Andhra LiFE for Nature Summit 2026

సహజ – జీవన విధానం | Sahaja – Jeevan – Vidhanam

17–18 March 2026
Hyatt Place, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra LiFE for Nature Summit 2026 took place on 17–18 March in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The summit was organised by CMS VATAVARAN in collaboration with The Habitats Trust.

The summit was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, IUCN #NatureForAll, UN Environment Programme India, and World Food Programme India, along with key institutions from Andhra Pradesh.

The summit brought together policymakers, scientists, development partners, educators, media professionals, and community leaders to strengthen climate resilience and promote nature-positive development in Andhra Pradesh.

The discussions aligned with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and supported the state’s long-term vision for sustainable development by strengthening ecological understanding and integrating ecosystems into governance and planning.

Summit Inauguration

Theme: Sahaja – Jeevan – Vidhanam

Mainstreaming LiFE for a Regenerative Future in Andhra Pradesh. The inaugural session sets the vision for integrating sustainable lifestyles and ecological stewardship into development planning. Leaders will discuss how better mapping and understanding of natural systems can support climate-resilient growth and informed governance.

Policy Roundtable

Theme: Embedding LiFE in Governance

Senior policymakers and institutional leaders meet in a focused dialogue. The discussion examines how ecological considerations can guide infrastructure development, land-use planning, and long-term economic strategy.

Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue

Theme: Enabling LiFE through Partnerships

Representatives from media, academia, civil society, youth networks, and development organisations explore collaborative pathways for action. The session looks at how partnerships, communication, and community participation can translate environmental awareness into practical change.

Andhra Green Ambassador Awards 2026

The Andhra Green Ambassador Awards recognise individuals who have shown strong leadership in protecting nature and promoting environmental responsibility.

Two awards will be presented during the Summit Finale:
• One award to a male environmental leader
• One award to a female environmental leader

The awards highlight personal commitment to conservation and inspire wider public participation in protecting ecosystems across Andhra Pradesh.

Summit Finale

Theme: Sahaja Samvad

The final session brings together insights from the summit discussions. Participants reflect on how Mission LiFE principles can move from vision to action through collaboration, governance, and ecological understanding.

Andhra Pradesh Green Ambassadors

Mr. Komera Anka Rao ("Jaji")

Environmentalist, Andhra Pradesh

Popularly known as the "Andhra Forest Man," Mr. Komera Anka Rao has dedicated over two decades to the protection and rejuvenation of the Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh. His efforts include removing plastic and waste from forest areas, planting trees, dispersing seed balls, and safeguarding wildlife and their habitats.

He actively engages students, communities, and stakeholders through environmental awareness initiatives. On his farm, he cultivates crops to feed local bird populations, reflecting his compassion for all living beings.

Recently appointed as Advisor to the Forest and Environment Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, he exemplifies citizen-led conservation. He is honoured with the Green Ambassador Award for his lifelong dedication to protecting nature.

Dr. Soundarya Manohari Velamati

Founding and Managing Trustee, Grama Deep Charitable Trust

Dr. Soundarya Manohari Velamati is a visionary leader dedicated to rural transformation and environmental conservation. Born in Kovvali village, Andhra Pradesh, she founded Grama Deep Charitable Trust to promote clean, green, and empowered villages through community participation.

Her initiatives focus on increasing green cover, rejuvenating water bodies, improving sanitation, promoting education, and empowering women and children. Her resilience has mobilized communities to preserve traditions that protect nature.

Through grassroots action and visionary leadership, she inspires sustainable and inclusive change. She is honoured with the Green Ambassador Award for nurturing eco-conscious communities and inspiring future environmental stewards.

Why the Summit Matters

Andhra Pradesh faces growing climate risks from cyclones, extreme rainfall, heat stress, and coastal vulnerability. Strengthening ecological systems and climate-ready planning is critical for protecting infrastructure, livelihoods, and economic growth.

The summit encourages the integration of ecological intelligence into policy and planning, including better measurement and mapping of ecosystems so that environmental knowledge can guide development decisions across sectors.

A Shared Path Forward

The Andhra LiFE for Nature Summit aims to build stronger collaboration between government, institutions, media, and communities to support a long-term movement toward a Harit Andhra where economic development and ecological resilience advance together.

For participation enquiries contact sabyesachi@cmsvatavaran.org