M. Vivek Alva, managing trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, will join a five‑expert Indian delegation at the Third International BRICS Conference in Petrozavodsk, Russia. His talk will focus on community‑based environmental management in the Western Ghats.

  • Vivek Alva to speak at BRICS environmental conference in Russia
  • Topic: Community‑based environmental management in the Western Ghats
  • Foundation initiatives recognized by UN Climate Action

The Third International Conference on “Regional‑Level Cooperation within BRICS Nations” will be held from Tuesday to Thursday, 12‑14 September 2026 in Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, Russia. Organized by the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences in partnership with the Russian National Committee on BRICS Research, the event’s theme is “Modern Environmental and Nature Management Issues.”

M. Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, will lead an Indian delegation that includes five subject‑matter experts: T.V. Ramachandra (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru), H.R. Shwetha (NIT‑K, Surathkal), Nagraj S. Patil (Visvesvaraya Technological University), Bharath (Chanakya University) and Anand Deshpande (Principal, Angadi Institute of Technology and Management).

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Alva’s presentation, titled “From Awareness to Action: Community‑Based Environmental Management in the Western Ghats,” will spotlight the pivotal role of local communities and youth in safeguarding biodiversity, with concrete examples from the Western Ghats.

The talk will also showcase the Foundation’s flagship habitats – Shobhavana and Harish Bhat Pakshivana. The Pakshivana project earned recognition under the United Nations “Act to Restore for Climate Action” initiative in 2021, underscoring its global relevance.

Another major initiative highlighted will be the upcoming “Hasiru Samvada” conference, slated for 6‑7 January during Alva’s Nudisiri‑Virasat event. This gathering will bring together 46 villages to foster collaborative environmental stewardship, in partnership with the Paryavarana Samrakshana Team.

Historical Background

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of India’s most biodiverse mountain ranges. Over the past two decades, the region has faced severe pressures from climate change, deforestation, and urban expansion. Community‑driven conservation models have emerged as effective responses, influencing national policy and inspiring similar efforts across the globe.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Alva’s participation bridges grassroots initiatives with high‑level BRICS policy dialogues, potentially influencing regional climate strategies across emerging economies.

"Community stewardship in the Western Ghats offers a replicable blueprint for biodiversity hotspots worldwide," says Dr. Priya Nair, climate policy expert.
Did You Know?: The Western Ghats host over 7,000 plant species, 70% of which are endemic to the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What will Alva discuss at the conference?
A: He will examine how community engagement and youth participation can transform environmental awareness into concrete conservation actions in the Western Ghats.

Q2: How has the Pakshivana project been recognized internationally?
A: It was acknowledged under the United Nations “Act to Restore for Climate Action” initiative in 2021.