Sunil Nepal is a senior forest carbon analyst on the SIG’s forest carbon team. Sunil began working with SIG in 2019 as an independent contractor, and due to his wealth of experience and expertise, he gradually transitioned into a full-time role in 2020. With a comprehensive educational background, including a BS in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry (IOF) in Hetauda, Nepal, an MS in Forestry from Mississippi State University, and a Ph.D. in Forestry from Auburn University, Sunil’s academic background serves as a solid foundation for his work at SIG.
Sunil in Mississippi during the field verification of a SIG forest carbon offset project
At SIG, Sunil is primarily engaged in the development of US forest carbon projects, where his responsibilities span a wide array of crucial tasks. From designing inventories to quantifying carbon, modeling growth and yield, and developing a baseline, his contributions are integral to the success of these initiatives. Moreover, Sunil actively participates in various research programs undertaken by SIG, lending his expertise in the USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data, Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS), data science, and spatial analysis.
A landscape captured by Sunil during a project site visit to Montana in 2023.
Beyond the confines of his professional endeavors, Sunil’s interests extend to the great outdoors, reflecting his passion for travel and outdoor recreation. He particularly enjoys hiking in different landscapes. His dedication to environmental conservation, honed through previous roles as a park ranger and a conservation officer with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DPNWC) Nepal, underscores his commitment to preserving forest habitats and wildlife. Whether engaged in wildlife monitoring, habitat preservation, or community forestry projects, Sunil’s diverse experience and passion for nature drive his significant contributions both within and beyond SIG.
Makalu Barun National Park Headquarters, 2011. Sunil snapped this photo when he served as a park ranger. This is the gateway of the iconic Makalu Peak, the world’s fifth-highest mountain.