Forestry and Natural Resource Management Expert
Dr. Nabin Raj Joshi
Dr. Joshi has about a decade of research and development experience and specialties in climate change adaptation and mitigation, food security, vulnerability assessment, participatory natural resources management, biomass based energy promotion, forest biomass and carbon modelling, ecosystem restoration, livelihood and rural development, GIS and remote sensing technologies, incentive based participatory biodiversity monitoring and conservation in Nepal, India, Bhutan and the Philippines.
Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Expert
Dr. Sanjaya Devkota
Dr. Devkota has been planning and monitoring number of development projects, applying the applications of GIS and RS in Geo-hazards, and resources planning. His Key research interests include Landslides and Flood Hazard Assessment and Mitigation, Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment, Rockfall modelling, EWS for landslide and flood; IWMP; Climate Change Analysis and Adaptation; Eco-safe roads, Nature-based Solutions for hazards and disaster risk reduction/mitigation, Hydropower and other infrastructure study and planning and Quality Control; Environmental Impact Studies, hydrological analysis, among others!
Senior Technical Advisor
Mr. Purna Chandra Lal Rajbhandari
Mr. Rajbhandari has more than three decades of research and development experience in climate change, environment, natural resource management working at local & national level as government official and regional level as UNEP officer and as researcher with Asian Institute of Technology. Mr. Rajbhandari Served as Nepal Country Project Lead for World Bank Project on Climate Adaption and Resilience (CARE) for South Asia implemented by Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) coordinating 15 plus government ministries and departments implementing the four thematic sectors: Agriculture, Water, Transport and Climate Policy Planning and finance; His specialties is in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation, vulnerability assessment, soil conservation, watershed conservation planning and management, ecosystem restoration, participatory natural resources management, road slope stabilization, GIS and remote sensing technologies, ecosystem based adaptation (EbA), and Ecosystem based Disaster risk reduction and Early warning.
Executive Director
Er. Suraj Gautam
Suraj is a geo-hazard researcher working in the Nepal Himalayas. He is a graduate of Masters in Disaster Risk Management with a background of Civil Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus. He has a healthy working experience with the university, government, I/NGOs and private sector in civil engineering, citizen science, nature-based solutions, and disaster risk management. He is currently working as an Executive Director at Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction which is working at promoting innovations and science-based decision making in disaster risk reduction management. Currently, Suraj is leading a citizen science project VICTORY where he is turning an everyday individual into scientific contributions. He is also working extensively on the application of frontier technologies like UAVs and has been collaborating with multiple stakeholders for the science-based decision making in DRR/M. He is also designated as “Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) Young Scientist-2nd Batch (2017)” by the IRDR Scientific Committee. He loves travelling, networking, volunteering and leading change initiatives."
Administration & Finance Coordinator (AFC)
Ms. Sujata Chhetri
Ms. Sujata Chhetri, our Administration & Finance Coordinator, a dynamic professional with over 9 years of experience in the I/NGO sector. Armed with a Master's degree in Business Studies, specialized in Accounting and Taxation from Tribhuvan University, and a semi-qualified ACCA certification from the British College, Thapathali, Ms. Sujata brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Known for her unwavering loyalty, professionalism, and supportiveness, she excels in ensuring compliance and monitoring standards. Ms. Sujata's journey reflects her vision and courage, while her warmth and passion make her an invaluable asset to our organization and its stakeholders.
Research Assistant
Yurika Sherpa
Yurika Sherpa, our dedicated employee with a background in Environmental Science. She is committed to working towards climate adaptation, addressing environmental issues, promoting biodiversity, advocating for animal welfare, and contributing to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) efforts. With her strong academic foundation and passion for environmental sustainability, Yurika is a valuable asset to our team. We are excited to have her expertise and enthusiasm as we continue our mission to address pressing environmental challenges and create a more resilient future.
Research Associate
Shraddha Acharya
Shraddha Acharya is a committed Research Associate with a BSc in Geology and is currently pursuing an MA in Crisis Management. Renowned for her problem-solving skills and technological expertise, Shraddha excels in using technology to streamline work processes. Her role involves contributing to various projects, where she demonstrates her proficiency in data management, research, report preparation, and project coordination. Shraddha’s extensive fieldwork experience, combined with her solid academic background, gives her a unique insight into enhancing community preparedness and resilience against disasters. She is passionate about improving disaster response capabilities and making communities more resilient. Outside of her professional life, Shraddha enjoys hiking, traveling, and continuous learning, embodying her adventurous spirit and commitment to personal growth.
GIS Associate
Vivek Dumre
Vivek Dumre is an enthusiastic GIS Associate with a background in Geomatics Engineering and a passion for spatial analysis, Vivek excels in GIS, RS, Open mapping, and field surveying. Committed to leveraging technology and open data principles, he actively engages in research, data analysis, and community outreach projects aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and promoting sustainable development in the Himalayan region. Vivek's proficiency in GIS and Remote Sensing, along with his dedication to community-driven initiatives, makes him a valuable asset to our team as we work towards a more resilient future.
