Sandesh Chaudhary is a Tharu Indigenous youth from Nepal working at the intersection of community forestry, Indigenous knowledge system, and digital innovation. He is currently working as Admin & Information Technology Coordinator – Digital Transformation at Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN), one of the largest civil society networks in community forestry & community rights across the globe.

Sandesh has a Master’s degree in Computer Science and has been leading and supporting digital systems, data management, knowledge management and technology initiatives to enhance community forestry governance and Indigenous Peoples’ participation throughout Nepal. He works with the Community Forest Data Portal (CFDP), a national digital platform that helps to enhance key components of community forest-based data systems, evidence-informed decision-making, documentation and governance processes in relation to customary forests.

He is trained in digital documentation of Indigenous Knowledge, customary governance systems, cultural practices and community-based evidence at the municipal level of Nepal. He focuses on digital governance, GIS and spatial data systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and tech-enabled approaches for Indigenous rights as well as climate resilience, and inclusive development.

In addition to his technical role, Sandesh is involved in Indigenous youth leadership and community-based environmental work. He heads the grassroots effort called “Mahuwa Mission,” to restore Mahuwa trees and preserve Tharu Indigenous culture, while engaging women, youth and marginalized communities in community forests and ecological stewardship. The initiative has supported the plantation of over 6000 Mahuwa trees in cooperation with Indigenous communities and local forest groups since 2024.

Sandesh has engaged in national and regional conversations on Indigenous Peoples rights, customary governance, community forestry and climate resiliency. He spoke at the National Conference on Customary Governance in Nepal (2025), offering perspectives from Indigenous leadership, digital governance and turning ground cultural evidence into policy relevant data systems.

Coming from a farming family in western Nepal and the first person in his family to achieve a Masters, Sandesh remains committed to strengthening Indigenous voices, protecting traditional knowledge systems, and using technology as a tool for community empowerment and rights-based advocacy.

Links: ORCID iD   Research Gate