Consortium partners: The project is implemented by a consortium of ForestAction Nepal, the Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI), the Association of Family Forest Owners, Nepal (AFFON) and the Federation of Forest-based Industry and Trade, Nepal (FenFIT-Nepal).

My role as the Research Officer throughout the time frame 2022-2024 April included the following key responsibilities:

1.Restoration of 32,000 non timber forest products species in Sindhupalchok and Nawalpur, Nepal

During my tenure at ForestAction Nepal, I led a large-scale restoration initiative involving the plantation of 32,000 non-timber forest species, aiming to enhance local economies while promoting sustainable resource management. This initiative required extensive collaboration with stakeholders to address challenges in sourcing suitable plants and ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials for rural entrepreneurs. Spending months in rural areas, I along with the team closely managed the technical aspects of the restoration process, meticulously planning and adapting to unforeseen challenges. Beyond the plantation, my efforts integrated restoration activities into broader project goals, including fostering low-carbon development, improving climate resilience, and creating sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. This experience developed my skills in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and leveraging restoration for community empowerment.

More details about the process we followed: https://forestaction.org/key/plantation-as-a-resource-base-creation-an-empowering-process-for-women-entrepreneurs/

2. Research on Gender Equity and Sustainable Forest-Based Livelihoods

I along with Sarada Tiwari and Saroj Khatiwada led significant contributions to advancing research on forest-based livelihoods and gender equity through publications in both English and Nepali journals. Together, we co-authored the article “Green Enterprises: A Pathway to Women’s Economic Empowerment,” published in the Journal of Forest and Livelihoods, which explored innovative approaches to gender equity, policy advocacy, and community-based forest management, fostering inclusive and sustainable forest economies. Additionally, we led the Nepali journal series Hamro Ban Sampadha, focusing on critical topics such as women’s entrepreneurship, marketing challenges, and value chains. My article within this series emphasized the urgent need for gender-friendly technologies to support rural entrepreneurs, particularly addressing challenges around women’s mobility in enterprise development. These collaborative efforts reflect our shared commitment to bridging research and practical solutions for sustainable development.

More about the publications:

https://aaratikhatri.com.np/2024/12/08/green-enterprises-a-pathway-to-womens-economic-empowerment/

3. Knowledge Management and Dissemination

I authored impactful blogs on platforms like the Climate Development and Knowledge Network, focusing on key themes such as green enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, and plastic pollution. Through these blogs, I depicted the intersection of environmental sustainability and community development, bringing attention to marginalized groups and their role in fostering climate resilience. Additionally, I co-led the production of a documentary that showcased the pivotal role of women in rural entrepreneurship and forest-based enterprises, shedding light on their contributions to sustainable livelihoods. My written work also extended to national daily newspapers, where I authored articles advocating for the inclusion of women and differently-abled individuals in community forest management, further reinforcing my commitment to promoting social and environmental justice. Here are the List and Link of the blogs and articles:

• Khatri, A. (2023, June 5). Green Enterprises are Empowering Marginalised Women and Beating Plastic Pollution. GLOW Programme, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
• Baral, S., Khatri, A., & Bhandari, K. (2023, August 13). Seeing Construction Through Women’s Eyes: As a Cradle for Socio-Economic Resilience. GLOW Programme, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
• Khatri, A., Baral, S., & Lama, K. (2024, February 6). Neglected Weeds Economically Empowers Through Rural Women’s Entrepreneurial Initiatives. ForestAction Nepal.
• Khatri, A., Baral, S.(2024, April 27), Including People with Disability in community Forests , The Annapurna Express
• Khatri, A., & Baral, S. (2023, March 27). Not Seeing The Wood For The Trees. The Annapurna Express.

4. Networking and Global Representation

I successfully took the case study of rural entrepreneurship initiatives to a global platform by representing the project findings at the International Young Scientist Forum, where I shared insights on sustainable livelihoods and forest-based enterprises. Additionally, I participated in the Locoforest International Training Program organized by the Swedish Forest Agency, further deepening my understanding of global forestry practices. As part of my leadership in international collaborations, I hosted representatives from the Swedish Forest Agency, showcasing rural entrepreneurship efforts in Nepal. This included emphasizing the importance of indigenous entrepreneurship and bamboo-based restoration initiatives in empowering marginalized communities. These global engagements not only expanded the project’s impact but also created opportunities for cross-cultural knowledge exchange, allowing me to advocate for the inclusion of rural communities in sustainable development conversations.

5. Supporting Market Access and Branding for Forest-Based Enterprises

In my role, I played a crucial part in supporting market access for forest-based enterprises by facilitating the development of value chains for locally produced forest products. I worked closely with women entrepreneurs to connect them with strong market networks, including international trade fairs and platforms like Udhami Ghar, which opened new avenues for their products. Additionally, I contributed to enhancing the marketability of these products by assisting in branding, labeling, and product photography, which helped showcase their unique qualities and eco-friendly aspects. Through these efforts, I ensured that the entrepreneurs not only gained recognition but also successfully accessed broader markets, promoting sustainable livelihoods and expanding their reach.

