We live in a period of instability: suffering from the impacts of a crippling pandemic, climate change and witnessing an accelerating loss of biodiversity. The degradation of our life support system – our planetary ecosystems – is leaving the human race vulnerable. The acceleration of our economic development at the expense of nature during the last two centuries is now massively affecting human well- being, our food production and our health. But even more: it is impacting our very existence and soul.
There is an urgent need to restore natural systems to full functionality, however, being done in a way that that natural, social and economic systems are able to cope with internal and external shocks to become resilient landscapes. The only way to do that is a systematic and inclusive approach that connects and brings together the world of the farmers, fisherfolk, marginalised communities and conservationists with the world of finance, big business, governments and research institutes.

Key sub themes being discussed:

• Integrating Rural Development: Strengthening Communities for Sustainable Growth
• Effective Natural Resource Management: Strategies for Restoring Ecosystems
• Building Resilience: Adapting to Environmental and Economic Shocks
• Enhancing Well-being: The Interconnection of Ecology and Human Health

About the Facilitator:

Namita Dandekar, Raintree Foundation
Namita Dandekar is an experienced communications and investor relations professional with a diverse background across both corporate environments and leading communication agencies. She has worked with renowned agencies such as Adfactors Public Relations and Christensen Investor Relations Consultancy, and has held significant roles at corporates like Opto Circuits (India) Ltd. and Piramal Enterprises Ltd. Her expertise spans financial communication, corporate communication, investor relations, M&A communication, and C-level communication.
Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Raintree Foundation, Namita has been instrumental in leading strategic operations since April 2023. Over her four-year tenure with the Raintree Family Office, she has held key positions, including Head of Strategic Operations and Head of Ecosystem Engagement. In these roles, she has driven initiatives that align with the Dandekar family’s commitment to responsible and sustainable investments, focusing on ESG-compliant portfolios and impact-driven ventures.
At Raintree Foundation, Namita is dedicated to catalytic philanthropy, combining financial grants, knowledge-sharing partnerships, and thought leadership to amplify impact in areas such as Integrated Rural Development, Disability, and Mental Health. Known for her systems thinking and creative problem-solving, she continues to foster sustainable social change.