Digina G D is a dynamic researcher and policy professional specializing in sustainable land and forest governance, climate adaptation, and environmental policy. Currently a Research Associate at Landstack, she brings a unique blend of academic rigor and field-based expertise to projects that address pressing ecological challenges while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Her core expertise spans policy research, spatial analysis, and project coordination, with a strong focus on forest resource management, blue carbon ecosystems, and climate-resilient land-use planning. She has worked on diverse climate and conservation initiatives ranging from Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation projects in Odisha, to mangrove restoration in Saudi Arabia, and agroforestry interventions in Assam. Her experience also includes designing and drafting community inclusive carbon project documents under global standards such as VCS and CCB, and conducting socio-environmental assessments involving SDG mapping, FPIC planning, and grievance redress mechanisms.

Before joining Landstack, Digina served as a Research Intern at Ecoveda Climate LLP, where she contributed to AFOLU and non-AFOLU projects across India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. She has also worked with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where she engaged in participatory rural appraisals, institutional governance studies, and forest biomass assessments to strengthen community-based resource management.

Digina holds an M.A. in Natural Resources and Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Kerala. Her technical toolkit includes GIS (QGIS, Google Earth Pro), statistical analysis (Stata, R), and robust communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Passionate about researching diverse landscapes and the cultural values intertwined with them, Digina’s work centres on empowering communities as active stewards in effective climate mitigation and adaptation. She believes that nature-based solutions (NbS) are most impactful when grounded in local knowledge and participatory approaches. By integrating scientific evidence and community-driven strategies, she aims to create climate action models that are both environmentally robust and socially inclusive