Wajiha Khan, Wildlife and climate change specialist with over 6 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, carbon markets, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Skilled in integrating indigenous knowledge, community-based conservation, and nature-based solutions (NbS) for sustainable development. Proven ability to manage AFOLU and Blue Carbon projects, engage diverse stakeholders, and design data driven strategies that bridge science, policy, and social equity. Passionate about climate resilience and ecosystem restoration in South and Southeast Asia.

Key Conservation Projects

Dissertation (WWF-India): Perception Analysis of Local Communities in Arunachal Pradesh – Conducted field-based research on the Monpa tribal community to assess their attitudes toward conservation and natural resource use. Collected and documented detailed ethnoecological knowledge, including ethnobotanical and ethnozoological practices. Studied the formation and functioning of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs), examining their effectiveness and socio-ecological dynamics. Compared the perceptions and conservation attitudes of communities living inside and outside CCAs, as well as those from nearby urban areas, to understand differing levels of engagement and environmental awareness.

• Internship: Human-Crocodile Conflict, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha – Conducted field-based research to understand the dynamics of human-crocodile interactions. Assessed community attitudes toward conflict, gathered spatial and qualitative data on conflict-prone areas, and evaluated the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies. Developed recommendations to support species recovery while promoting coexistence and community safety.

Publications

• Khan, W. (2020). Human-crocodile conflict and community attitudes, Marine Policy.

• Khan, W., & Hore, U. (2018). Ethnoecological practices of Monpa tribe, Int. Biodiversity Congress Proceedings.

• Khan, W. (2019). Gender perspectives in climate vulnerability, Contemporary Social Issues of Women.

• Sethy, J. et al., Khan, W. (2017). Jewels of Nature: Butterflies and Moths of Amity University