Maarten Van Opstal

Maarten Van Opstal is a Researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) with expertise spanning sustainable development, conservation biology, and cultural diversity in ecological contexts. His work integrates worldviews theory with practical sustainability challenges, particularly in India’s forest governance systems. He has contributed to global discussions on participatory conservation, policy implementation, and cultural dynamics through 21 research outputs and 24 academic activities since 2005.

Research Interests: Maarten focuses on the interplay between cultural diversity and resource management, emphasizing community-based approaches in Rajasthan, India. His methodological contributions include refining the Delphi technique for conservation and analyzing policy impacts through a globalized lens. Research keywords include sustainable development, worldviews, conservation, and India.

Scientific Awards:

• 2015: Early Career Researcher Award (British Ecological Society)