UN Land for Life Award Laureate
Prof. Shyam Sunder Jyani
Associate Professor | Environmentalist | Founder of Familial Forestry Movement
- Govt. Dungar College, Bikaner
- P.G. Dept. of Sociology
Impact & Achievements
Over 20 years of transformative environmental work, creating sustainable ecosystems across Rajasthan and beyond
5M+
Saplings Planted
200+
Institutional Forests
1000
Acres Restored
20+
Years Experience
Professional Summary
Professor Shyam Sunder Jyani is an internationally renowned environmentalist, academician, and the founder of the Familial Forestry movement. With over 20 years of experience, he has led transformative initiatives such as the planting of 4 million saplings, developing of 200 Institutional forests and the restoration of 207 acres of degraded community land. His innovative approach integrates social values with environmental stewardship, inspiring communities to treat trees as "green family members" and creating sustainable ecosystems in Rajasthan and beyond.
Awards & Recognition
Distinguished achievements in environmental stewardship and community service
UN Land for Life Award 2021
Recognized globally for the Familial Forestry initiative's impact on sustainable land management
State-Level Award
Recognized by the Government of Rajasthan for large-scale community-driven afforestation efforts
I G National Service Scheme (NSS) Award
Honored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Rashtrapati Scout Award
Conferred by The Bharat Scouts and Guides for distinguished social service
“At Home” Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan – Independence Day 2025
Participated in the “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the invitation of the Honourable President of India on Independence Day 2025.
Staff Champion, NPU Network.
Featured as Staff Champion by Nature Positive University Netwrok, a collaboration between University of Oxford, UK and UNEP.
UN Engagements
Participated as Special Guest in UNCCD COP 15 (Abidjan, Ivory Coast in May 2022) and COP 16 at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2024.
Key Initiatives
Transformative programs driving environmental change
Familial Forestry March
Covered 104 villages of western Rajasthan in June 2022 to raise awareness about ecological restoration.
Ram Roonkh Abhiyan
Cultural engagement initiative to foster environmental action through traditional values.
Ontario Food Forest
Guided establishment of a Food Forest in Canada, extending Familial Forestry globally.