In September 2025, Mohan Krishna Chowdry Avilineni successfully defended his thesis with Excellence and Honours at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, becoming the very first graduate of the Erasmus Mundus Global Forestry (GLOFOR) programme at CZU Prague. During his studies, he completed company internships, was a research member of the EU Horizon Invest4Nature project and presented his Nepal field school research at the Tropentag 2025 conference in Bonn, gaining valuable international experience across several European universities. Today, he has already started his professional journey as a Carbon Project Manager in Prague. In this interview, he shares his study experience, career path, and advice for future GLOFOR students.
Introduction
- Could you briefly introduce yourself – where do you come from and what led you to forestry?
I’m Mohan Krishna Chowdry Avilineni, shortly Mohan, originally from a village called Periyapalayam, located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
- What motivated you to choose the Global Forestry programme?
The program’s focus on the global south and specialization in agroforestry systems, along with an opportunity to study in different European universities inspired me to apply for this course.
- What were your expectations when you started the programme, and how did reality compare?
Before the study started, my perception was that the courses offered would be research-oriented, combined with practical classes. To be honest, the overall curriculum fulfilled my expectations with mixed experiences in different universities.
About the GLOFOR Experience
- The programme takes students from Copenhagen to a field course in a developing country, and later to a specialization at one of the partner universities. How did you experience this “journey-based” study model?
This experience is fun-filled and memorable for life. Especially for amateur researchers like me, the field course provides an opportunity to explore research interests and practice scientific writing under the mentorship of friendly supervisors.
- How was your time at CZU and the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences? What did it bring you academically and personally?
Initially, I had mixed emotions, mainly because I was the only GLOFOR student at CZU, and it took some time to complete processes as an international student. Luckily, I was well supported by the education department, international relations office and FTZ staff. This made me feel safe, and I untied all the knots one by one.
- Could you briefly introduce the topic of your thesis and share what you are most proud of in your work?
Sure. My thesis research focused on examining the motivations, barriers and factors influencing carbon farming participation, adoption of carbon farming practices and payment receipts among small farmers in Western Kenya. This research has been conducted in collaboration with CIMMYT India. In my research, I specifically focused on the gender perspective, as there are only limited studies, and it is significant for program design and policy making. I’m proud to complete the thesis amidst various challenges and responsibilities. This wouldn’t have been possible without my best and friendly supervisor, prof. Bohdan Lojka. I’m proud to be his student. Also, Adeeth from CIMMYT India co-supervised me to conceptualize this study and offered me this valuable opportunity to be a CIMMYT student.
Practical Experience and Career Path 7. You recently presented data from the Nepal field school at the Tropentag 2025 conference in Bonn. How was this experience for you?
The Tropentag conference is a tropical powerhouse where one can get exposed to inquisitive research topics, focusing largely on the Global South. I was glad to present agroforestry biodiversity data from the Nepal field school at the conference and networked with stewards in the agriculture and forestry sectors. Besides academics, there was a cultural dinner and dance party, which was fun-filling to enjoy with fellow researchers and faculty.
- After graduation, you started working as a Carbon Project Manager in a private company in Prague. How did the GLOFOR programme prepare you for this role?
During my second semester in Dresden, I had an opportunity to pursue a summer internship at Unique Land Use, a carbon consulting company in Freiburg, Germany. During the first semester, GLOFOR subjects sensitized me with topics such as market-based mechanisms, certification schemes and climate programmes and improved my writing skills through assignments. This knowledge, combined with previous experience, fetched me an internship opportunity to assist with carbon projects and further prepared me to pursue my thesis on a similar topic, followed by a full-time role to lead the certification of agriculture carbon projects in Europe and the Global South.
- In your view, what are the biggest challenges in carbon projects?
There are multiple challenges in carbon projects. Based on the empirical evidence and my view, concerns such as lack of awareness, low or delayed payments, small land sizes (particularly in tropics) and non-permanence act as barriers in carbon projects. Also, training farmers, monitoring soil carbon and verifying the project requires a high cost for the project proponent.
Reflections and Advice
- What would you say is the greatest benefit of the Global Forestry programme beyond academic knowledge?
I would say an option to do three mobilities and a field school in a tropical country. This not only provided academic knowledge but also leveraged the social capital through connections and experiencing cultures. I personally took this as an opportunity and made the best use of it.
- What advice would you give to future students considering applying for GLOFOR?
The first thing is to start early and never hesitate to reach out to people, asking for feedback and getting your questions clarified. LinkedIn is the best tool that enables easy networking. Sometimes, it might be upsetting not getting replies, but the right mentorship can change their life. Most importantly, read the website thoroughly before writing an application. Most of the questions are answered, and we, as the first batch of GLOFOR, have laid a bed of roses for them to follow a smooth path.
- How do you see your professional path in the future, and what role will the Global Forestry experience play in it?
I see myself working on climate action projects and improving the livelihoods of farmers. Simultaneously, I mentor students to crack scholarships and land their dream courses. I would like to scale up this noble work and transform many other lives. Without GLOFOR, I wouldn’t have been in this position, giving you an interview in Europe and inspiring others. GLOFOR is close to my heart as it transformed my life completely, and I forever cherish the memories.
About the GLOFOR Programme - https://globalforestry.eu/ Global Forestry is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme that prepares professionals to tackle the challenges of modern forestry – from climate change to biodiversity conservation. Students gain hands-on international experience at five leading European universities and participate in a field course in a developing country.
Admissions The next application round for the GLOFOR programme will open soon – mid November!
