Helina Jolly
Researcher | Natural Resource Management Professional | Artist
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"I love what I do, and every day I try my best to learn something new, unlearn something old and relearn what is right."
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PhD Resources Environment Sustainability, University of British Columbia
MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation, London School of Economics
MSc Environmental Biology, University of Delhi
BIO
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India (2019) Photo credit : Priya Thuvassery
I am an Indian-born natural resource management researcher and National Geographic Explorer residing in Vancouver, Canada. I have a Ph.D. degree from the Institute for Resources Environment and Sustainability, the University of British Columbia, where I studied human relationships with the ecosystems in Indigenous landscapes.
I grew up in Kerala, India and graduated from the University of Kerala as a gold medalist with a bachelor's degree in Zoology. I was the first rank holder at the University of Delhi, where I undertook my master's in Environmental Biology. I was one of the 20 Commonwealth scholars selected from India to pursue studies in the UK, where I did my master's in Environmental Policy and Regulation at the London School of Economics. In the last decade, I have been a researcher, policy analyst and advisor to environmental projects in South Asia for government agencies, development cooperations, bilateral organizations, NGOs and foundations.
My interests in understanding the natural world have taken me to some of the most amazing places across the world, given me the opportunity to meet, engage and work with some extraordinary communities, scholars, and professionals. For that, I will be eternally grateful to the Universe.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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Biodiversity and Ecosystems
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Policy and development
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Natural resource management
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Natural resource users
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Indigenous engagements
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Communities of the Global South
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Science communication
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Public speaking
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Gender dialogues
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EDUCATION
2016 - 2022
University of British Columbia
Institute for Resources Environment and Sustainability
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Resources Environment and Sustainability
Dissertation: Understand human dimensions of nature in Indigenous landscapes and learn how traditional societies function in Anthropocene.
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Human- wildlife interactions
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Forest fire
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Culturescape mapping
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Forest security
Supervisors : Dr. Terre Satterfield and Dr. Milind Kandlikar
2009-2010
London School of Economics and Political Science
Master of Science (MSc)
Environmental Policy and Regulation
Dissertation: Citizen Science Projects and its role in creating environmental awareness a comparative study of projects in United Kingdom.
Supervisor: Dr Susana Mourato, Department of Geography, and Environment
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Commonwealth Scholar
Represented LSE as an observer at UNFCCC, Bonn (2009-10)
2007-2009
Master of Science (MSc)
Environmental Biology
Delhi University
Dissertation: Avian faunal distribution along altitudinal gradients of Himalayas.
Supervisor: Dr M.K Pandit, University of Delhi
Gold medalist and first rank holder
2004-2007
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Zoology
University of Kerala
Major : Zoology
Minor : Botany and Chemistry
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Supervisor: Dr. Paul TP
Gold medalist and first rank holder
EXPERIENCE
Sep 2021 - Ongoing
Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Solutions Program
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
Research Associate
Key roles and responsibilities​
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Contribute to ongoing collaborative interdisciplinary research in solutions-oriented conservation science
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Develop and design research and training products that supports integration of Indigenous and traditional learning and biodiversity conservation.
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Build and mobilize knowledge based on biodiversity research.
Sep 2015 – Jul 2016
Ennovent
New Delhi, India
Associate Manager Discover Services
Key roles and responsibilities
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Partnership building: Develop, execute and manage clients WWF International, WWF India, IUCN, NSDC (National Skill Development Cooperation), WWC (Wildlife Works Carbon)
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Financial management: Monitor budgets for specific client contracts and assist in preparing financial reports
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Research coordination: Facilitate collaboration, support project development, coordination, implementation and evaluation.
Nov 2012 – Mar 2015
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
New Delhi, India
Junior Advisor Biodiversity Programme
Key roles and responsibilities
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Research: Supported and managed the government of India's The Economics of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity (TEEB ) Initiative
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Research coordination: Conducted research and analysis for the 12 national TEEB India projects working with academic, governmental, non-governmental organizations and private sectors
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Project management: Engaged with key stakeholders in research, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the projects
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Outreach and knowledge mobilization: Assisted the project in stakeholder engagement through factsheets, reports, workshops and conferences. Supported the South Asian Network For Regional Development ( SNRD), GIZ, with its activities regarding natural resource management
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Apr 2012 - Oct 2012
Research Intern Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Areas of India
Key roles and Responsibilities
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Assisted in development of adaptive capacities in vulnerable rural communities in India to cope with climate variability and change in four partner states Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Feb 2011 - Nov 2011
Centre for Science and Environment
New Delhi, India
Research Associate
Key roles and responsibilities
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Conduct policy and technical research in the area of water/waste management.
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Provide technical support (planning and designing) and research support on Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems such as septic tank, root zone treatment, polishing pond etc
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Policy research to provide strategic recommendations to government agencies for sustainable wastewater management across India and South Asia
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Network and campaign with policymakers, municipal functionaries and scientists on water issues
Oct 2010 - Jan 2011
Clinton Foundation
New Delhi, India
Program Analyst
Key roles and responsibilities
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Supported evaluation of solid waste management systems at national and international level
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Prepared a food waste to energy proposal for the Metropolitan city of Seoul , South Korea
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Prepared animal waste to energy ( briquettes) proposal for Vaishnodevi Temple, India
