Rajendra Narsingh Suwal

Rajendra Narsingh Suwal is a distinguished conservationist and M.Sc. Zoologist who currently serves as the Head of Partnerships Development at WWF Nepal, a position he has held since 2017. In this capacity, he leads strategic networking and coordination with diplomatic missions, government agencies, and international donors to leverage support for nature conservation and environmental protection. His extensive career includes significant leadership roles, such as serving as the Deputy Director of Program Development and Monitoring at WWF Nepal, where he managed large-scale fundraising efforts with organizations like the GEF, KfW, and DFID.

With a deep specialization in ornithology and wetland conservation, Suwal is recognized as a leading expert on Sarus and Demoiselle Cranes. He played a pivotal role as the Conservation Project Director for the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and the International Crane Foundation, where he developed habitat management plans and conservation education programs. His technical expertise extends to protected area management and developing climate-resilient habitats, often integrating community engagement and community-based ecotourism to support marginalized populations.

Beyond his administrative and scientific roles, Suwal has made substantial contributions to the global perception of Nepal's wildlife as a scientific expert and location manager for high-profile filming expeditions. He has provided technical guidance for major productions, including Netflix’s Our Planet II and the BBC’s Planet Earth and Natural World series. His reputation as an elite naturalist is further evidenced by his role as the official bird tour guide for former US President Jimmy Carter during his visits to Nepal in 2007 and 2013.

Suwal’s long-standing commitment to the field is reflected in his numerous academic publications and research reports concerning Nepal's mammals, birds, and wetland biodiversity. He is a founding member of Bird Conservation Nepal and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, and he has served on the UNESCO Lumbini International Scientific Committee since 2010. His professional excellence has been recognized with prestigious honors, including being named an Ashoka Fellow in 2002 and receiving the Nature Conservation Award in 2024