Bioversity International Pokhara, Nepal

June 5-July 28, 2017 Julia Herrle ‘19

Work Responsibilities

• Worked with Bioversity, NARC, LI-BIRD, and the Department of Agriculture on UNEP-GEF- supported “Integrating Traditional Crop Genetic Diversity for Mountain Food Security” project

• Desk research & field study in Jumla project site on ecosystem services from the use of crop diversity

• Produced paper consisting of literature review, report of field study, and guidelines for economic valuation of ecosystem services from use of crop diversity

• Contributed to production of three flyers for education of extension officers in project sites

• Supported project staff in data analysis and English language editing of articles

• Delivered presentation at Half Yearly Review Meeting

LCP Project Team

Most Rewarding Aspects

• Connecting science and economics directly to improving livelihoods • Working in the field • Relationships with colleagues and friends • Cultural experience • Natural beauty

Colleagues & friends

My Impact

• First report done on ecosystem services and their values for the project

• Information from literature review • New data from field • Detailed report and recommendations are starting point for future project

work

• Flyers created to communicate research from project into the field where it can improve & clarify practices

• Editing

Field study

in Jumla

Impact on Career & Academic Plans

• Reinforced interest in working in field of international development

• Reinforced interests in agriculture and environment

• First-hand experience with collaborative projects (international organizations, governments, local organizations)

• Understanding of working for CGIAR center

• Increased scientific and practical understanding of agriculture

Culture

Natural Beauty

Cultural Awareness & Personal Growth • Immersion,

understanding, appreciation

• Independence • Expanding comfort

zone

Special thanks to Princeton IIP, Bioversity International, the LCP Team, and my direct supervisors Dr. Bhuwon Sthapit and Dr. Devendra Gauchan for making this internship possible