Archives: Our Team

Prabin Bhattarai

 

 

 

 

Mr. Prabin Bhattarai holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus. He is a dedicated and passionate agricultural graduate with a strong interest in sustainable farming, agroecology, climate change, and food security. He also has experience working directly with marginalized farming communities, engaging in field studies aimed at understanding their challenges and promoting climate-smart agriculture and climate change adaptation strategies.

Kiran Paudyal, PhD

Trained as a professional forester, Kiran has over 25 years of experience in forest management, community forestry, forestry for poverty reduction and economic development as well as governance of natural resource from Asia and the Pacific region. He also has considerable experience and skills in micro and small business development based on the value chain approach for poverty reduction and local economic development. In recent years, he has been engaging in research that includes assessment of ecosystem services, mapping and payment for ecosystem services in forested and multi-functional rural-urban landscapes, land use change and future scenario modelling for landscape-level planning and decision making.

Kiran is a recent PhD graduate from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He completed MSc in Natural Resource Management from Twente University (ITC), the Netherlands in 2000. Earlier of these degrees, Kiran also completed MA Sociology in 1997 and BSc forestry in 1995 from the Tribhuwan University, Nepal.

Publications

Refereed articles

2019

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Bhandari, S.P., Bhandari, A., Keenan, R.J., 2019. Spatial assessment of the impact of land use and land cover change on supply of ecosystem services in Phewa watershed, Nepal. Ecosystem Services 36, 100895.

2018

Sangha, K.K., Luke, P., Kegamba, J., Paudyal, K., Rosas, J.V., Warmenhoven, T., Ramakrishnan P. S., 2018. An Ecosystem Services framework to evaluate Indigenous and local peoples’ connections with nature. Ecosystem Services 31, 111–125.

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Bhandari, S., Keenan, R.J., 2018. Design considerations in supporting payments for ecosystem services from community-managed forests in Nepal. Ecosystem Services 20, 61–72.

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Keenan, R.J., 2018. Assessing social values of ecosystem services in the Phewa Lake Watershed, Nepal. Forest Policy and Economics 90, 67–81

2017

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Putzel, L., Bhandari, S., Keenan, R.J., 2017. Change in land use and ecosystem services delivery from community-based forest landscape restoration in the Phewa Lake watershed, Nepal. International Forestry Review 19, 88–101.

Paudyal, K., Putzel, L., Baral, H., Chaudhary, S., Sharma, R., Bhandari, S., Poudel, I., Keenan, R.J., 2017. From denuded to green mountains: Process and motivating factors of forest landscape restoration in Phewa Lake watershed, Nepal. International Forestry Review 19, 75–87.

Cronkleton, P., Artati, Y., Baral, H., Paudyal, K., Banjane, M.R., Liu, J.L., Tu, T.Y., Putzel, L., Birhane, E., Kassa, H., 2017. How do property rights reforms provide incentives for forest landscape restoration? Comparing evidence from Nepal, China and Ethiopia. International Forestry Review 19, 8–23.

Baral, H., Jaung, W., Bhatta, L.D., Phuntsho, S., Sharma, S., Paudyal, K., Zarandian, A., Sears, R.R., Sharma, R., Dorji, T., Artati, Y., 2017. Approaches and tools for assessing mountain forest ecosystem services. Working Paper 235. Bogor, Indonesia: CIFOR.

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Lowell, K., Keenan, R.J., 2017. Ecosystem services from community-based forestry in Nepal: Realising local and global benefits. Land Use Policy 63, 342–355.

2016

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Keenan, R.J., 2016. Local actions for the common good: Can the application of the ecosystem services concept generate improved societal outcomes from natural resource management? Land use policy 56, 327–332.

2015

Rimal, B., Baral, H., Stork, N.E., Paudyal, K., Rijal, S., 2015. Growing City and Rapid Land Use Transition: Assessing Multiple Hazards and Risks in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Land 4, 957–978. doi:10.3390/land4040957

Paudyal, K., Baral, H., Burkhard, B., Bhandari, S.P., Keenan, R.J., 2015. Participatory assessment and mapping of ecosystem services in a data-poor region: A case study of community-managed forests in central Nepal. Ecosystem Services 13, 81–92.

