Key Highlights of an ERI Engagement

Strategies, Plan, and Policy Formulation

ERI has demonstrated proficiency in developing a wide array of plans and policies aimed at promoting ecology-based agriculture, contemplating food security along with the Forest, Biodiversity and environmental conservation and its sustainable utilization, including Climate Change and Energy plans, Forest sector strategies, Conservation Action plans for endangered and protected areas, Agriculture developmental strategies and organic zoning initiatives supported with Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development at federal to local government of Nepal, and other Multi Donor agencies.

Assessments, Research, and Case Studies

Conducting a myriad of research and studies spanning over several years, the projects funded by various intergovernmental and bilateral organizations such as USAID, The World Bank, FASTENOPFER, GIZ, CIFOR, ICIMOD, IDRC, WWF and others aim to tackle multifaceted challenges in community forestry, climate change mitigation, environmental conservation and sustainable development across Nepal. Ranging from political economy assessments to evaluating joint venture arrangements, verifying emissions reduction initiatives (REDD+), assessing fiduciary risks and promoting enterprise development, these endeavors strive to understand contextual intricacies, document best practices, assess governance structures, and foster inclusive growth while addressing environmental concerns and enhancing livelihood opportunities for communities in Nepal and wider Himalayan region.

Base/ End line Survey, Database Management and Analysis

ERI has executed over dozens of baseline and endline survey for various projects funded by different agencies including USAID, WWF, NR International-UK, Paris School of Economics, IFRI and others, aimed at understanding forest resources, governance and community needs, agriculture contributing to sustainable development in Nepal. Its approach to conducting surveys, coupled with rigorous analysis, ensures robust evaluation of projects and programs, enabling evidence based decision making and encouraging Sustainable Development Outcomes.

Capacity Building

ERI facilitates capacity building for small holder farmers, activists, youths and students through orientation, training and workshops. Since 2010, ERI’s Apprenticeship course on “transformative activism for sustainable agriculture” has successfully enhanced the capacity of rural farmers, frontline social activists, and mobilizers representing smallholder farmers, women, and youth on sustainable farming approaches blending in classroom learning with hands on experience and on site practice in the fields. Similarly, ERI embraced a new approach of learning, namely Walking Training, with an objective of prompting deeper critical understanding and analysis among the training participants during trainings on Agroecology, biodiversity and environment conservation topics. We provide a specialized training in proposal writing, scientific Paper writing as well as leadership. Exposure visits are arranged for participants to enhance knowledge through exposure and interaction with stakeholders in the area on issues of Environment Conservation, Biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Promoting GEDSI

ERI remains steadfast in its commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). It’s involvement in advocating and promoting inclusion has been evident through studies and programs aimed at acknowledging the importance of GEDSI in development initiatives. In collaboration with UNDP, ERI undertook Impact Studies at Micro Hydro Project from Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Perspective. Similarly, our organization is actively engaged in project that delves into understanding how women’s empowerment can be realized through low carbon, forest based solutions. Additionally, we have been engaged in Promoting Intersectional Development Research funded by University of Witwatersrand aiming to advance intersectional approaches of IDRC program initiatives. Research Articles, newspaper articles, documentaries, workshops, trainings are among other interventions we use to advocate for the inclusive development.

GIS and Remote Sensing

ERI prioritizes GIS and Remote sensing, given its significant importance in efficient resource management. Their particular applications include Forest Monitoring and Management, Water Resource Management, Natural Hazard Assessment and Disaster Response, and Biodiversity Conservation. Through engagement in series of projects like GPS Mapping Community Forests, Zoning of Organic Agriculture, EIA and IEE of Bardia National Park Management Plan, Feasibility Study for Piloting PES in WTLCP Area, Economies of Forest Restoration in Chure Region of Nepal and many others, we strive to facilitating informed decision making and resource management, guided by experts in the field within ERI.

Promotion of Agroecology and Sustainable Food System

ERI strives to strengthen Policy Advocacy on the Agroecology and Sustainable Food System in Nepal. With the establishment of Alliance of Agriculture for Food-AAF, a collective campaign involving Producer Farmers, I/NGOs and Civil Society Groups working on the issue of food, land, agriculture and climate change, it aims to amplify the voices of smallholders, women and landless farmers and is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture through an integrated system of social development. The major activities are broadly categorized under themes: Policy Research, Lobbying and Campaigning, Networking and Mobilization, Training and Capacity Building; and Documentation and Publication. The team mobilizes AAF in bringing issues of agroecology and sustainable food systems into debate through policy advocacy, lobbying and capacity building, supported by evidence generated by the team through research on related issues.

Advocacy and Campaign

ERI Nepal, a grassroots organization, showcases its strong presence and support to its core vision and mission through social movements, campaigns and networking. It takes action in forms to tackle inequality, stand up for land rights, fight climate change, ensure food security and safety and say enough to violence. Through networking and participation in impactful programs like World Social Forum to conducting World Food day and Raithane Sanjh, it galvanizes efforts towards global issues and demonstrates the commitment for resilient communities, and advocating for equitable distribution of resources.

Production Management

ERI Nepal is actively engaged in knowledge production, spanning from developing training manuals, articles, reports, compendium to collaborating closely with ForestAction Nepal in facilitating the Journal of Forest and Livelihood. Through these initiatives, ERI contributes to the dissemination of vital information, best practices and research findings.