With its auspicious goal to produce competent and efficient human resource that can be instrumental in conservation and management of biodiversity, environment and natural resources and  development of rural communities, the IOF-PC, with the help of its enthusiastic teaching faculty and spirited staff, has always endeavored to ameliorate its academic environment and administer well designed educational programs that can address the current needs of the country  and the globe in forestry and allied fields. It is committed to satisfying student's quest for knowledge and pragmatic skills that will make all the difference in their professional career. The IOF-PC is currently running the following academic programs:

  1. Master of Science in Forestry
  2. Master of Science in Natural Resource Management and Rural Development (NRMRD)
  3. Master of Science in Watershed Management (WM)
  4. Master of Science in Community Forestry (CF)
  5. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Forestry

Beside regular academic programs, it also conducts short-term national and international training and workshops in Forestry and allied subjects.

Assistant Professors:

Bishnu Prasad Devkota, PhD

Name: Bishnu Prasad Devkota, PhD

Position: Assistant Professor

Appointed Subject: Forest Mensuration

Department: Department of Social Forestry & Forest Management

Education:

  • PhD in Forestry, 2019: University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Joensuu, Finland.
  • M. Sc Forestry, 2009: Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal.
  • B.Sc Forestry, 2005: Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal.

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor (Mar. 2012 onwards): Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.Responsibility: Teaching M. Sc and B. Sc level (Forest Mensuration, Forest Management, Wildlife        Management and Conservation), Thesis supervision and Research.
  • Assistant Professor/Academic Coordinator (Sep. 2010 to Feb. 2012): Kathmandu Forestry College, Nepal. Responsibility: Teaching B. Sc level (Forest Management, Forest Mensuration, Tree Improvement and Silviculture), Project Paper Supervision, and Administrative role.
  • Training Officer (Mar. 2007 to Feb. 2008): Northern Mountains Conservation Project/ WWF Nepal, Nepal. Responsibility: Conducting training, Report writing and Facilitation.

Publications:

  • Khanal, Y.M. and Devkota, B.P. (2020). Farmers’responsibilization in payments for environmental services: Lessons from community forestry in Nepal. Forest Policy and Economics, 118 (102237) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2020.102237
  • Devkota, B.P. 2020. Social inclusion and deliberation in response to REDD+ in Nepal´s community forestry. Forest Policy and Economics, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2019.102048  
  • Mustalahti, I., Gutierrez-Zamora, V., Hyle, M., Devkota, B.P. and Tokola, N. 2020. Responsibilization in natural resources governance: A romantic doxa? Forest Policy and Economics, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2019.102033  
  • Hyle, M.A., Devkota, B.P. and Mustalahti, I. 2019. From blueprints to empowerment of disadvantaged groups in natural resource governance: Lessons from Nepal and Tanzania. International Journal of the Commons 13(2):1062-1078. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijc.951    
  • Shrestha, A., Thapa, K., Subba, S.A., Dhakal, M., Devkota, B.P., Thapa, G.J., Shrestha, S., Malla, S. and Thapa, K. 2019. Cat, canines and coexistence: Dietry differentation between the sympatric snow leopard and grey wolf in the western landscape of Nepal Himalaya. Journal of Threatned Taxa 11 (7): 13815-13821. https://doi:10.11609/jott.4217.11.7.13815-13821  
  • Devkota, B. P. and Mustalahti, I. 2018. Complexities in accessing REDD+ benefits in community forestry: evidence from Nepal`s Terai region. The International Forestry Review 20(3): 332-345. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554818824063041
  • Khanal, G., Paudel, L., Devkota, B. P., Ranabhat, R. and Wegge, P. 2018. Status and conservation of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Api Nampa Conservation Area, Nepal. Oryx 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605318000145
  • Thapa, S., Katuwal, H.B., Gurung, R., Kusi, N., Devkota, B., Shrestha, B. and Suwal, T.S. 2018. Pikas in Nepal. Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal. 62pp.
  • Devkota, B.P., Silwal, T., Shrestha, B.P., Sapkota, A.P., Lakhey, S.P. and Yadav, V.K. 2017. Abundance of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its wild prey in Chhekampar VDC, Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal. Banko Janakari 27(1), 11-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v27i1.18545
  • Thapa, S., Katuwal, H.B., Koirala, S., Dahal, B.V., Devkota, B., Rana, R., Dahal, H., Karki, R., Basnet, H. 2016. Sciuridae (Order: Rodentia) in Nepal. Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal. 69pp.
  • Lacuna-Richman, C., Devkota, B.P. and Richman, M. A. 2016. Users´priorities for good governance in community forestry: Two cases from Nepal´s Terai region. Forest Policy and Economics 65: 69-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2015.11.005
  • Shrestha, B.P. and Devkota, B.P. 2013. Carbon stocks in the oak and pine forests in Salyan district, Nepal. Banko Janakari, 23(2): 30-36. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v23i2.15478
  • Silwal, T., Shrestha, B.P., Bhatta, B.P. and Devkota, B.P. 2013. Revenue distribution pattern and park-people conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Banko Janakari 23(1): 35-41. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v23i1.9465
  • Devkota, B.P., Silwal, T. And Kolejka, J. 2013. Prey density and diet of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in  Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 1 (4): 55-60.  http://pubs.sciepub.com/aees/1/4/4/
  • Shrestha, B.P. and Devkota, B.P. 2011. Status of critically endangered vultures in Dang Deukhuri foothill forests and West Rapti wetlands. The Initiation 4:28-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5533
  • Devkota, B.P. and Dhaubhadel, S.P. 2010. Livestock predation by snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal. Proceeding of the National conference on Forest – People Interaction, June 7-8, 2010, Pokhara. Balla, M.K. and Singh, A. (Eds), Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal. pp 221-229

