectives. He has presented to international audiences in England, Ethiopia, Nepal, Australia, Scotland, Vietnam, Tanzania, France, Switzerland, Indonesia, Kenya, Bulgaria, USA, and others.

He is member of Research Advisory Group, Forest Department (Government of Rajasthan), Founding Member of Oran Forum, Pastoralsits Network, Millet Networks, etc., Core Committee member for groves in IGRMS (National Museum of Mankind, Government of India) and a part of National Organizing Committee, Indian Biodiversity Congress.

Aman holds a M.Sc. degree and TEE/ P.G. Diploma in Environmental Education, also is a graduate of the University of California’s Environmental Leadership Programme, and has studied Deep Ecology and Bioregionalism at the UK’s Schumacher College.