Our Team

            Our strength lies in a dedicated, multidisciplinary team with deep expertise in agroforestry, environmental science, community development, and climate change mitigation. Grounded in rural realities and driven by scientific insight, they seamlessly integrate practical field experience with innovative solutions to uplift farming communities. United by a passion for sustainability, our team excels in ecosystem restoration, carbon accounting, soil health management, and policy advocacy. Their unwavering commitment powers every initiative, transforming drylands into resilient, thriving landscapes that deliver scalable, lasting benefits for both people and the planet.

Gangi Setty

Founder

Meda Chenna Krishna

Project Coordinator

Deepthi

Agroforestry Specialist

Pallavi

Community Engagement Coordinator

Veda Ganesh

Sustainability & Climate Expert

Gangadhar

Water Conservation Coordinator

Bhaskar

Soil Microbiology Expert & Coordinator, Farmer Livelihoods

Our Advisory Team

(Non voting and Honorary).

             Our Advisory Team at Green Tree Foundation includes respected national and international experts who have long collaborated with us. Their extensive experience in agroforestry, environmental science, climate policy, and sustainable development provides vital strategic advice and advocacy that align our work with GTF’s mission and vision. As passionate ambassadors, they elevate our presence on global platforms, strengthen partnerships, and enhance project design and impact measurement. Their advocacy amplifies GTF’s voice in key forums, helping bridge grassroots efforts with global climate goals and driving lasting environmental and social change.

Gorav Seth

Our Advisor

Jeff Follett

Our Advisor

Sreedhar Pabbaraju

Our Advisor

Y. Venkata Rao

Our Advisor

Douglas Barness

Our Advisor

Innes Park

Our Advisor

Scroll to Top

Gangi Setty

Founder

Gangi Setty, Founder and Executive Director of the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), combines his academic background in biology from Silver Jubilee College with a deep passion for sustainable agroforestry. Grounded in science and guided by strong community values, he leads efforts to restore degraded lands and build climate-resilient ecosystems across rural India. Gangi promotes community-driven agroforestry systems that address critical issues like deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change, while also enhancing the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.

His vision extends beyond tree planting—it focuses on integrating agriculture with ecology to create sustainable, long-term solutions. By working closely with local farming communities, Gangi ensures each project is rooted in participation, knowledge-sharing, and local ownership. Under his leadership, GTF has evolved into a dynamic movement for environmental restoration, farmer empowerment, and climate action. Through his unwavering commitment, Gangi is shaping a “Greener Tomorrow,” where rural landscapes flourish and communities thrive in harmony with nature.

Meda Chenna Krishna

Project Coordinator

Meda Chenna Krishna, Project Coordinator at the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), holds an MBA and brings extensive experience in project management. He plays a key role in overseeing and implementing agroforestry initiatives, ensuring timely execution and alignment with project goals. Meda works closely with farming communities, building strong relationships and facilitating training programs that equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. His expertise in coordination and community engagement ensures that projects are executed efficiently and with meaningful local impact.

In addition to managing day-to-day operations, Meda is responsible for resource coordination, logistics management, and ensuring effective collaboration among all stakeholders. His efforts contribute significantly to GTF’s mission of restoring degraded lands, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening rural resilience. With his strong organizational skills and community-focused approach, Meda Chenna Krishna is a vital force behind the success of GTF’s grassroots initiatives.

Deepthi

Agroforestry Specialist

Deepthi, an Agroforestry Specialist at the Green Tree Foundation (GTF) with a B.Sc. in Agriculture, plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agroforestry and environmental restoration. She conducts training sessions and workshops for farming communities, focusing on agroforestry techniques, agricultural management, and sustainable land-use practices. By helping farmers integrate trees with crops, she enhances soil health, boosts biodiversity, and supports the development of climate-resilient farming systems.

In addition to her community training efforts, Deepthi manages GTF’s seed bank and nursery operations, ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds and saplings for agroforestry projects. Her work in natural resource conservation and biodiversity promotion aligns closely with GTF’s mission to build resilient rural ecosystems. Through her technical expertise and community engagement, Deepthi empowers farmers to adopt sustainable practices that improve livelihoods and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

 

Pallavi

Community Engagement Coordinator

Pallavi, the Community Engagement Officer at the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), plays a crucial role in connecting the foundation with local farming communities. With strong communication skills, she builds trust, encourages active participation, and effectively conveys GTF’s mission and programs to diverse audiences. Her role is central to ensuring that community voices are heard and included in the foundation’s initiatives.

