Murali Kallur is a distinguished ecologist, natural resource management specialist and sustainable development professional, currently working as an independent consultant and formerly serving as Executive Director of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). With more than three decades of experience across research, international development, environmental conservation and community-based natural resource management, he has dedicated his professional journey to advancing sustainable approaches to agriculture, biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods. His mission is rooted in the belief that conservation and development must go hand in hand, with local communities playing a central role in protecting natural resources and building climate-resilient livelihoods.
As Executive Director of MSSRF, he was associated with an institution established by pioneering agricultural scientist Professor M. S. Swaminathan to harness science and technology for sustainable and inclusive development. MSSRF’s pro-poor, pro-nature and pro-women philosophy resonates with his longstanding interest in connecting ecological research with practical community-level interventions. His professional interests encompass sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, watershed management, ecosystem restoration and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Prior to his leadership association with MSSRF, Mr. Kallur held significant responsibilities with international development and conservation organisations, including the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Rare. At IDRC, he was associated with the Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA), working on research and policy initiatives addressing climate change vulnerability and resilience across Africa and Asia. His work involved connecting scientific research with policy and development practices, particularly for communities dependent on forests, agriculture, water resources and coastal ecosystems. He has also been associated with the South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies, contributing to initiatives around sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
Mr. Kallur has made substantial contributions to ecological research, with publications examining tropical forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, community forestry, watershed management, carbon sequestration and sustainable livelihoods. His research has explored how community participation and institutional arrangements can strengthen conservation outcomes while supporting the economic needs of rural populations. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and research contributions, including studies published in Current Science, Oecologia and other international journals.
Academically, he holds a PhD in Ecology from the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and has an academic association with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. His expertise and experience have also led to his selection as a member of the jury for the India CSR Summit’s 2024 and 2025 awards.
Driven by a passion for ecological sustainability, community empowerment and evidence-based development, Mr. Murali Kallur continues to advocate solutions that integrate scientific knowledge, public policy and grassroots participation to create resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.