Project Leadership and Consultancy

Year Position
2017 Social Marketing Advisor: The projects of the Conservation Science Department of Chester Zoo. The North of England Zoological Society. 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool, England. (October-November).
2017 Team Member: Study on effectiveness of buffer zone program in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. Peoples Help Group/Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazar, Nepal. (April-June)
2015 Principal Investigator: Diet analysis of snow leopard in Western Complex, Nepal. Green Governance Nepal/WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. (January – March).
2014 Team Leader: Assessment of snow leopard status and distribution in Western Nepal (Dolpa, Mugu and Darchula district). Green Governance Nepal/WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. (March – May).
2013
  • Project Researcher: Towards Responsive Governance in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Comparative case study in Tanzania and Nepal. University of Eastern Finland, Finland. (August 2013 – June 2014).
  • Trainer: Community based forest fire management training. Green Governance Nepal/Hariyo Ban Program/WWF Nepal, Bardia, Nepal. (May).
  • Team Leader: Snow leopard conservation: People’s perception on the verge of rural livelihood, Nepal. (May 2013- April 2014).
2012 Team Leader: Human- snow leopard conflict mitigation project-II, Dolpa, Nepal.

(January – December).
2011 Co-investigator: Status and distribution of snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and its prey species in Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal. Memorial Centre of Excellence/Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal.
2010 Lead Trainer: Community based forest fire management training. Green Governance Nepal/WWF Nepal, Lelep, Taplejung, Nepal. (April).
2009 Team Leader:  Human- snow leopard conflict mitigation project, Dolpa, Nepal. (June, 2009 – May, 2010).

Conference & Seminar Presentations

Year Conference / Seminar
2019   
  • Belt and road (Silk road) research on crane migration/ Chinese crane culture communication. 12 November to 11 December 2019. Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
2018   

 
  • 2nd International Forest Policy Meeting, Wageningen, Netherlands, 11-13 April 2018. Wageningen University and Research. Oral presentation on “Social inclusion and deliberation in response to REDD+ in Nepal`s community forestry”.
  • Development Day Conference 2018, Helsinki, Finland, 15-16 February, 2018: Finnish Society for Development Research, Finland. Oral presentation on “Social inclusion and deliberation in response to REDD+ in community forestry: Evidence from Nepal`s Terai region”.
2015

