Midhun S Kumar

Director , Social Entrepreneurship

Kochi, Kerala

Experienced professional with 15+ years in administration, sustainability, and community engagement. Co-founder of initiatives addressing human-wildlife conflict through nature-based solutions. Skilled in administrative systems, project coordination, and stakeholder management. Committed to building inclusive, impact-driven programs that foster ecological balance and community resilience.

Contact Midhun S Kumar
Area of Expertise:
  • Administration, HR, Management, Accounting/Finance
  • Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural, Urban
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Private Sector, Corporate Social Responsibility
Professional Experience:

Experienced and driven professional with 15 years across administration, sustainability, and social enterprise, with a strong foundation in hospitality and operations. As Co-founder and Director of Cloudflower Private Limited, lead the development of systems that integrate nature-based solutions, community engagement, and economic sustainability—most notably through Project Edible Forest, addressing human-animal conflict and rural resilience. The model includes consulting, capacity building, and value-driven enterprise to support long-term impact and scale. Recently co-founded the Edible Forest Sustainability Foundation, a Section-8 company, to expand collaborative work in conservation and community development
Recognized for integrating operational excellence with long-term vision, I bring a strong ability to lead teams, engage stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful environmental and social impact across sectors. Passionate about aligning ecological values with organizational purpose in both corporate and nonprofit contexts.
KEY SKILLS
• Social Enterprise Leadership • Team Leadership & Capacity Building
• Nature-Based Solutions & Community Engagement • Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
• Strategic Program Development • Stakeholder Relationship
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration • Rural Development & Livelihoods
• Grant Writing & Proposal Development • Communication & Advocacy for Change

Education:

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition from the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHMCT), of 2007. The program provided a strong foundation in operations, resource management, and service leadership, which continues to support my work across administration, sustainability, and community-focused initiatives.

In 2017, I completed the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) in Occupational Health and Safety, which equipped me with key skills in risk assessment, compliance, and environmental health practices—essential in managing safe and efficient operations.

To further strengthen my understanding of sustainability, I completed the online course “From Climate Science to Action” by the World Bank Group through Coursera in 2024. This course enhanced my grasp of global climate frameworks and practical solutions for mitigation and adaptation.

I also actively participate in webinars and learning sessions on climate change, ecological restoration, and community resilience, ensuring continuous learning and alignment with emerging best practices in the sustainability and social impact space.

Together, these academic and professional learning experiences reflect a commitment to integrated development—combining operational expertise with a deep understanding of climate action and ecological responsibility.

Affiliations and Achievements:

As one of the Co-founders and Directors of Edible Forest Sustainability Foundation, a recently registered Section-8 non-profit, I continue to expand the mission of Project Edible Forest. The Foundation enables broader collaboration and community engagement, particularly in the areas of conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Through Cloudflower Private Limited, I have also extended my work into consulting for private enterprises such as resorts, farms, and estates—providing nature-based solutions and sustainability strategies tailored to their operational context. This diversification not only supports ecological outcomes but also reinforces the economic sustainability of the broader Edible Forest initiative.

Our work has received recognition at national forums. Notably, Project Edible Forest was shortlisted in the final round of IIT Bombay Abhyuday’s Action Plan 2024, under the Social Entrepreneurship Track. This opportunity affirmed the project’s relevance and potential impact in addressing human-wildlife conflict through community-based ecological models.

In addition, I have contributed to knowledge-sharing and mentorship through peer feedback in academic and professional platforms, and have participated in public dialogues around waste management, biodiversity, and climate adaptation, particularly in the context of Kerala.

These affiliations and recognitions reflect my ongoing commitment to practical sustainability, systems thinking, and collaborative action.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities

Years of Experience:

10-15 years

Highest Qualification:

Bachelors

Languages:

English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil

Nationality:

Indian

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