Mr. Khadak Rokaya, an Environmental Scientist by profession has conducted a number of research projects. He has traveled far and wide during field research, mainly in the mountainous region of Nepal. His works range from analyzing soil quality by looking at abundance and diversity of soil fauna to studying deglaciation process in Ngozompa glacier in the Everest region. The projects in which he was directly involved are as follows.
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY (IDS) NEPAL, BALUWATAR, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Consultant (10 September 2014–30 September 2014)
Identified the core issues and theme of the project.
Worked as a team member in preparing a proposal on “Acting on Adaptation in the Hydro-electricity Sector in Nepal”, submitted to CDKN.
KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY, DHULIKHEL, KAVRE DISTRICT, NEPAL
Environmental Study of the Upper Bagmati River Environment, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project (BRBIP) TA 8050 NEP.
Environmental Surveyor (August–September 2012)
Conducted walk-over survey to identify the sensitive receivers along the river stretches with the help of existing topographical maps, aerial photos, and satellite images, and organize them to be included in the EIA report. The study was conducted for Asian Development Bank Bagmati River Basin Improvement (BRBIP) TA 8050 NEP Project.
BARDAN, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Payments for Environmental Services in Langtang National Park
Lead Researcher (March–May 2012)
Conducted research on PES for cheese factory in Langtang National Park, Rasuwa District, Nepal.
The research was conducted for Langtang National Park and Buffer Zone Support Program/WWF Nepal.
MOUNTAIN SPIRIT, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Socio-Economic Baseline for REDD+ Readiness in Sacred Himalayan Landscape, Nepal
Researcher (November 2011–March 2012)
Field team leader for conducting the socio-economic survey for REDD+ Readiness in Sacred Himalayan Landscape-Nepal.
The research was conducted for WWF Nepal.
REVIEW RESOURCE NEPAL, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Present Status and Recent Changes of Social Environments and Livelihoods in High Altitude Areas of Nepal Himalaya
Research Associate (1 December 2010–31 January 2011)
Conducted a desktop study to determine the present status of social environments and livelihoods in high altitude areas of Nepal while also identifying changes that have occurred in the study area.
The research was conducted for National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED), Kobe, Japan.
REVIEW RESOURCE NEPAL, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Managing Director (December 2008–October2010)
Manage day to day business of the company.
Conducted research on climate change, high altitude rangelands, social environments, and livelihood.
MOUNTAIN SPIRIT, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Integrated River Basin Management in Dudh Koshi Sub-Basin, Nepal
Hydrologist/Researcher (March–June 2008)
Conducted hydrology/socioeconomic research in two catchments in Dudh Koshi Sub-Basin and contributed towards a larger desktop study of the sub-basin.
The research was conducted for WWF Nepal.
KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY, DHULIKHEL, KAVRE DISTRICT, NEPAL
Soil Development and Plant Succession Following Deglaciation in the Nepal Himalaya: Responses to Climate Change
Research Assistant (June–September 2007, July–August 2008)
Assisted Ph.D. scholar with field-level environmental and social data collection and laboratory analyses of soil, soil fauna, and plant samples of a high-altitude glacial valley in Sagarmatha National Park.
Used innovative method to extract soil fauna from high-altitude soils at elevations of 4,600-4,800m.
Collected and analyzed for biomass in relation to livestock use in the Ngozumpa Glacial valley.
Assisted with the collection of soil and floral samples.
Collected socio-economic data related to transhumant livelihoods in the Ngozumpa Glacial valley.
KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY, DHULIKHEL, KAVRE DISTRICT, NEPAL
Hill Agriculture Intensification Project (HAIP), Ansi Khola & Cha Khola Watersheds, Kavre District
Research Assistant (2005–2007)
Assisted with field-level ecological and socio-economic sample/data collection and laboratory analyses.
Monitored 16 plots at 4 sites for meteorological data and physical/chemical parameters of agricultural run-off.
Assisted with the socioeconomic survey of the two watersheds in relation to agricultural intensification.
Supervised four grassroots data collectors.
KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY, DHULIKHEL, KAVRE DISTRICT, NEPAL
Pesticide Use, Human Health and Household Productivity in a Mid-Hill Watershed, Panchkhal, Kavre District (SANDEE Project)
Research Assistant (February–July 2005)
Responsible for conducting and supervising field-level socio-economic survey of 500 households.
Supervised field-level enumerators and cross-checked socio-economic data in Panchkhal.
Tabulated and organized data in preparation for statistical data analysis.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION CENTER (SWMRMC), SHREE MAHAL, LALITPUR, NEPAL
Collection of Background Information on Solid Waste Management for Preparation of Diagnostic Report of Municipalities.
Environmental Officer (15 September–27 September 2003)
Conducted a survey and collected information on the amount of waste produced, its categories and process involved in the management of waste in Waling municipality, Syangja, Nepal.
The research was conducted for the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Local Development.
KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY, DHULIKHEL, KAVRE DISTRICT, NEPAL
Fish Ecological Studies and its Application in Assessing Ecological Integrity of Rivers in Nepal
Assistant Field Researcher (February 2003–December 2004)
Assisted Ph.D. scholar with field-level data collection in Jhingu, Bagmati, Seti, Andhi and Tinau Rivers.
Trapped fish using electro-capturing technique and documented physical parameters of trapped fish.
Collected physical and chemical parameters of above-mentioned rivers.
Conducted socio-economic survey of households depending on rivers for their livelihoods.
Now, since he is involved in the tourism, we wanted people who wants to carry out any sort of research activities (like identifying issues, partnering with relevant stakeholders, finding the right research site, arrangement of logistics, taking permissions from authorities, finding right human resource, carrying out field works, collect secondary source of data, organizing public gatherings (PRA tools), filling questionnaires) should benefit from his knowledge and experience.
We are actually looking forward to considering research expeditions and educational trips are part of tourism which contributes tremendously to Nepalese tourism industry. In this context, we would like to coordinate, facilitate and get involved in whatever possible way. Beyul Travel and Treks (BTT) is founded on the same ground to serve a particular niche that is not recognized as an integral part of the tourism industry. BTT is capable of executing professionally with necessary resources.