Kathmandu, July 2 - The Digo Bikas Institute (DBI) successfully organized its maiden Annual Research Symposium 2026 on June 29 at Alfa House Banquet in Baneshwor, bringing together researchers, policymakers and development practitioners to discuss pressing environmental and governance challenges facing Nepal.
Held under the theme "Communities at the Crossroads: Environment, Memory, and Governance in Nepal," the symposium highlighted research-based evidence on climate resilience, landscape transformation and community forestry, while encouraging dialogue between academics and stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Senior Joint Secretary of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment, emphasized the importance of research-driven policymaking and collaborative efforts in addressing Nepal's growing environmental and climate-related challenges.
The symposium featured three major research presentations. The first examined post-Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) recovery in Thame Valley, where researchers Binod Parajuli, Rupesh Karn, and Puskar Paudel presented findings from a 20-month longitudinal study assessing community resilience following the devastating August 2024 GLOF.
The second presentation, delivered by Swati Bhattarai, explored landscape transformation and place-based memory through an intergenerational study conducted in Jayabageswori and Naxal, highlighting how urban and social changes influence community identity and collective memory.
The third presentation focused on carbon markets and community forests in Nepal, with Alisha Adhikari sharing research findings from Chitwan that examined opportunities and challenges associated with carbon financing and community-based forest management.
During the closing session, DBI Board members Prasana Kunwar and Kalyan Raj Khadka presented tokens of appreciation to distinguished guests and speakers, while Rupesh Karn distributed letters of appreciation to the institute's research fellows in recognition of their contributions.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion and a Mentimeter engagement session, where participant Kirtan received a special prize after emerging as the winner.
According to the organizers, the inaugural symposium marks the beginning of an annual platform dedicated to promoting evidence-based research, fostering dialogue and supporting sustainable development initiatives in Nepal through collaborative knowledge sharing.
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