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Team

Mr. Prasanna Yonzon
Mr. Prasanna Yonzon

CEO, WCN

Mr. Prasanna Yonzon has a work experience of over three decade on natural resource management in Nepal from monitoring illegal wildlife trade to protecting endangered wildlife species and addressing climate change through local adaptation. He is the founding member and the CEO of WCN.  He has mentored young people towards conservation and environment through interaction, inspirational speeches and through presentations including sharing of knowledge on environment and natural resources. He has developed networks with enforcement agencies - Nepal Police, Armed Police, Nepal Ex-Police Association, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Forests to protect endangered species from illegal wildlife trade and poaching. He has also developed and implemented several training courses aimed in building the capacities of police officers and army personnel through trainings on environment protection. He has co-authored books on wildlife protection which is extensively used in the Police Academy as training manual.  He was also involved in    biodiversity surveys in mammals that include Terai Arc Landscape inventory project, National Biodiversity Action Plan and other related mammal surveys for different projects.

Trained on landuse planning for protected areas and buffer zone development and conflict management from Leipzig, Germany and an alumni of Asia Pacific Leadership program, he holds an M.Sc. in Zoology from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. In 1999 he led the team under the then King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation for the development of the operation plan of Barandabhar Forest, 2000 -2005. He was also the Project Coordinator for National Biodiversity Action Plan (GEF), 1996-1998.

Ms. Sanjeevani Yonzon Shrestha
Ms. Sanjeevani Yonzon Shrestha

Director

Ms. Sanjeevani Yonzon Shrestha is a well-known Environmentalist and Director at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. Her career spans a little over twenty years as a conservationist, educator, writer and a humanitarian responder. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University and is pursuing a degree in pedagogy. Ms. Yonzon is especially committed to engaging communities and people from all walks of life in nature conservation and to transform the way environmental education is taught in Nepal. She has co-written more than twenty different books for children and teachers, several lesson plans and curricula on Environment. She is a US Embassy’s IVLP (International Visitor Leadership Program) fellow and currently she is leading the Green School movement with her team. She is a recipient of Excellence in Environmental Protection Allumuni Award Xavier Academy 2018 and WWF Conservation Award, Nepal 2021.

A passionate advocator of circular economy, she is also involved in developing community-based innovative solutions to mitigate the repercussions of climate change and create viable local business solutions to tackle such issues with her team and different partners. In the past few years, Ms. Yonzon has developed and implemented educational and advocacy programs and projects on wildlife conservation, waste management, climate change, and natural resource management in coordination with different stakeholders and different levels of government of Nepal.

Mr. Subash Chandra Kharel
Mr. Subash Chandra Kharel

Senior Program Officer / Nature Interpreter

Mr. Subash Kharel is a highly motivated and dedicated Environmentalist working for more than 12 years in this field. He has been associated with WCN since 2009 and involved in Environmental Education program in which he has successfully coordinated different activities to reach out various location of the country to generate general awareness on environment. Mr. Kharel has expertise on developing publications produced by the organization and also outside of the organization. He is one of the strategic members of WCN and also actively involved in liaison government officials as well as other partner organizations. He has proficiency on Local Curriculum Development and Green School Concept and engaged on flourishing both for the better learning outcome and conservation of environment.

He has a strong background on climate change issues and natural resources management. He also has long working experience with community forestry where he has provided his intelligence in livelihood enhancement of marginalized community with green business.

Mr. Rajeshwar Rijal
Mr. Rajeshwar Rijal

Nature Interpreter

Mr. Rajeshwar Rijal, Nature Interpreter at WCN is an Educator and Social Scientist. An expert of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), Mr. Rijal has more than 15 years of professional experience. He has contributed on institutionalizing Interactive Environmental Education in Schools and developed several local curricula for different local governments of Nepal. Moreover, he has been supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation activities for the improvement of livelihood of rural communities and worked for Natural Resource-based Community Development Activities in different parts of Nepal. His competence on different publications of Wildlife Conservation Nepal and Nepal Government is exemplary. 

Mr. Rijal holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental science and Master’s Degree in Rural Development specialization in Natural Resource Management from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu Nepal. 

