This site uses cookies, as explained in our terms of use. If you consent, please close this message and continue to use this site.
Mountain Knowledge and Action Networks
The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) is a regional network that uses economic tools and analyses to address South Asia's environmental challenges. It works in ten countries in South Asia - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka - was launched in November 1999, previously based at IUCN-the World Conservation Union, Nepal and is currently one of our initiatives.
At a glance
SANDEE brings together researchers and decision-makers from South Asia to address development-environment challenges. SANDEE's mission is to strengthen the ability of researchers to undertake multi-disciplinary research on the economics of environmental and natural resource problems.
Mani Nepal
Programme Coordinator
Economics and the environment
SANDEE’s current research focuses on the economics of natural resource use and environmental change including ecosystems management, the economics of climate change, and policies and programmes for greener development. It aims to develop empirical evidence on underlying economic and institutional issues in order to inform policy and improve environmental management.
Understanding the economics of environmental change and development is key to unlocking a sustainable future in South Asia. South Asia is going through a period of rapid economic growth, which is expected to relieve the burden of poverty.
However, questions remain about whether this growth is ecologically viable and whether the gains from growth will endure. SANDEE operates under the principle that greener growth and sustainable development are necessary in South Asia and are possible with the implementation of evidence-based solutions.
SANDEE’s aim is to strengthen the capacity of individuals and institutions in South Asia to undertake research on the interlinkages among economic development, poverty, and environmental change and to disseminate practical information that can be applied to development policies.
SANDEE manages two annual research grant cycles to support researchers in South Asia in answering pressing questions related to climate change and other challenges at the intersection of economic development and environmental change.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review (2021) provides a rich overview of the economics of biodiversity, paints a bleak picture of the current state of biodiversity, and is a call to arms for action in anticipation of the CBD COP 15. The Review takes a global perspective aimed at the high level of international and national policy on biodiversity, while elucidating the very local nature of biodiversity threats and values. The central point of The Review is that the economy is embedded in the environment and growth is limited. The Review provides a new framework, grounded in ecology and Earth Sciences, yet applying the principles from finance and economics to understand the sustainability of our interaction with nature and prioritize efforts to enhance nature and prosperity.
On 6 July 2021, as part of the SANDEE-ICIMOD lecture series, Prof. Dasgupta will highlight different aspects of The Review in his keynote address and outline its relevance to the region.
Read more Event
About SANDEE
SANDEE manages two annual research grant cycles to support researchers in South Asia in answering pressing questions related to climate change and other challenges at the intersection of economic development and environmental change. SANDEE grants: Undergo a competitive, peer-reviewed grant-making process. Support 2- to 3-year research projects and provide researchers from South Asia with the opportunity to share their findings on regional and global stages through mobility and travel grants.
SANDEE has core financial partners and implementing partners which are listed below:
Core financial partners
Implementing partners
Eulogy
Our researchers and alumni talk about their personal journey with SANDEE and their association with the network.
Events Around the HKH
Research Grants
SANDEE provides research support to South Asian researchers and institutions interested in the inter-connection among development, natural resource use and the environment. Research grants are provided for conducting research on topics related to economics and the environment in South Asian countries.
News and features
In the news
We collaborate with partner agencies across the HKH to foster regional cooperation, synchronize data sources, share innovative solutions, and direct global attention to the region. Learn more about our work and their impacts.
WE EMBRACE DIVERSITY
Both internally and externally, our multicultural staff and partners are our greatest asset. They provide us with a broad perspective across disciplines, and offer us localized knowledge like no other.
SANDEE organizes a variety of training courses and workshops. The objective of these training courses and workshops is to strengthen the capacity of South Asian professionals and institutions to teach environmental and resource economics and to conduct policy oriented research in this field.
SANDEE
SANDEE’s outreach happens through a variety of activities. Written dissemination is through peer reviewed publications and working papers and reports. Policy dissemination and dialogue occurs through committee membership, discussions at policy meetings and through the popular press. Dissemination also occurs through teaching at universities and training workshops.
Click here for access to all SANDEE publications including working papers, policy briefs, bibliographies, newsletters, and annual report.
Click here for access to SANDEE resources (such as data and questionnaires) as well as links to outside sites that may useful for academics and researchers interested in teaching environmental and resource economics and conducting research in this field.
Influencing policies in the regional member countries of the HKH region has been a continuous process for ICIMOD.
ICIMOD recognizes the multi-dimensional aspects of scaling up (vertical expansion) and scaling out (horizontal expansion) of innovations, programme ideas and solutions.
Related content