 
  • Canberra Conference on Earth System Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia 14-16 December, 2015. Oral presentation on “REDD+ and benefit sharing: Factors affecting benefit sharing in community forestry in Terai region of Nepal”.
  • The 3rd Joint Nordic Conference on Development Research, University of Gothenburg, Sweden 5-6 November, 2015. Oral presentation on “REDD+ and benefit sharing: Factors affecting benefit sharing in community forestry in Terai region of Nepal”.
  • Global Forestry Trends, 7-10 October, 2015. Joensuu, Finland. Oral presentation on “Factors affecting benefit sharing in community forestry: Case from Terai region in Nepal”.
2013

 
  • First Asia Park Congress- 13-17 November, 2013. Sendai, Japan. Poster presentation on “Prey density and diet of snow leopard(Uncia uncia) in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal”.
  • Forests, People and Climate: Changing Paradigm, 28-30 August, 2013. Pokhara, Nepal. Poster presentation on “Responsive governance in climate change mitigation and adaption interventions: the Nepal component of the TOWARDS project”.
2010

 
  • Biodiversity, livelihood and climate change in the Himalayas, 12-14 November, Kathmandu, Nepal. Poster presentation on, “Prey density and diet relationship of snow leopard(Uncia uncia) in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal”.
  • Forest People – Interaction, June 7-8, Pokhara, Nepal. Oral presentation on “Livestock predation by snow leopard (Uncia uncia) in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal”.

Training/Workshops Attainted

Year Training / Workshops
2018:   Towards Responsive Natural Resource Governance: Academic Workshop. Amani Nature Reserve, Tanzania (4 days).
2017:  

 

 Reviewing for Academic Journals: A Focus on Social Sciences. University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland (1 day).
2015:  

 
  • Executive Summer School of the Global Environmental Policy Programme, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, (2 weeks).
  • GIS Applications for Assessing and Managing Natural Hazards in the Himalayas. Asia Pacific Uninet, Kathmandu, Nepal, (7 days).
2014:   Data analysis and scientific writing. IOF/ComForM, Pokhara, Nepal, (5 days).
2013:  

 

 Training Seminar on Applied Statistical Analysis with R for Forestry Studies, Risk Analysis Research Center, Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan and Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal, (3 days).
2012
  • Consultative Workshop cum Training on Range Resource Assessment through GIS and Remote Sensing in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal, (3 days).
  • The Art of Scientific Writing Training, IOF/ComForM, Pokhara, Nepal, (7 days).
  • Teaching Excellence Training/Workshop for Natural Resource Educators, Memorial Center of Excellence/Institute of Forestry in collaboration with NUFU Networking project, Institute of Forestry held at Park village resort, Budanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal, (7 days).
2011:   Tree growth and climate effects modeling, IOF/ComForM//NAST, Kathmandu, Nepal, (7 days).
2009:  Database Management (MS Access) Training, Institute of Forestry/NUFU Project, Pokhara, (4 days).
2008: 

 

 Introductory Training on Social Analysis System, Institute of Forestry/LI-BIRD/IDRC-CRDI, Pokhara, (2 days).
2007: 

 

 Training, Moderation and Facilitation Skills Training, MSR Development Support Institute in Kathmandu, Nepal, (10 days).

Fellowships & Grants

Year Fellowships and Grants
2018: Post Graduate Study Grant, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
2015: Centre for International Mobility Fellowship, Helsinki, Finland
2013
  • Education for Nature, Russell E. Train Alumni Grant: WWF USA.
  • RSG Booster Grant: Rufford Foundation, London, UK.
2011: Second Rufford Small Grant for Nature Conservation: Rufford Foundation, London, UK.
2009
  • Rufford Small Grant for Nature Conservation: Rufford Foundation, London, UK.
  • Research Equipment Grant: IDEA WILD, Colorado, USA.
  • Snow Leopard Conservation Grant: Snow Leopard Network, Seattle, USA.
2007:. Education for Nature, Russell E. Train Fellowship: World Wildlife Fund, USA

Country Visited

  • Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Tanzania.

Affiliation with Professional Bodies

  • Full Member, The Snow Leopard Network, Seattle, USA
  • General Member, Nepal Forester’s Association, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • General Member, Treering Society of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • General Member, Tribhuvan University Teachers Association, Nepal

References

Krishna Raj Tiwari, PhD. Dean and Professor. Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Kathmandu, Nepal. [email protected]

Irmeli Mustalahti, PhD. Professor, University of Eastern Finland, Finland. [email protected]

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

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