Janet Orlene
Janet Orlene is Director at Upstream Ecology and a Learning Experience Designer with over a decade of work across India. A National Geographic Certified Trainer (2020), she holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences (2012) and a Diploma in Experiential Education and Practice (2016).Her work integrates ecology, theatre, systems thinking and embodied learning, designing specialized experiences for children, entrepreneurs, artists, governments and corporate think tanks.
In 2025, she serves as Principal Consultant at Theatre Professionals HRD and founded Wild Minds, an experiential outdoor learning initiative. In 2024, she was a Grounded Imaginaries Fellow with University of Sydney. Her work sits at the intersection of research, facilitation and lived field practice, building spaces where science, story and community meet.
Directors
Godwin Vasanth Bosco
Godwin Vasanth Bosco is a restoration practitioner and ecologist, and the founder of Upstream Ecology. Vasanth has been leading all of Upstream Ecology’s restoration efforts in the Nilgiris since inception. He is a Member of the Expert Committee on Invasive Species Management appointed by the High Court of Tamil Nadu, India. He has also authored several popular articles and an extensive book on the Nilgiris landscape, a result of 9 years of work.
Vasanth Bosco grew up in the vast Theosophical Society campus, attending The School KFI in Chennai. This sprawling lush campus was replete with an ancient Banyan tree, a luring mango tree, a pond, snakes, deer and every other fascinating twine, branch, bush or sandpit an adventurous young child could explore. If that was not fascinating enough; on vacations Vasanth traveled with his family to the Nilgiri highlands, his hometown and birthplace. Here he traveled through the jungle, past elephants, gaur, deer, through the smell of pristine forests, and up to the mist clad mountains. This strengthened his endearing bond with the landscape. A landscape he often refers to as "one of the greatest teachers he has come to know".
Operations
Subin Kunnath
Subin is a community ecologist and conservation biologist from Kerala, India, with a PhD focused on the conservation biology of endemic and endangered tree species of the Western Ghats. Trained in botany, he has over seven years of research experience at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, working on population ecology, genetics, reproductive biology, and restoration of threatened plants. Later he worked as a Project Associate at CSIR-CCMB and NCBS for ~2 years, studying how forest fragmentation alters abiotic conditions, plant functional traits, and seedling dynamics. His expertise spans field ecology, biostatistics, species distribution modelling, and basic molecular techniques.
Abhilash Pavuluri
Abhilash manages the partnerships and outreach components of Upstream Ecology. His role involves the building of relationships with all of our key stakeholders and collaborating with them to achieve our goals of ecological restoration. Abhilash has worked in wildlife conservation for over 6 years now, and is adept at conservation communication; through various forms of media, engaging with stakeholders and other members of the public. He is fascinated with the interface between humans and wildlife, and has also engaged in activities surrounding human-elephant conflict mitigation in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He has also led several birdwatching walks in Karnataka.
.jpeg)
Priya
Mrs. P. Priya is an Accountant and Administrative Officer with over 17 years of experience in administration and documentation across schools, colleges, and organizational settings. She manages financial records, ensures accurate reporting, and supports daily administrative operations with a strong focus on efficiency and transparency. Her expertise includes database management, government compliance systems, and maintaining confidential records. With a structured and detail-oriented approach, she enables smooth project execution and effective coordination. Through her role at Upstream Ecology, she contributes to strengthening organizational systems and supporting environmental initiatives that promote sustainability and responsible resource management.
Field Team
Imran
Imran is a Field Coordinator and one of the oldest members at Upstream Ecology, where he manages outdoor sites and oversees various planting projects. His role focuses on field coordination and connecting with diverse people at each new location. Since joining the team, he has gained a fascinating understanding of native plants, mastering everything from seed planting to the germination process.
Sam
Sam is engaged in field-based ecological work with a focus on restoration and habitat improvement. At Upstream Ecology , he has been involved in plant identification, vegetation observation, and supporting on-ground restoration efforts in semi-natural landscapes. He also assists in documenting field conditions and biodiversity-related activities. His interests lie in strengthening native ecosystems and contributing to practical, science-based restoration initiatives in the Western Ghats.
Dinesh
Dinesh's work involves field documentation and the identification of various plant species, as well as assissting Upstream Ecology with various eco-landscaping activities. These activities have improved his observational skills and deepened his understanding of native vegetation and ecosystem dynamics. Working in diverse field environments has also enhanced his ability to address practical challenges and develop effective solutions in real-world conservation settings. This experience has strengthened his problem-solving abilities and professional field skills, such as GPS-based navigation skills.
Vignesh
Vignesh brings with him hands-on experience in forest ecosystems, tree surveys, GBH measurement, and species identification. He has practical field experience working in the forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where he has developed strong skills in observing natural systems, identifying native and invasive species, and understanding ecological interactions.
At Upstream Ecology, he contributes to ecological restoration by assisting in field data collection, monitoring vegetation to assess the growth of invasive flora, and supporting biodiversity assessments. His interests lie in understanding native ecosystems and improving degraded landscapes. He is highly passionate about conservation and aims to build a long-term career in restoration ecology, contributing to sustainable and scientifically guided environmental solutions.