Before 2015

Platt, SG, Holloway, RHP, Evans, PT, Paudyal, K, Piron, H, Rainwater, TR, 2006. Evidence for the historical occurrence of Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801 in Tonle Sap, Cambodia. HAMADRYAD-MADRAS, 30(1/2):206-209

Paudyal., K., 2001. Assessment of policy issues for biodiversity conservation at buffer zone of Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Banko Janakari, 11 (1): 9-15(https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/BANKO/article/viewFile/17585/14274)

Book

Evans, PT, Marschke, M, Paudyal, K, 2004. Flood Forests, Fish and Fishing Villages, Tonle, Sap, Cambodia. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Siem Reap and Asia Forest Network, pp 50.

Prakash Bhattarai, PhD

Dr. Prakash Bhattarai is a passionate ecologist who focuses his research on core biodiversity patterns along environmental space. He is a former CAS/TWAS president fellowship awardee who completed his PhD in “Ecology” from Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing in 2022. Dr. Bhattari was an excel student who earned the Best International Student 2021 award while also simultaneously winning Director Scholarship 2021 from IGSNRR. He was awarded with the Quota scholarship to pursue his master degree in “Biology (Specialization on Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution)” from the University of Bergen, Norway. Currently, Dr. Bhattarai is actively engaged as a Senior Programme Officer at ForestAction Nepal, where he is contributing towards the sector of environmentally sustainable society through engagement with different agencies to bring transformative change.

Publications:

Google Scholar Research Gate

 

Muna Bhattarai

Rahul Karki

linkedIn

 

 

 

Mr. Rahul Karki has been a researcher at ForestAction Nepal since 2010. He also served in the leadership position as the Executive Coordinator of the organization from 2023 to 2025. His work primarily centers on forestry and environment. With academic training in environmental science and far-reaching on-the-ground field experience, he brings both analytical rigor and practical insight to his research. Mr. Karki has produced a diverse range of publications, including peer-reviewed international journal articles, book chapters, research reports, booklets, and discussion papers. He has co-edited a book entitled ‘Restoring forests and improving livelihoods in Nepal’. He has also contributed to the scholarly community by serving as the managing editor for the Journal of Forest and Livelihood and other institutional publications of ForestAction. Mr Karki has led action research projects on forest fire management, climate finance, and related themes. Furthermore, he has participated in various national and international forums, engaging in policy dialogues, research exchanges, and collaborative initiatives in multiple professional capacities.

PUBLICATIONS:

Karki, R., Paudel, N.S., Adhikary, A. and Manandhar, S. 2019. Comparing and Contrasting National REDD+ Strategies in Hindukush Himalayan Region: Implications for REDD+ Implementation. Journal of Forest and Livelihood, 17(1): 111-126.

Karki, R., Shrestha, K.K., Ojha, H., Paudel, N., Khatri, D., Nuberg, I. and Adhikary, A. 2018. From Forests to Food Security: Pathways in Nepal’s community forestry. Small Scale Forestry, 17(1): 89-104. DOI 10.1007/s11842-017-9377-y

Paudel N.S., Ojha, H., Shrestha, K., Cedamon, E., Karki, R., Paudel, G., Basyal, M., Nuberg, I. and Dangal, S. 2018. Towards active utilisation of community forestry: Silvo-institutional model for sustainable forest management in Nepal. Banko Janakari 27(3):120-xx. DOI: 10.3126/banko.v27i3.20557

Khatri, D.B., Thuy, T.P., Di Gregorio, M., Karki, R., Paudel, N.S., Brockhaus, M. and Bhusal, R. 2016. REDD+ Politics in the Media: A Case from Nepal. Climatic Change, 138(1): 309-323. DOI 10.1007/s10584-016-1731-0

Rai, J., Karki, R. and Worthington, R. 2015. Biodiversity and Sustainability in Nepal: A Role for Deliberation? In: Rask, M. and Worthington, R. (Eds.), Governing Biodiversity through Democratic Deliberation. Routledge.

Gurung, A., Karki, R., Cho, J.S., Park, K.W. and Oh, S. 2013. Roles of Renewable Energy Technologies in Improving the Rural Energy Situation in Nepal: Gaps and Opportunities. Energy Policy, 62:1104-1109

Paudel, G. and Karki, R. 2013. REDD+ Governance, Benefit Sharing and the Community: Understanding REDD+ from Stakeholders’ Perspective in Nepal. Journal of Forest and Livelihood, 11(2).

Karki, R. and Gurung, A. 2012. An Overview of Climate Change and its Impact on Agriculture: A Review from Least Developing Country, Nepal. International Journal of Ecosystem, 2(2): 19-24.

Gurung, A., Karki, R. and Bista, R. 2011. Community Based Forest Management in Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges. Resources and Environment, 1(1): 26-31.