6. Key Roles in Policy Labs, Conferences, and Workshops

Throughout my journey, I have actively contributed to facilitating and documenting various policy labs, workshops, and conferences focused on community forestry, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. These include national and international events such as the National Sharing Workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment through Forest Solutions and the International Conference on Revitalizing Community Forestry. These platforms were instrumental in fostering dialogue on strengthening forest-based enterprises, enhancing the role of women in forestry, and addressing socio-environmental challenges. My role in these events involved facilitating sessions, capturing insights, and ensuring key takeaways were documented, helping to shape strategies for policy advocacy and community-driven solutions.

Find more about these events:

7. Digital Communicator

As a digital communicator and photographer, I have created content to disseminate project outcomes through wider social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and various websites. Using my photography skills, I documented the field activities and the journey of these women entrepreneurs, capturing everything from the restoration process to the development of their products. This visual storytelling helped raise awareness and engage a broader audience in the impact of the project, showcasing the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of these women.

In a groundbreaking initiative, I and Nishan K.C., both graduates of the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, successfully established 25 Eco-Clubs across community and private schools in eight subdivisions of Sindhuli District between 2019 and 2021. These outreach programs, facilitated under the annual plans of the Division Forest Office, Sindhuli, and Kamalamai Municipality, with the support of Teka Samuha Nepal, marked a significant milestone in promoting environmental awareness and conservation education in the region.

Sindhuli District is home to rich and diverse forest ecosystems, teeming with wildlife and vibrant biodiversity. However, these natural treasures are increasingly threatened by pollution, unsustainable practices, and a lack of awareness about conservation among younger generations. The formation of Eco-Clubs was a strategic response to address these challenges, aiming to nurture environmentally conscious youth who could become champions of conservation. By integrating conservation knowledge and practices into school activities, the initiative sought to inspire students to take an active role in protecting their surroundings and adopting sustainable habits.

The Eco-Clubs have proven to be an effective platform for fostering environmental responsibility. Students enthusiastically participated in various activities, including waste management campaigns, plantation drives, and wildlife conservation workshops. These engagements not only enhanced their understanding of ecological issues but also empowered them to become proactive stewards of nature. This initiative has left a lasting impact, inspiring hope for a greener and more sustainable future in Sindhuli and beyond.

Organized by: Centre for Ecological studies Nepal

Supporting organization: Division Forest Office, Kathmandu

Global Seed Grant 2021- May- Oct 2021

About the project :

As the project coordinator, we have successfully implemented the project o “ Capacity building training on organic waste management for methane emission reduction: 100 participants weaving 300 in the Nagarjun communities of Kathmandu district, Nepal.” This project was carried out in Nagarjun communities of Kathmandu district, Nepal, with funding from the Korea SHE Foundation under the Global Seed Grant 2021. Our objective was to encourage organic waste management to reduce methane emissions while building local capacity for waste management practices.

Our project focused on addressing the issue of organic waste pollution through a series of initiatives aimed at creating sustainable waste management practices within local communities. We organized extensive capacity-building training programs for marginalized groups, local residents, and community stakeholders, including youth groups, school students, community forest user groups (CFUGs), and mother groups. The training sessions equipped them with scientific knowledge on organic waste segregation and conversion techniques, such as composting for urban farming and energy generation.

Through our engagement, we managed to directly train 180 participants, including municipal staff, forest officials, youth volunteers, and women from marginalized communities. Each participant was trained with the goal of cascading the knowledge to their families, weaving a broader network of around 500 cleanliness ambassadors committed to sustainable waste management. The training was practical and based on the reuse and recycling of organic waste, with special emphasis on composting techniques that utilized locally available materials.

In commemoration of World Cleanup Day 2021, we also conducted an online video competition under the theme “Organic Manure Preparation: A Way to Convert Trash into Treasure.” This initiative helped raise awareness about the importance of organic waste management both nationally and internationally, reaching participants from Nepal and beyond.

The project’s impact is visible in the communities, where eco-friendly and biodegradable dustbins were distributed to promote proper waste segregation at the household level. These bins have helped reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill sites, thus mitigating methane emissions and promoting the use of organic manure for urban farming.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns and restrictions on community gatherings, our team persevered. We adapted by conducting virtual outreach, incorporating school-based sensitization programs, and maintaining consistent community engagement through remote methods. Our efforts culminated in measurable success, with local communities now practicing organic waste management and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions through sustainable practices.

The project has not only sensitized local stakeholders to the importance of organic waste management but has also laid a strong foundation for long-term sustainability in waste reduction efforts. This initiative has empowered communities, fostered environmental stewardship, and contributed to the broader goal of mitigating climate change impacts in Nepal.