In addition to field engagement, Pallavi leads GTF’s web and social media communications, sharing updates, events, and success stories with a broader audience. She also empowers women and youth by organizing workshops on sustainable agroforestry, land management, and climate resilience, encouraging their participation in environmental restoration and tree planting programs. Through her combined efforts in community outreach and digital communication, Pallavi strengthens GTF’s impact on the ground and online, helping foster inclusive, sustainable development and contributing meaningfully to the foundation’s vision of a Greener Tomorrow.

Veda Ganesh

Sustainability & Climate Expert

Veda Ganesh, a Sustainability & Climate Expert at the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), holds a B.Tech degree and is a certified National Cadet Corps (NCC) member, symbolizing his strong leadership and discipline. At GTF, he leads critical efforts in sustainable land management, carbon sequestration, and natural resource conservation. His work ensures that the foundation’s initiatives align with broader environmental goals while creating tangible impact on the ground. Through a scientific, data-driven approach, Veda helps design and implement agroforestry models that are both climate-resilient and community-centered.

Actively involved with Restor Hub and other global platforms, Veda bridges local actions with international climate goals. He promotes ecological restoration through evidence-based practices and engages with farming communities to apply sustainable solutions. His commitment and hands-on involvement make him a vital force in advancing GTF’s mission. As a true climate warrior, Veda is helping to shape a greener, more resilient future for both people and the planet.

Gangadhar

Water Conservation Coordinator

Gangadhar, with over 15 years of experience in sustainable land and water management, leads the Green Tree Foundation’s (GTF) water conservation initiatives. His work focuses on implementing watershed development, contour trenching, and promoting efficient irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation. These interventions play a crucial role in restoring degraded landscapes, improving groundwater recharge, and enabling water-sensitive agroforestry practices across dryland regions.

Deeply rooted in community engagement, Gangadhar works closely with farmers to promote practical, cost-effective methods that enhance soil moisture, reduce water stress, and increase agricultural productivity. His approach strengthens rural livelihoods while building climate resilience through regenerative farming systems. With his deep knowledge of local ecosystems and commitment to sustainability, Gangadhar is a key force in advancing GTF’s mission to restore ecosystems and transform rural landscapes through water-smart, eco-restorative solutions.

Bhaskar

Soil Microbiology Expert & Coordinator, Farmer Livelihoods

Bhaskar, an M.Sc postgraduate in Microbiology, brings specialized expertise in soil microbiology to the Green Tree Foundation (GTF). With published research on soil microbial ecosystems, he applies his scientific background to improve soil health and support climate-resilient agriculture. Bhaskar leads initiatives that focus on the use of composting, biofertilizers, and microbial inoculants to enhance soil fertility and biological activity. His work contributes to building healthy, productive agroforestry systems that regenerate degraded soils and increase farm sustainability.

At GTF, Bhaskar also coordinates farmer livelihood programs, working directly with rural communities to develop tree-based land-use systems that are both ecologically sound and economically beneficial. He conducts field demonstrations and training sessions to equip farmers with knowledge of sustainable practices grounded in microbiological science. Through his efforts, Bhaskar ensures that GTF’s agroforestry models are not only practical but also rooted in cutting-edge research, helping farmers transition toward more resilient, regenerative farming systems.

Gorav Seth

Our Advisor

Gorav serves as a strategic advisor to the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), guiding the organization’s alignment with national and international environmental policies. With over two decades of experience in climate diplomacy, sustainable development, and policy analysis, he ensures GTF’s initiatives are in sync with global frameworks such as the UNFCCC, SDGs, and the Paris Agreement. His expertise brings a critical lens to GTF’s climate action strategies, ensuring they are not only effective on the ground but also relevant in global policy dialogues.

Having worked with major international organizations and platforms, Gorav plays a key role in strengthening GTF’s advocacy and visibility. He ensures that grassroots experiences and challenges from rural India are represented in high-level policy discussions. His guidance also supports partnership building and resource mobilization, helping GTF form meaningful collaborations with global institutions. Gorav’s contributions are instrumental in positioning GTF as a credible voice in the global climate action movement.

