Salu Basnet holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, along with a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, both from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Since joining the Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS) in 2020, she has been actively engaged in a range of interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on natural resource governance particularly within the water sector. Her work focuses on the principles of inclusion, equity, and community participation, aiming to ensure that diverse voices, especially those of marginalized groups, are integrated into decision-making processes.
At SIAS, Salu has contributed to various projects addressing pressing socio-environmental challenges such as water security, climate change, urban disasters, risk resilience, and women’s economic empowerment. Her research often intersects with broader themes of natural resource governance and climate adaptation reflecting a commitment to understanding how local communities interact with and are impacted by shifting environmental and governance landscapes. With a strong grounding in both academic and field-based research, Salu aims to contribute to the development evidence based on inclusive and sustainable policy solutions.
Publications:
Shrestha, A., Acharya, S., Banjade, M.R., Pradhan, M.S., and Basnet, S. (2024). Gender Responsive Budgeting for women’s empowerment: A collaborative engagement in Malarani Rural Municipality, Nepal. Nepal Journal of Social Science and public Policy. Vol. 9 (1), pp.29-40. (Available at: https://doi.org/10.53037/na.v9i1.105 )
Upadhyaya, R., Mainali, S., Shrestha, A., Basnet, S., Pradhan, M., Kayastha, B. and Poudyal, I.(2024). Women in the intersection of digital technology and agriculture sector in Nepal. Available at: https://sias-southasia.orgwp- content/uploads/2024/12/CREW-Policy-Brief-Women-in-the-intersection-of-digital-technology-and-agriculture- sector-in-Nepal.pdf
Poudel, D.P., Manandhar, R., Shrestha, A., Thapa, S. and Basnet, S. (2024). Community’s aspirations, policy, and urban planning for making the capital of Lumbini Province Deukhuri/Rapti Valley equitable and resilient (in Nepali). Available at: https://sias-southasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TC-Nepali-Policy-Brief-May-2024.pdf
Poudel, D.P., Manandhar, R., Shrestha, A., Thapa, S. and Basnet, S. (2024). Socialising Tomorrow’s Cities: Envisioning a city in Rapti/Deukhuri Valley. Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS). Available at: https://sias-southasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Web-Latest-Book_Merged-chapters_March192024.pdf
Shrestha,A., Maskey,G. and Basnet,S.(2023). Bore wells are not the answer to Nepal springs crisis. Online. 31 March, 2023. Available at: https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/nature/opinion-bore-wells-are-not-the-answer-to-nepal- springs-crisis/
Shrestha,A., Maskey,G. and Basnet,S.(2022). Preserve the mid-hill springs. Online 21 July 2022. Available at: https://www.risingnepaldaily.com/news/14206
Thapa, S. K., de Jong, J. F., Subedi, N., Hof, A. R., Corradini, G., Basnet, S., and Prins, H. H. (2021). Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores. Global Ecology and Conservation, 30, e01747. (Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01747)