Gurung, A., Gurung, O.P., Karki, R. and Bista, R. 2011. Impact of Non-governmental Organizations in Rural Community Development: A Case Study from Trans-Himalayan Region of Nepal. International Journal of Applied Sociology, 1(1): 1-7.

Gurung, A., Karki R., Bista R. and Oh S.E. Peoples’ Perception towards Urban Forestry and Institutional Involvement in Metropolitan Cities: A Survey of Lalitpur City in Nepal. Small-scale Forestry, 11: 193-205.

Karki, R., Khatri, D.B., Joshi, L. and B.K. D. 2011. Payment for Ecosystem Services in Protected Areas (in Nepali). Hamro Ban Sampada, 9(1).

Gurung, A., Gurung, O.P., Karki, R. and Oh, S.E. Improper Agricultural Practices Lead to Landslide and Mass Movement Disasters: A Case Study Based on Upper Madi Watershed, Nepal. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture. 2011 (Accepted)

Paudel, G. and Karki, R. 2010. REDD+ Payments and Benefit Sharing Mechanism (in Nepali). Hamro Ban Sampada, 8(2): 69-77.

Aryal, R.K., Lee, B.K., Karki, R., Gurung, A., Baral, B., Byeon, S.H. 2009. Dynamics of PM2.5 concentrations in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Journal of Hazardous Materials, HAZMAT-9585.

Aryal, R.K., Lee, B.K., Karki, R., Gurung, A., Kandasamy, J., Pathak, B.K., Sharma, S. and Giri, N. 2008. Seasonal PM10 dynamics in Kathmandu Valley. Atmospheric Environment, 42(37): 8623-8633.

Kalpana Giri, PhD

Sanjeeb Bir Bajracharya

linkedInlinkedIn

 

 

 

In the role of a graphic designer, he focuses on crafting visual content that effectively communicates the diverse work undertaken by ForestAction Nepal. With a completed Bachelor’s degree and various training sessions in graphic design, he brings a comprehensive skill set to the table. Efforts are made across a wide range of publications to convey the organization’s impact to a diverse audience. Themes such as forest, agriculture, biodiversity, climate change, and gender are centered on, with a focus on ensuring clarity, impact, and visual engagement in the messaging and timely delivery of visual materials. He shapes visuals through close collaboration with authors to meet communication goals, encompassing the creation of books, booklets, flyers, brochures, banners, nametags, social media graphics, and layouts for technical reports. Additionally, he takes on logistical responsibilities, coordinating bookings for venues, hotels, vehicles, and flights for various events, ensuring the smooth execution of the event.

Training:

• Motion Graphic Training from Idreams Animation Academy in 2017/18
• Graphic Designing Training from Aptech Computer Institute, 2014.
• Basic Web Designing, Web Promotion and E-commerce from VED International, 2011.
• Diploma in Computer Application from Corona International Education, 2009.
• Web Page Designing (MS FrontPage) from Rara Computer Institute, 2003.

Jeevan Shahi

Rabindra Pun Magar

Google Scholar

Rabindra Pun Magar is a keen individual who has been working in the field of forestry for more than four years. His core area of research falls on critical and important issues such as forest management, biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, silvicultural treatments and their ecological effects, forest disturbances and insurance of environmental regulations. To enhancing his knowledge and interest in forestry sector, Mr. Magar is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in “Forestry Science” at Agriculture and Forestry University. Currently based at ForestAction Nepal as Field Officer, Mr. Magar looks forward to use his academic skills into professional path by strengthening of his research, managerial, analytical and leadership skills.

Publications:

Research Gate

Sanjeev Gurung

LinkedIn

 

 

Sanjeev is an IT associate and Logistics assistant at ForestAction Nepal. With a solid background in information technology, he is skilled in troubleshooting, software management, and maintaining computer systems, ensuring that all technological aspects run smoothly.

Sarada Thapa

Ms. Thapa holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture from Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany, awarded under a DAAD scholarship. She has been affiliated with ForestAction Nepal since 2012. She is an experienced agroecology researcher with over 10 years of expertise in promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and improving rural livelihoods. Her technical background includes designing community-led participatory action research, leading field trials on agroecology and climate-resilient farming, and strengthening farmers’ capacities through hands-on training, field demonstrations, and mentoring on sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. She has demonstrated strong leadership in facilitating the development of agriculture policies and strategic documents for local governments, ensuring gender-responsive and context-specific planning for sustainable food systems. She is skilled in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, farmer training and institutional capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, with a strong focus on gender-responsive agroecology, climate-resilient agriculture, and inclusive sustainable food systems.

Kapil Dahal

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