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
A Youth Activist, Researcher and an Entrepreneur Healthy experience in leading DRR related projects, Trans boundary research, conducting risk assessments, using frontier technologies like Drones for DRR planning and urban development. Key research interests include the study of Geo-Hazards, Climate Change, Flood/Landslides Risk Mapping, Modelling, and Early Warning System.
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.
Intern DRR and CCA
Yurika Sherpa
Yurika Sherpa, our dedicated intern 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.
Intern DRR and CCA
Shraddha Acharya
Shraddha thrives on fieldwork, analyzing data, and uncovering insights. Software like ArcGIS fuels her passion for creating compelling maps and presentations. She is eager to learn, contribute, and make a significant impact in the fascinating world of geology.
Intern DRR and CCA
Vivek Dumre
Vivek Dumre is an enthusiastic intern specializing in DRR and CCA at IHRR. 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.
