Ram Pandit

Ram Pandit is an Associate Professor at The University of Western Australia (UWA), holding dual affiliations with the School of Agriculture and Environment and the School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on natural resource economics, environmental policy, and biodiversity conservation. He also serves as an Affiliate Researcher at Auburn University and a Visiting Professor at Hokkaido University. Pandit’s academic journey includes a BSc in Forestry Sciences from Tribhuvan University, followed by MS degrees in Forest Resources Management (SUNY ESF) and Applied Economics/Statistics (Auburn University), culminating in a PhD in Applied Economics from Auburn University.

His research interests span biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services valuation, and the socio-economic impacts of environmental policies. Key projects include analyses of protected area management, threatened species recovery, and land degradation in Nepal, Indonesia, and Pakistan. He has led or contributed to over AUD 2 million in grants, including major contributions to the National Environmental Science Program (Australia) and collaborations with institutions like Hokkaido University and the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Pandit’s recent articles emphasize policy reforms for net-zero emissions, valuation of threatened species, and socio-economic dimensions of environmental degradation. He has received prestigious awards such as the UWA Research Award (2020) and was recognized as a Top Research Field Leader in Environmental Policy (2021). His work aligns with UN SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 14 (Life Below Water).

• Education:
  • BSc Forestry Sciences, Tribhuvan University (1995)
  • MS Forest Resources Management, SUNY ESF (2003)
  • PhD Applied Economics, Auburn University (2007)
• Key Research Themes:
  • Threatened species economics
  • Protected area management
  • Land degradation and restoration
  • Payment for ecosystem services
• Awards:
  • UWA School of Agriculture and Environment Research Award (2020)
  • IPBES Lead Author roles (2014–2022)
  • Highly Cited Researcher (2021)
• Grants:
  • "Impacts of Commodity Price Increase on Household Welfare" (AUD 40,720, 2022)
  • "Project 6.6: Threatened Species Recovery Hub" (AUD 130,000, 2019–2020)
  • "Threatened Species Recovery Hub" (AUD 1.5 million, 2015–2020)