Ashwin Naidu

Environmentalist, Idea generator, Scientist, Social entrepreneur, World traveler

Ashwin Naidu is a conservationist and scientist dedicated to protecting and restoring critical ecosystems, with a particular focus on mangrove forests and fishing cats in Asia. As the leader of The Fishing Cat Conservancy and FishCat.org, Ashwin works on initiatives that combat deforestation, support local communities with conservation jobs, and engage in reforestation efforts. With a background in landscape genetics, Ashwin has conducted population assessments and established genetic databases for conservation research. Through conservation expeditions and science communication efforts, Ashwin aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and ecosystems, while also promoting conservation-based livelihoods and eco-tourism as sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Community engagement and creating conservation-oriented livelihoods to help protect globally important ecosystems (e.g., mangroves) so we can eliminate our carbon footprints!

All lives have equal value: even a fishing cat and a farmer who can help us protect an entire ecosystem capable of sustaining life on earth

Citizen Science, Climate Change, Community Engagement, Conservation Advocacy, Data & Data Analysis, Environmental Policy & Advocacy, Farming & Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquatic Species, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Geospatial Analysis, Natural Resource Management, Science Communication, Wildlife Conservation

My journey to protect endangered species like tigers, mountain lions, and fishing cats outlined in my TEDxTucson talk titled "License to Save" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahD6A6o-gws)

Backpacking/camping