Program Officer
Bijay Banstola
Bijay Banstola, a dedicated professional with a Master's degree in geology, offers a wealth of experience and skills relevant to the Program Officer role. With expertise in conducting geological studies, feasibility assessments, and GIS analysis, combined with a proven track record of project coordination and management, Bijay brings valuable contributions to program planning and implementation. His strong communication skills along with his ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, make him well-suited for ensuring the success and impact of program initiatives.
Thematic Lead
Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar
Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar, hailing from Nepal, is a distinguished expert in Sustainable Agriculture, holding a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Hebei Agricultural University. Her expertise spans diverse areas, including farming systems, value chain analysis, climate-smart agriculture, disaster management, and risk assessment. Currently, Dr. Thapa serves as the Chief Community Officer at SCOLAR Network, a youth platform fostering connections among individuals from varied backgrounds within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization region. In this capacity, she has successfully established 15 hubs across nine countries, providing a platform for youth to address local issues. Currently, she is leading the UN Women project on " Project Name: “Research on climate-smart technologies to reduce women’s time poverty and work drudgery of Nepal” at the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR). As a Team Lead and Sustainable Agriculture and NRM Expert at NAXA, Dr. Thapa is at the forefront of the Climate Resilient Farming Plan, Comprehensive Assessment of Value Chains, and Post-harvest Management projects with ICIMOD, funded by UNDP under the RERAS initiative. She has planned and executed the overall project and conducted numerous Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews in the Jumla district, contributing significantly to project outcomes. Additionally, she serves as a Sustainable Expert at Practical Action Consulting (PAC), for the CASA project. Dr. Thapa’s extensive fieldwork spans 14 different districts, conducting numerous Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Dr. Thapa also dedicates her expertise to academia as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at HICAST, focusing on Sustainable Agriculture. Her commitment extends to serving as a peer reviewer for various international journals, including Agricultural Systems, Environmental Challenges, and Scientific African Journals. An active committee member of the NRNA Agriculture Committee, Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar is deeply engaged in initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture and contributing to the academic and practical realms of her field.
Hydrologist
Nitesh Sharma
As a passionate hydrologist specializing in water resources engineering, I bring a blend of academic depth and practical experience to the table. I am committed to transforming traditional water resource management approaches. My expertise lies in utilizing available and remotely sensed datasets from satellites to innovate water resource sector systems, offering vital insights into hydrological patterns and their effects on water resource management. With my background in practice and my desire to progress in hydrological solutions, I am excited to significantly contribute to this new role.
Meteorologist
Pooja Lamichhane
Pooja Lamichhane is a dedicated hydrologist and meteorologist with a strong academic background and practical research experience. She holds a BSc in Hydrology and Meteorology from Trichandra Multiple Campus and an MSc in Hydrology and Meteorology from the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Her research work has significantly contributed to understanding meteorological phenomena and improving weather predictions. Currently, Pooja applies her expertise at IHRR, where she focuses on advancing research in weather patterns, hydrological modeling, and climate change impacts.
Research Assistant
Binod Shrestha
Binod Shrestha is a dedicated Research Assistant and an Environment Science student with a strong background in field research and community engagement. He has extensive experience as an enumerator, skilled in community data collection and surveys, having collaborated with various NGOs, INGOs, and government bodies, including local-level governments. Notably, Binod has conducted a comprehensive survey and data collection in Jajarkot following the earthquake, providing crucial insights for recovery efforts. His commitment to public health is evident through his active participation in COVID-19 awareness programs conducted by FSCN, where he played a vital role in educating and supporting communities. Additionally, Binod has been deeply involved in Disaster Risk Reduction programs, working with DpNet and DiMaNN to enhance community resilience and preparedness. Binod's diverse experiences underscore his dedication to environmental science and his ability to contribute meaningfully to both academic research and practical community initiatives.
Research Associate
Sapana Acharya
Sapana Acharya is an agricultural science graduate from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal, with the experience in climate-smart agriculture, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. She currently serves as a Research Associate at the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction, focusing on climate change and disaster resilience. Proficient in data analysis, literature review, and proposal writing, Sapana has contributed to published research on pest management and crop productivity. Her technical skills include MS Excel, SPSS, R, GIS, and survey management tools, making her an asset in agricultural research and development initiatives.
Senior Program Officer
Sneha Bhatta
Sneha Bhatta, our Senior Program Officer, is a DRR practitioner and a researcher. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Disaster Risk Management from IoE Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University. Her research interests include Natural hazards and Risk assessment, Multi-Hazard Risk assessment, GIS and Remote Sensing, Disaster Resilience and Mitigation, and Climate Change scenarios in Nepal. Sneha has research experiences in flood mapping, landslide/debris flow hazard assessment, social vulnerability assessment, and community engagement for disaster identification/mitigation. She has actively engaged in other projects in different areas of Nepal in the past, including West Rapti, Sindhupalchowk, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Sudurpaschim province. She was also a recipient of the five-month Climate fellowship grant in the Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth (NYCAGG) project, funded through the European Union, where she was stationed at Chure Rural Municipality, Kailali.
