Niren Jain is an architect and environmental planner based in Mangaluru, with over 25 years of experience in forest and wildlife conservation in the southern Western Ghats. His work bridges conservation science and sustainable development, with a focus on habitat connectivity, environmental planning, and forest governance.

He co-authored a landmark study on the impacts of iron ore mining in the Kudremukh region and has led urban and transport planning projects supported by the Government of Karnataka. Holding a Master’s degree in Environmental Conservation, Niren brings extensive knowledge of environmental policy and conservation legislation.

A recipient of the Sanctuary ABN AMRO Wildlife Service Award and the Carl Zeiss Roll of Honour (both in 2004), he also served as Honorary Wildlife Warden of Dakshina Kannada. He has also served with Mangaluru Urban Development Authority and on the Board of Studies at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Niren currently co-convenes INTACH’s Mangaluru Chapter, and is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Architects.