Profile: Muhammad Ameen Keryo (محمد امين ڪيريو)

Official Name: Muhammad Ameen Keryo
Position: Chairperson & CEO Sindhica Reforms Society
Profession: Wastewater Expert, Environmental Consultant, Master Trainer Community Mobilization, GBV & PSEA
Location: Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Website:ameenkeryo.com
Email:keryoameen@gmail.com
Phone:+92 300 323 3687 / +92 312 296 0387

Professional Summary

Muhammad Ameen Keryo is an esteemed environmentalist, social advocate, and humanitarian with a global reputation for pioneering sustainable development and environmental management in Pakistan.As the Chairperson and CEO of Sindhica Reforms Society, he has led numerous initiatives to address critical environmental challenges and improve community well-being through innovative, sustainable solutions.

A trailblazer in environmental innovation, Mr. Keryo introduced Pakistan’s first Constructed Wetland for wastewater treatment, setting a new standard in water management practices. Under his leadership, over 200 Constructed Wetland units have been implemented across the country, establishing benchmarks for ecological conservation and sustainable wastewater management.

Mr. Keryo’s impact extends beyond environmental stewardship to encompass social welfare. His visionary leadership at Sindhica Reforms Society has driven the success of high-impact projects that optimize resource utilization, mitigate environmental risks, and enhance public health. Notably, his strategic direction has been pivotal in the Sustainable Forest Management Project, in partnership with UNDP and the Ministry of Climate Change, underscoring his dedication to conserving Pakistan’s natural resources.

In addition to his environmental achievements, Mr. Keryo is recognized for his expertise in community mobilization, particularly in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). His leadership in developing comprehensive PSEA policies at Sindhica Reforms Society has set a regional standard for best practices.

On the international stage, Mr. Keryo serves as the Regional Focal Point for South Asia and the Global Secretary for the GEF Civil Society Organizations Network. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in both environmental sustainability and social advocacy. His work embodies a commitment to integrating sustainable development with social equity, positioning him as a respected voice in global environmental and humanitarian efforts.

Proficiency

  • Expert in designing, development, and post-development operation and maintenance of biological/mechanical sewerage treatment systems.
  • Expert in environmental solutions and services.
  • Expert in community-based low-cost sanitation systems and their management.
  • Expert in organizing communities on specific issues and social rights.
  • Expert in organizational development, substantial team management, community development, networking, coordination, and communication.

Passion

Keryo started working for humanitarian services at the age of 16 and founded Sindhica Reforms Society (SRS) in 1993. He has resolved many challenging issues and faced life threats and hurdles of the feudal system, yet he continues to struggle for the most vulnerable communities. SRS has grown from a small village initiative to a national-level organization.

A remarkable contribution to nature conservation is Keryo’s pioneering of the Biological Wastewater Treatment System in Pakistan and its successful replication in different parts of the country. His mentor is Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Appreciation Shield from the Home Minister, Government of Sindh, for outstanding efforts in environmental conservation.
  • Best Performance Certificate from DC District Dadu, recognizing exceptional performance in environmental initiatives.
  • Crests awarded by the Commander Karachi Pakistan Navy, CSO to Comkar Pakistan Navy, and Vice Admiral, Commander Karachi Pakistan Navy, for significant contributions to environmental projects.
  • Special Award from the Country Representative of Pakistan Pathfinder International for impactful work in community health and development.
  • Indus Conservation Award from Dr. Aijaz Ahmed, DDG WWF Pakistan, for efforts in conserving the Indus River ecosystem.
  • Certificates of Appreciation from Ms. Faryal Talpur, Zila Nazim Shaheed Benazirabad, Mr. Nasir Panhwar, Manager Programme WWF Pakistan, and Mr. Usama Anwar, Site Manager WWF Pakistan.
  • Best Performance Shield from the Country Representative of The Asia Foundation for excellence in environmental and community development projects.

