Rishi Bastakoti is a dedicated interdisciplinary professional with extensive experience in the sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and global climate change mitigation. His expertise spans community-based climate adaptation, inclusive governance, participatory planning, indigenous rights, and rural livelihoods. With a strong foundation in research, mentorship, project management, policy development, and program evaluation, he has contributed significantly to environmental sustainability and social equity.

His current research focuses on forest policy and local livelihoods, examining the intersection of neoliberal climate change strategies, environmental services, and carbon trade designs. A former Visiting Scholar at the University of Calgary and an alumnus of the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he previously served as the Executive Director at RIMS Nepal.