Ms. Brinda Dewan
Ms. Brinda Dewan

Education & Art Specialist / Nature Interpreter

Ms. Brinda Dewan is an Environmental Educator with extensive experience of more than 15 years in developing and implementing environmental programs in US and Nepal. Before going to the US, Ms. Brinda Dewan contributed a lot to the environment education program at WCN. She was the founder member of Nepal Prakriti Pathshala. She has worked as an Educator in multiple Nature Centers across US –in Colorado, Minnesota and California.

She has dual Masters Degrees in Botany from Tribhuvan University and Environmental Education from University of Minnesota, US. She is a Fellow of the “Community Solutions Program “of the US State Department. An ardent advocate of waste management and nature education, Brinda believes that nature is a classroom where students get an all rounded active physical-sensory learning environment and must be prioritized in the education system everywhere in the world. Brinda specializes in nature and interactive pedagogy, nature interpretation and waste education.
Mr. Buddha Bhakta Maharjan
Mr. Buddha Bhakta Maharjan

Senior Finance Officer

Mr. Buddha Bhakta Maharjan is the Finance Officer and Admin Assistant at Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN) with more than 9 years of established experience in the field of accounting, finance and administration. Mr. Maharjan is a graduate of Business Studies, Management Faculty from Patan Multiple Campus in Patan Dhoka and on his way to earn MBS from Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University. Also, his interest lies on being an entrepreneur to support local women groups.

Mr. Ram Chandra Paudel
Mr. Ram Chandra Paudel

Branch Officer

Mr. Ram Chandra Paudel is the Branch Officer for WCN Chitwan Office. He has been with the organization for more than 10 years. He is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of the activities in Chitwan.
Mr. Prakash Kiran Jung Thapa
Mr. Prakash Kiran Jung Thapa

Program Officer

Mr. Thapa is the Program Officer at WCN with M.Sc. in Environment and Natural Resources who is enthusiastic to work on noble and versatile projects. He has professional experience of seven-years in the field of environment. He has conducted multiple research studies on solid waste management in collaboration with different local government bodies which included the collection of baseline data, formation of action plans and designing of sanitary landfill sites, training different institutions regarding waste handling and management, and so on. He has been associated with wildlife projects such as Tiger count in Chitwan N.P, assessment of Gharial in Bardia N.P., assessment of Aquatic Fauna in Gandaki Basin, and has also been awarded the Rufford Grant for awareness program regarding Gharials.
Mr. Aashish Bhandari
Mr. Aashish Bhandari

Junior Associate

Mr. Aashish Bhandari is an Junior Associate at WCN and a recent B.Sc. Forestry graduate.
With a lifelong fascination for the exquisite complexity of our forests, he is driven by a shared love of the forest economy and environmental preservation. With a strong academic background, he is motivated to close the gap between theory and practice, and is working to develop creative approaches that not only maximize the economic potential of forests but also protect their crucial function in preserving ecological balance. He strives to be a catalyst of change with steadfast commitment, combining knowledge and passion to make a significant contribution to a more sustainable and resilient future for our world.
Mr. Pranaya Bikram Thapa
Mr. Pranaya Bikram Thapa

Multimedia Facilitator

Mr. Pranaya Bikram Thapa is the Multimedia Facilitator at WCN and has more than 10 years of working experience in this field. He is accountable for the visual documentation of all the events of organization. Mr. Thapa holds a Bachelor Degree in Interactive media Design from Raffles Design College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is also a photography enthusiast and has been pursuing a career in this very field.

Ms. Abhilasha Shrestha
Ms. Abhilasha Shrestha

Communications Associate

Ms. Abhilasha is presently a communications associate at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. She is working towards a degree in Bachelor of General Arts and is greatly passionate about the environmental science courses. She is a nature lover who often seeks out opportunities to immerse herself in natural settings, whether it's exploring forests, chasing waterfalls, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in a park. This appreciation for nature is accompanied by a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. At her time at WCN, she hopes to contribute in creating a meaningful impact towards the environment whether it is through exploration, research or artistic expression.

Ms. Ritu Gurung KC
Ms. Ritu Gurung KC

Program Consultant

Ms. Ritu Gurung KC is a Program Consultant at WCN and has over 15 years of experience of managing projects on Natural Resource Management. She has led projects where the key focus areas are mobilizing women for sustainable livelihood and forestry, interactive environmental education, advocacy and outreach. At WCN she was responsible for the organization’s strategy and project development and its execution. She graduated with dual degree (MSc.) in International Studies in Tropical Aquatic Ecology from Bremen University, Germany and Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu. She is a recipient of DAAD Scholarship program and is also an IVLP (International Visitor Leadership Program) Alumni.