Professional Affiliations

Mr. Keryo is actively engaged with numerous professional groups and forums, including:

  • GEF CSOs Network
  • Global Water Partnership (GWP)
  • Water Supply & Sanitation Collaboration Council (WSSCC)
  • Pakistan CSOs Coalition for Health and Immunization (PCCHI)
  • Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)
  • Water Integrity Network
  • National Alliance for Climate Action (NACA)
  • Reed Beds Association
  • End Water Poverty
  • Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA)
  • Water and Climate Coalition
  • Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) – World Bank
  • Stakeholder Forum International
  • Caucasus Environmental NGO Network
  • International Alliance of Inhabitants
  • Initiative for Equality (IfE)
  • Youth for Human Rights International – South Asia
  • Pai Forest Action Network (PFAN)
  • District Coordination and Advisory Committee for Pai Forest (DCC) Indus for All Programme
  • Polio Eradication Committee (PEC)
  • Nawabshah Social Development Coalition (NSDC)
  • NGOs Management Consortium (NDMC) Disaster

Assignments

Mr. Keryo’s extensive consultancy and leadership roles include:

  • CEO, Sindhica Reforms Society (October 2019 – Present): Overseeing strategic initiatives and projects including:
    • Promotion of Biological Wastewater Treatment – Sitara Foundation USA
    • Scaling-up Best Practices in Pakistan to Integrate Family Planning into Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Services – Pathfinder International
    • Water, Sanitation, and Health – USAID
    • Acceleration of Education for Flood-Affected Children – UNICEF
    • Capacity Building of Stakeholders for the Management, Operation & Maintenance of Reed Beds – WWF Pakistan
    • Biological Waste Water Treatment through Reed Bed – Engro Polymer
    • Establishment of Pakistan’s First Biological Wastewater Treatment System Reed Bed – WWF-UN Habitat Water for Asian Cities Program
    • Hepatitis Screening, Vaccination, Health Education & Referral Campaign – Government of Sindh
    • Community Water Supply System – Khushhali Bank
  • Country Coordinator – Pakistan, The FSM Alliance, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Leading the Innovative Sanitation Technology Market Condition Assessment in Asia.
  • Team Leader, World Health Organization: Leading health initiatives and campaigns to improve global health standards.
  • Consultant, UN HABITAT Pakistan: Providing expertise on urban development and environmental sustainability.
  • Technical Advisor, Karachi Sab Ka – International Brands Limited: Advising on environmental initiatives and sustainability projects.
  • Consultant, WWF Pakistan: Advising on environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.
  • Consultant, Engro Foundation: Advising on environmental and sustainability projects.
  • Project Coordinator, UNFPA and UNHCR Flood Response Project of Pathfinder International: Coordinating flood response efforts to address gender-based violence and other critical needs in flood-affected areas.
  • Consultant, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Army, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, and Pakistan Customs: Designing and monitoring environmental management and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Consultant, Sofi City, Islamabad (January 2021 – Present): Designing and monitoring reed bed biological wastewater treatment systems.
  • Consultant, SSST School, Rashid Abad: Designing and monitoring reed bed biological wastewater treatment systems.
  • Consultant, TransKarachi: Providing consultancy services related to transportation and urban infrastructure projects.
  • Consultant, The Asia Foundation: Assisting in coordinating district-level projects and initiatives for community development.
  • Campaign Support Person, World Health Organization: Supporting health campaigns and initiatives.

Achievements

Mr. Keryo’s notable achievements include the successful implementation of advanced wastewater treatment systems, including the pioneering of Pakistan’s first Constructed Wetland, which has been replicated over 200 times nationwide. His leadership has also driven impactful projects like the Sustainable Forest Management initiative in collaboration with UNDP, significantly contributing to environmental conservation and community health across Pakistan.

Legacy

Muhammad Ameen Keryo’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community health. His visionary leadership at Sindhica Reforms Society and extensive consulting experience have propelled efforts to address critical environmental and health challenges in Pakistan. His work continues to inspire positive change, leaving a lasting impact on both his community and the broader environmental sector, setting a standard for future generations in sustainable development and social responsibility.