Shivakumar M. Srinivas (M.S. Shivakumar) is a development professional and policy researcher with expertise in applying a rights-based approach across various sectors. His work spans education, migration, informal sector livelihoods, land and natural resource management, and community-driven development. He prioritizes empowering marginalized communities, ensuring equity in resource allocation, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. With over three decades of experience in South and Southeast Asia, he has collaborated with international organizations such as UNDP, the World Bank, and UN-FAO. Shivakumar has cultivated relationships with diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations and networks, government agencies, local communities, and international development organizations.



His focus areas include land tenure, land use management, forest tenure, biodiversity markets, and natural resource management. Significant background in advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples (IP) and local communities (LC) across South and Southeast Asia. He possesses particular experience working in post-conflict and post-disaster initiatives. Through his contributions, he has influenced policy dialogue and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable land administration and land use practices, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood improvement for local communities in the region.