Yona Khaling Rai

I disseminate information related to the innovation and demonstration of economically and environmentally sound mountain ecosystems, technologies and natural resources conservation to a wider audience. I am committed to environmental stewardship and care for the landscape of both my home and workplace.

I like the natural setting of the Knowledge Park and its surrounding areas. I like to trek within the premises of the Park, and work and learn from multicultural teams at ICIMOD. The Park offers endless possibilities in spreading knowledge and raising awareness on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and demonstration of technologies. People are able to observe, learn and apply what is releavant to them. This is the best part of working at ICIMOD.

I am passionate about sustainable development, sports and photography. I like playing football, travelling, cycling, and watching plays at the theatre. I am also committed to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

I have more than 10 years of experience in development, research, and tourism, and in working with a wide range of people. I have a master’s degree in rural development and am currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy in rural entrepreneurship from Tribhuvan University.

Prior to joining ICIMOD, I worked at World Vision International for five years in several projects related to climate change, human rights, and humanitarian action. My career in the development sector began at an NGO called Nepali National Language Preservation Institute (NNLPI), where I led a project for three years conducting a rapid assessment survey of 30 national languages of Nepal. I also have travelled to many districts and rural areas of Nepal on foot. I am a trained licensed tourist guide from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), and have a teaching experience of two years.