Eklabya Sharma
Indian ecologist and environmental scientist
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Eklabya Sharma (born 11 May 1958) is an Indian ecologist and environmental scientist, known for his contributions to mountain ecosystem research and sustainable development in the Himalayan region. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2024 for his work in environmental science.[1]
Dr. Eklabya Sharma | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 May 1958 Darjeeling, West Bengal, India |
| Education | Banaras Hindu University (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.) |
| Occupations | Ecologist, environmental scientist |
| Known for | Research on Himalayan ecology, mountain sustainability |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2024) |
Early life and education
Sharma was born in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate education at Banaras Hindu University, earning a B.Sc. in 1977, an M.Sc. in botany in 1979, and a Ph.D. in ecology in 1985.[1]
Career
Sharma's early research focused on nitrogen fixation by non-leguminous Himalayan Alder species in the Eastern Himalayas. He has worked extensively on the ecological challenges and sustainable development of mountain regions.[2][3]
He served as the Director of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), where he played a key role in launching the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, involving over 300 experts across multiple countries.[4]
Sharma has also contributed to various international scientific and policy forums, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).[5]
Advisory and professional roles
Sharma has held several advisory roles:
- Chairperson, Scientific Advisory Committee, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment
- Strategic Advisor, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
- Trustee, The Mountain Institute, USA
- Director, International Mountain Society, Switzerland
- Member, Steering Committee, UNEP's Global Mountain Waste Management Outlook
- Advisor, Chief Minister's Office, Government of Sikkim[6]
Awards and honours
- Padma Shri (2024)[1][7]
- Young Scientist Medal, Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
- Vishisht Vaigyanik Puraskar, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
- Honorable Mention Paper Award, Soil and Water Conservation Society, USA
- Excellence Award from Government of Sikkim and Sikkim University
- Social Status Award, Government of Sikkim[8]
Fellowships
- Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
- Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI)[9]