Jeff Follett

Our Advisor

We are honored to welcome Jeffrey Follett to the Board of Advisory at the Green Tree Foundation (GTF). With over two decades of global experience in aviation risk and human-wildlife conflict management, Jeffrey brings a unique blend of technical expertise and ecological insight. He has successfully led projects across North America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, contributing to major infrastructure developments such as Western Sydney Airport and Auckland International Airport. His involvement in high-level expert committees highlights his stature as a respected leader in his field.

At GTF, Jeffrey provides strategic guidance on international collaboration and long-term planning. His global perspective and technical knowledge enrich our approach to ecological restoration, climate resilience, and agroforestry innovation. His deep commitment to sustainability and environmental safety aligns seamlessly with our mission to create greener, more resilient rural landscapes. Jeffrey’s presence on the Advisory Board strengthens GTF’s global vision and capacity for impactful, scalable solutions.

Sreedhar Pabbaraju

Our Advisor

Sridhar Pabbaraju, Vice President of Baldota Envirocare, brings over 30 years of expertise in environmental science and management to the Green Tree Foundation (GTF). He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Pune University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from the University of Hyderabad. With vast experience in waste management, pollution control, and environmental compliance, Sridhar offers valuable guidance on embedding sustainability into agroforestry and climate-resilient initiatives.

At GTF, Sridhar advises on integrating advanced environmental technologies and nature-based solutions to enhance project outcomes. He champions science-led approaches that support regenerative practices while balancing ecological protection with economic development. His efforts focus on fostering cross-sector collaborations that bring innovation and technical rigor to GTF’s mission. Sridhar’s insights are vital in helping farmers adopt sustainable practices that improve livelihoods and restore degraded ecosystems, reinforcing GTF’s vision of a greener, more climate-resilient future.

Y. Venkata Rao

Our Advisor

Prof. Y. Venkata Rao, an esteemed academician and researcher, brings over 32 years of teaching and scholarly experience to the Green Tree Foundation (GTF). An alumnus of Andhra University and Tezpur University, he holds advanced degrees in Human Resource Management, Philosophy, Marketing, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration. He has taught at prestigious Central Universities, specializing in Tourism, Human Resource Management, and International Business at the postgraduate level, and has contributed significantly to academic and policy research in these fields.

At GTF, Prof. Rao serves as a respected Advisory Board Member, offering strategic guidance in eco-tourism development, sustainability planning, and academic collaborations. His deep understanding of responsible tourism and community-driven development helps shape GTF’s initiatives that integrate environmental conservation with rural livelihoods. Prof. Rao’s insights are instrumental in aligning the foundation’s work with national priorities and global sustainability goals, advancing GTF’s vision of regenerative, inclusive, and nature-based rural transformation.

Douglas Barness

Our Advisor

Douglas Barnes, a certified Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) holder, serves as an advisor to the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), offering expertise in integrating permaculture principles into agroforestry and climate resilience efforts. With a focus on water-harvesting earthworks, he helps design systems that drought-proof land, improve water retention, and enhance soil health—key to sustainable farming in rainfed and semi-arid regions. His approach supports the creation of regenerative landscapes that work in harmony with natural processes.

Douglas emphasizes climate-appropriate and community-centered ecological design, blending scientific insight with traditional knowledge. His guidance empowers local communities to develop self-sustaining agro-ecosystems that restore degraded lands and strengthen livelihoods. By promoting nature-aligned and low-input solutions, Douglas contributes to GTF’s mission of fostering adaptive, climate-resilient agriculture. His insights are instrumental in shaping innovative practices that increase farmers’ capacity to respond to climate change while ensuring long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

Innes Park

Our Advisor

Innes Park serves as an advisor to the Green Tree Foundation (GTF), offering specialized guidance in vegan agriculture. With a strong background in ethical and cruelty-free farming systems, Innes advocates for plant-based practices that eliminate the use of animal inputs while promoting ecological balance. Their approach supports soil regeneration, enhances biodiversity, and contributes to the development of climate-smart agroforestry systems. By focusing on low-impact, nature-friendly methods, Innes helps shape farming models that are both sustainable and ethically aligned.

At GTF, Innes plays a vital role in promoting regenerative agriculture that respects both environmental and social values. Their insights encourage farmers to adopt innovative, plant-based approaches that reduce ecological footprints while enhancing resilience to climate change. By aligning food production with principles of compassion and sustainability, Innes empowers communities to restore degraded ecosystems and build a more inclusive and ethical model of land stewardship—one that supports long-term health for people, animals, and the planet.