Mr. Nabin Gopal Baidya
Mr. Nabin Gopal Baidya

Program Consultant

Mr. Nabin Gopal Baidya is a noted environmentalist and Program consultant at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. With more than 15 years of working experience, he has spent his professional life working for research and developmental projects that focus on conservation of wildlife and protecting endangered flora and fauna, mitigating the consequences of human-wildlife conflict, as well as securing the safety and livelihoods of residents who closely share their environment with wildlife.

He holds a Master’s degree in Environment and Wildlife management from Tribhuvan University of Nepal and attended East-West Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa for Asia-Pacific Leadership Program (APLP). He is also a Law Graduate from Nepal Law Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal, and EMBA from Ace Institute of Management (affiliated with Pokhara University).

Mr. Bal Krishna Lama
Mr. Bal Krishna Lama

Senior Field Assistant

Mr. Bal Krishna Lama is the Senior Field Assistant at WCN and has been associated with the organization for the past 18 years. A former police officer by experience he is responsible for the overall management of the transportation services in the organization and also supports in field activities. 
Mr. Ram B Gurung
Mr. Ram B Gurung

Senior Field Assistant

Mr. Ram B Gurung, is the Senior Field Assistant of WCN. Former police Officer by experience, he is responsible for the field related activities at WCN. 
Ms. Tara Magar
Ms. Tara Magar

House Manager

Ms. Tara Magar is the House Manager of Wildlife Conservation Nepal. She has been associated with the organization for the past 2 years. She is responsible for all the house-related activities at WCN. 
Ms. Anupa Sharma
Ms. Anupa Sharma

Intern

Ms. Anupa Sharma is currently working as an intern at Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), Eco-smart school Program. She is a forestry graduate from IOF Hetauda and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Natural Resource Management and Rural development at Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL). She also taught Forestry students at Krishnasen Ichchhuk Polytechnic Institute, Dang.
She has great zeal for research and is particularly interested in the fields of climate change adaptation, water security and wildlife. She is a nature lover and believes that all humans have an obligation to protect nature; its flora and fauna so that the generations to come also get to relish nature in its entirety.
Ms. Aishwarya Pulami
Ms. Aishwarya Pulami

Intern

Ms. Aishwarya Pulami, is an enthusiastic intern at Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), the Green School Program. Currently on her path towards a BSc in Forestry at Hetauda Tribhuvan University.
Aishwarya's passion lies in sustainability, forest management, climate change, biodiversity, waste management, and wildlife conservation. With a keen interest in the intricate balance of nature, she conducted research on "Tree Species Diversity in Farm-Based Agroforestry" within the serene landscapes of Nisdi Rural Municipality, Palpa, Lumbini Province. Aishwarya thrives on seizing opportunities and tirelessly dedicating herself to preserving our planet's invaluable ecosystems.




 
Mr. Sandipta P. Maskey
Mr. Sandipta P. Maskey

Extern

Mr. Sandipta P. Maskey is currently a student at Ullens IBDP and an extern at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. He is not only a student but also an outdoor enthusiast. His love for animals and the outdoors fuels his mission to help conserve the natural world. At WCN he has been part of various school programs and currently, he is planning an educational outdoor expedition.When he’s not in school or at the office, you’ll probably find him either hiking or fishing. He takes his time at WCN as a great learning experience where he is building a strong foundation for his dreams of pursuing environmental science in the future.

Ms. Prashna Khadka
Ms. Prashna Khadka

Extern

Ms. Prashna Khadka has been doing an externship at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. She is involved in various school programs, where she helped students in understanding and exploring wildlife conservation measures while learning new things herself. She believes that working at WCN has given her the opportunity to contribute and have a positive influence on the environment. She has also obtained practical and new learning experiences in the field of wildlife and biodiversity conservation, as well as a variety of new skills and knowledge. These included attempting new things, discovering new surroundings, refining her field abilities, and learning about wildlife and nature conservation—all of which aided in her personal development.
Mr. Shugatshil Gurung
Mr. Shugatshil Gurung

Extern

Mr. Shugatshil Gurung is currently doing A Levels at Rato Bangala School. He has been working as an extern at Wildlife Conservation Nepal. He loves playing the piano and teaching children. He has always had a passion for sharing knowledge. 

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