Eco Roots Foundation, founded by Shri Rakesh Khatri, affectionately known as the Nest Man of India, is a pioneering environmental NGO committed to sustainability, conservation, and ecological resilience. Rooted in Delhi and active nationwide, ERF drives SDG-aligned programmes that span urban biodiversity, afforestation, water restoration, climate education, and green livelihood development. From constructing over 9,00,000 bird nests to reviving traditional ponds and establishing native plant nurseries, the foundation blends hands-on action with creative outreach, bridging schools, corporates, rural communities, and public institutions. Through environmental workshops, youth engagement, women-centric capacity building, and interactive nature experiences, ERF empowers individuals across age groups and geographies to become active custodians of the environment. Its vision: to cultivate balance between people and planet, one nest at a time.
A former documentary filmmaker turned full-time environmentalist, Shri Rakesh Khatri began his mission in 2008 to bring sparrows back to our cities. With years of hands-on experimentation, he crafted eco-friendly nests from bamboo, jute, cloth, and cotton achieving a nearly 70% adoption rate by birds. His movement has led to the creation of over 9,00,000 nests across India, reviving urban birdlife and inspiring a nationwide conservation ethic. As the founder of Eco Roots Foundation, he continues to lead impactful programs in biodiversity, water restoration, and ecological education. He builds nests but more importantly, he rebuilds our lost connection with nature.
Eco Workshops
Waterbodies Revived
Nests Facilitated
People Reached
Women Empowered
Community Impact
Monica Kapoor, an MSW from Lucknow University, brings over 30 years of experience across education, fundraising, and community development. As Director at Eco Roots Foundation, she leads school collaborations and has spearheaded flagship initiatives like Jal Sparsh and nest-making workshops alongside field teams. Her hands-on leadership in women’s outreach and grassroots mobilisation continues to drive inclusive, impact-driven change.
Animesh Kapoor is an interdisciplinary practitioner with deep expertise in environmental education, conservation strategy, and experiential programme design. At Eco Roots Foundation, he advises on project development, curriculum innovation, and community engagement across diverse contexts. His work bridges field ecology, systems thinking, and grassroots implementation to drive meaningful, lasting impact.
Aparna Tiwari is a seasoned Development Professional with over five years of experience, in the domain of human rights and grassroots engagement. At Eco Roots Foundation, she plays a key role in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting. Aparna’s work strengthens the foundation’s outreach and ensures programmatic effectiveness across diverse initiatives.
With over 15 years of experience in the development sector, Shikha Shukla works at the intersection of nature conservation, women and child welfare, health, and education. At Eco Roots Foundation, she leads community-driven programmes, CSR partnerships, and youth-centric sustainability initiatives, fostering inclusive, eco-conscious change.
Raag Seth is a working professional skilled in website development and digital systems. He supports Eco Roots Foundation’s online presence and technical outreach. Deeply passionate about nature and wildlife, he blends tech with ecological purpose.
Eco Roots Foundation and its founder Shri Rakesh Khatri have been honoured nationally and internationally for their pioneering work in conservation, environmental education, and citizen engagement.
National Science Award (2020)
For innovation in science communication, particularly through theatre for youth.
Green Leadership Award (2023)
For leading grassroots conservation efforts for the house sparrow.
Sabera Social Leader of the Year (2022)
For national impact through nest-building and species revival.
Shining World Compassion Award (2020)
For nurturing empathy and environmental stewardship within communities.
International Green Apple Award (2012)
For innovative approaches to urban biodiversity conservation.
In addition, ERF holds multiple Limca Book of Records for environmental outreach and nest-making workshops , including one for reaching over 60,000 students and facilitating over 34,000 nests in just two years.
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(Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha & MP)
"I came to know of Eco Roots Foundation and their founder & Nest Man of India, Shri Rakesh Khatri at a recent inauguration program of Jal Sparsh Scale up project that they invited me for. I got very impressed on how they are solving an environmental crisis and creating livelihood opportunity along. But I would specially like to acknowledge & appreciate Rakesh ji’s perseverance without which it would not have been possible to make 7 lakh nests that they have made in the last 12 years along with all the impressive achievements that he has."
(IFS & Ex PCCF, UP & State Board of Wildlife, UP)
"Eco Roots was founded in 2012 with an aim of environmental conservation with an initial focus on sparrow conservation by renowned environmentalist Mr. Rakesh Khatri, also known as the Nest Man of India. Since its inception, the organization has been working tirelessly to conserve the urban biodiversity, and ecosystem. It is really appreciable that their projects are aimed at enabling the youth towards sustainable living not just in thought but also action. I wish them all the best"
(Principal, Mt. Abu School & CBSE Board Member)
"Eco Roots Foundation under environmental stewardship of Sh. Rakesh Khatri, the Nest Man of India has been doing commendable work for inspiring young minds and community at large to nurture life in all diversity. Undoubtedly Mr. Khatri's initiatives are a promise for a happier and sustainable future. It is noteworthy that even after reaching such heights, he is still full of innovative ideas and keep coming up with them for us to implement and we execute them with pride like recently, he came with a Book Nests"