Researcher
Forestry
aayush@forestaction.org
Aayush Gautam is a forestry researcher working at the intersection of forest science, governance, and forest-based enterprise development in Nepal. He holds a Master of Science in Forestry (Gold Medalist) from Tribhuvan University and has a strong background in applied research, policy analysis, and field-based forest management.
At ForestAction Nepal, he contributes to policy briefs, value chain analyses, investment planning, and stakeholder policy labs, with a focus on community forestry enterprises, timber governance, and sustainable forest management. His work centers on translating empirical research into actionable policy and economic insights.
He brings hands-on experience from roles as a forest ranger, forest technician, researcher, and visiting lecturer, working closely with community forest user groups, government institutions, and academic bodies. His professional interests include forest economics, forest governance, climate resilience, and evidence-based policy reform.
Grants and Awards
1. Australia Awards: Forest Fire Management Fellowship. Strengthening Nepal’s capacity to respond to climate-induced forest fires.
2. Nepal Foresters Association: Topper of M.Sc. Forestry (2020-2022) from Tribhuvan University
3. The Pollination Project: Partial Grant for the project of wildlife conservation.
Publications
1. Gautam, A., Banjade, M.R., Paudel, N.S., Acharya, H.N., Karki, R. (2026). Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Private Sector Partnerships with Community-Based Forest Enterprises for Climate Adaptation [Policy Brief]. ForestAction Nepal. (In press)
2. Paudel, N.S., Bastakoti, B., & Gautam, A. (2026). Institutional innovations for strengthening community forestry enterprises (CFEs) [Policy Brief]. ForestAction Nepal. (In press)
3. Bastakoti, B., Gautam, A., & Acharya, H.N. (2026). Achieving good governance in Sal timber value chain [Policy Brief]. ForestAction Nepal. (In press).
4. Gautam, A (2025). Justice and Equity in Community Forestry: An Enigmatic Dogma? Ecoperspective.
5. Gautam, A., Egan, A., Manjan, S.K., Kharel, R., Dhungana, D. (2026). Estimating Trespassed Volume of Sal (Shorea Robusta Gaertn.) Tree From the Stump Diameter in The Eastern Nepal. (In Press).
6. Gautam, A (2025). Restoration-Based Forest Enterprise in Community Forests: An Innovative Way Forward Towards Sustainability?. Community Forest Bulletin. Community Forestry Study Centre, Kathmandu.
7. Adhikari, J., Shrestha, M., Gautam, A. (2025). Understanding local perception on NTFP availability in the Himalayan landscape of Nepal. Journal of Forest and Livelihood. ForestAction Nepal, Kathmandu.
8. Poudel, D., Panthi, S., Kharel, R., Gautam, A., ……. Pariyar, S. (2025). Prioritization of sub-watershed using remote sensing and geographic information system in Gandaki Province, Nepal. World Water Policy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wwp2.12260
9. Sharma, L.N., Poudel, Y.B., Pun Magar, R., Bhattarai, M., Neupane, A., Regmi, S., and Gautam, A. (2023). Jalthal Biodiversity Approach: Conservation of Plant Diversity with Emphasis on Rare and Threatened Trees in Jalthal Remnant Forest (A Technical Note): ForestAction Nepal. https://forestaction.org/publications/conservation-of-plant-diversity-with-emphasis-on-rare-and-threatened-trees-in-jalthal-remnant-forest/
10. Aryal, K. R., Panthi, S., Basukala, R. K., Kharel, R., Gautam, A., Poudel, B., … & Pariyar, S. (2023). Soil loss estimation of Karnali River basin, Nepal. Journal of Sedimentary Environments, 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43217-023-00140-y
11. Kharel, R., Acharya, K. R., & Gautam, A. (2021). Regeneration status and diversity under irregular shelterwood system: A study from Panchkanya Community Forest, Sunsari, Nepal. Forestry: Journal of Institute of Forestry, Nepal, 18(01), 41-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/forestry.v18i01.41751