Dr. Roshan Sherchan, a senior fellow at AIFAR, is an esteemed independent consultant with a strong background in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and ecotourism. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has made significant contributions to these fields.
Dr. Sherchan pursued his Master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, from 2002 to 2003. His passion for research and environmental conservation led him to earn a PhD degree from the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where he focused on advancing his knowledge in the field from 2012 to 2018.
The early stages of Dr. Sherchan's career were marked by his role as a Conservation Officer in the renowned Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. During his time there, Dr. Sherchan actively contributed to the preservation of the area's unique biodiversity and played a vital role in the management of natural resources.
From 2009 to 2012, Dr. Sherchan served as a Program Manager for the World Wildlife Fund Nepal (WWF Nepal), specifically for the Sacred Himalayan Landscape (SHL). In this capacity, he took charge of biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism programs in key areas such as the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park, and Langtang National Park. Dr. Sherchan collaborated closely with various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and Department of Forests, to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Currently, Dr. Sherchan operates as an independent consultant, dedicating his expertise to significant projects. He actively contributes to the BIOFIN project of the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), focusing on mainstreaming biodiversity-friendly activities in community forests. Additionally, he lends his knowledge and skills to the WWF ALIGN project, engaging in policy review and capacity assessment related to natural resource safeguards in linear infrastructure.
Dr. Roshan Sherchan's extensive experience, coupled with his deep commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, makes him an invaluable consultant in the field. His contributions and expertise continue to shape and influence the efforts to preserve our natural resources and promote responsible tourism globally.