Introduction video:

Role research Assistant in this Master’s Thesis Curtis Higson

During my tenure as a full-time Research Assistant at the University of Copenhagen, I contributed to a significant research project titled “The Effects of Integrated Conservation and Development Projects on the Livelihoods of Local Inhabitants: A Case Study from Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal.” My role involved a multifaceted approach to data collection and analysis, which was critical for the project’s success.

I was actively involved in the preparation of fieldwork and questionnaires over a 30-day period, meticulously designing data collection methods tailored to the needs of the study. This preparation laid the foundation for comprehensive data gathering and ensured that our approach was both systematic and effective.

Throughout the research, I conducted over 70 interviews across two mid-hills regions of Nepal: Bulung Dolakha and Sindhupalchok, specifically in the villages of Marming and Phulping Katti. These interviews included household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, allowing us to capture diverse perspectives on the impacts of conservation and development projects on local livelihoods. My ability to build a strong local network with representatives in these areas facilitated access to vital information and enhanced the research’s relevance.

I also took on the crucial tasks of translating and transcribing the interviews, ensuring that the rich narratives of local inhabitants were accurately captured and represented in our findings. During the dissertation phase, I assisted in data processing, quality control, and analysis, providing support in organizing and interpreting the data to derive meaningful insights. My contributions were instrumental in shaping the research outcomes, reflecting both the complexities of local livelihoods and the broader implications of integrated conservation efforts.

Through this experience, I not only honed my research skills but also deepened my understanding of the socio-economic dynamics within rural communities in Nepal, ultimately contributing to the project’s goal of fostering sustainable development in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.

Details about this research project:

The Effects of Integrated Conservation and Development Projects on the Livelihoods of Local Inhabitants: A Case Study from Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal

Location: Hetauda Nepal, Prepared by ForestAction Nepal, Submitted to UNDP, Nepal

The Green Recovery Financing Plan was a strategic initiative aimed at the post-COVID-19 recovery of forest-dependent communities, with a specific focus on strengthening Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in the Makwanpur District. The plan, prepared by ForestAction Nepal and submitted to UNDP Nepal, sought to rebuild local economies while integrating sustainable and climate-resilient practices into forest management. The overarching goal was to create a low-carbon, resilient economy, providing a pathway for communities to recover from the pandemic’s impact while addressing long-standing environmental challenges.

The project emphasized sustainable forest management as a core element of economic recovery. By empowering CFUGs to govern their natural resources more effectively, the plan aimed to create a foundation for long-term resilience. One critical aspect was the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups, ensuring that their needs and voices were incorporated into recovery efforts. The plan also integrated eco-friendly enterprises, promoting green jobs through initiatives like eco-tourism, sustainable forest product industries, and other nature-based solutions.

In addition to improving governance structures, the project focused on enhancing institutional accountability. This was achieved by fostering stronger partnerships between local communities, government bodies, and international organizations. The plan sought to build inclusive and transparent governance mechanisms that could respond efficiently to crises, ensuring that future challenges, whether they be environmental or social, could be managed more effectively.

To support the plan’s goals, community engagement played a central role. Workshops were organized to raise awareness about the importance of green recovery and the significance of the Green Recovery Financing Plan. These workshops not only educated participants on the long-term benefits of integrating climate considerations into recovery efforts but also provided them with practical tools for implementing these strategies within their communities. Community involvement in the creation and execution of the plan ensured that the recovery process was tailored to local needs, fostering ownership and long-term sustainability.

The action plans developed under this initiative provided clear, costed frameworks for recovery, outlining steps to improve forest management practices, strengthen green enterprises, and enhance community resilience. These plans were carefully tailored to address the specific challenges of each CFUG involved, ensuring that the proposed solutions were both feasible and impactful.

My Roles in the Project as the research assistant:

• Conducted scoping visits to assess the needs of Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) and identify potential areas for intervention.
• Assisted in organizing workshops aimed at raising awareness about green recovery concepts and the significance of the Green Recovery Financing Plan.
• Contributed to the preparation of a participatory Green Recovery Plan tailored to local contexts, ensuring community involvement in the planning process.
• Documented the impacts of COVID-19 on forest management and community livelihoods, highlighting the experiences of marginalized groups.
• Facilitated collaboration between stakeholders, helping bridge gaps and fostering a collective approach towards sustainable solutions for post-pandemic recovery.
• Assisted in preparing the final Green Recovery Financing Plan, synthesizing data from fieldwork, interviews, and workshops to ensure actionable outcomes for sustainable forest management.

The project’s successful submission to UNDP Nepal marked a significant step toward integrating climate resilience and socio-economic recovery in forest-dependent regions, setting a precedent for future initiatives that aim to balance environmental sustainability with community well-being.