My life’s purpose has always been to build bridges between people and the natural world. This guiding principle has shaped a diverse and international career.
My journey began on the front lines of conservation as a Ranger in the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. This foundational experience in field operations inspired me to deepen my scientific expertise, leading to a Post Master’s degree (M.Phil/MRM, 2000-01) and a Ph.D. (awarded by FRI, deemed to be University). I was also privileged to serve as faculty at a training academy, where I translated my field and research experience into curriculum and instruction for newly recruited field officers of the forest department.
After immigrating to Canada, I built a new chapter in the forestry sector, working in various capacities for both government and private organizations. Eager to broaden my skill set, I completed 12 recognized credit courses (Pre-requisites of Chartered professional Accountant of Canada) in business and finance. This new knowledge paved the way for my current role as a Business Services Officer with the Canadian federal government, a position I have held for the past eight years in Edmonton, Alberta.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishna-rao-chepuri-09b72748
Location: Alberta, Canada
Q. How was you experience Working with Forest Departments in India?
A. My experience working with the Forest Departments in India has been both rewarding and transformative.
I managed an office of 10–15 staff members, overseeing operations such as payroll authorization, budget control, and accounting. In addition, I provided continuous training, supervision, and mentoring to my team to ensure effective project execution. A major highlight of my tenure was mobilizing nearly 20,000 people across 150 villages to form Vana Samithies (Forest Protection Committees), which played a vital role in community-led forest protection and sustainable management. I also had the opportunity to execute Watershed Management initiatives over an area of 20,000 hectares using the Ridge to Valley approach. This involved planning, designing, executing, and supervising various watershed structures, including check dams, rock-fill dams, and dugout ponds.
Beyond conservation work, I managed several projects promoting forest-based sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. I assisted Vana Samithies in developing business plans and helped them establish micro-enterprises, fostering economic empowerment alongside ecological restoration.
These experiences were not only professionally enriching but also personally fulfilling, as they allowed me to contribute directly to both environmental sustainability and rural development.
Q: What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A: Journey as a Faculty at Forest Academy, Hyderabad and my Journey as an Author has been most satisfying for me.
My journey as an author began after completing my Ph.D., when I took up the role of Assistant Director at the Forest Academy in Hyderabad. This position allowed me to combine my passion for forestry with education and communication. I designed, delivered, and facilitated capacity-building and outreach programs for NGOs and Forest Department staff, conducting training sessions in both English and Telugu on natural resource conservation.
My commitment to bridging people and nature extends to the literary world. I authored and co-authored a few books.
During this period, I started developing training content in Telugu and went on to author and co-author three books in the language. I also provided editorial support to the Forest Department’s newsletter, Vana Samrakshini, where I regularly contributed articles and served as a mid-page columnist.
I am proud to have my most recent book (co-authored) selected for publication by the Telangana State Forest Department.
I run a Facebook page titled “Greenscience Telugu”, dedicated to educating people in the Telugu-speaking states about forests, the environment, and sustainable living. The page has received an overwhelming response, often reaching between 1,000 and 80,000 views within just 24 hours. This enthusiastic engagement reflects the growing public interest in environmental awareness and reinforces my commitment to spreading knowledge on forest conservation and ecology in the Telugu language.
Q. Tell us about your Journey in Canada.
A. My journey in Canada has been equally inspiring and enriching. Working in the boreal forests of Alberta was an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of temperate ecosystems. With the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI), I had the privilege of touring the entire province while conducting biodiversity inventories—gaining extensive knowledge about Canada’s vegetation and wildlife.
Later, at the Peace River Pulp Mill, I worked on hybrid trial plantations of Aspen and Pines, focusing on research and management practices to enhance forest productivity. This hands-on fieldwork across diverse ecosystems in Alberta broadened my scientific and practical understanding of forestry in the Canadian context.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. My education at IIFM introduced me to new, multidisciplinary avenues of thought, grounded in social marketing. This perspective became the bedrock of my approach to shaping systems, policies, and mindsets.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. True fulfillment comes from pursuing purpose. Tune into the work that excites you, utilizes your natural talents, and involves people who inspire you. Ground your choices in your deepest values, and remember that a meaningful journey is rarely a straight line.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Every day was a unique mix of new challenges and rewarding fun, where intense effort was seamlessly paired with great enjoyment.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. I was fortunate to receive mentorship from distinguished academics during my doctoral journey. My principal supervisor, Dr. P.C. Kotwal, Professor of Forest Ecosystems, was a profound influence. He instilled in me a unique perspective for observing nature and narrating its stories, providing hands-on training in methods such as spotlight surveys. I am also thankful to Dr. Omprakash Madguni of IIFM for his steadfast support and guidance throughout the program.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. Ground yourself in the ‘why’ that led you to IIFM. That inner calling is your true guide, especially when using this experience as a launchpad into a new professional field.
Q. What would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. In Canada, this is a frequent occurrence. However, a sector change requires a substantial investment of time and effort. There are many IIFM alumni in Canada who are well-settled and working across various fields. I’m also connected with some of them through my LinkedIn network.