SANDEE's summer 2025 Research Grant is Open

The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) plays a pivotal role in supporting research that examines the intersection of development, natural resource use, and environmental sustainability. By providing grants to researchers and institutions across South Asia and the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, SANDEE fosters innovative studies in environmental and resource economics, focusing on critical issues affecting these regions.

The call for Research Concept Notes 2025 offers an opportunity for scholars to contribute to the economics of climate risks, natural resource management, and environmental change. This initiative is vital for understanding and addressing the economic implications of environmental challenges in South Asia and the HKH region.

About SANDEE’s Research Grants

SANDEE's grants are tailored to support high-quality research in economics and the environment, encouraging multidisciplinary approaches with a strong economic foundation. Projects emphasizing cross-border collaborations and transboundary environmental issues are highly prioritized.

For the 2025 call, SANDEE focuses on three key research areas:

• Ecosystems Management
• Economics of Climate Change
• Natural Resource Use and Environmental Change

Prioritized Research Areas

1. Ecosystems Management

Ecosystems play an integral role in providing various services, including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural benefits. However, rapid human activity has accelerated the degradation of these services, with both immediate and long-term consequences for livelihoods and environmental health.

Research in ecosystems management under SANDEE aims to:

• Examine Ecosystem Changes: Understanding how changes in ecosystems impact economic and social systems, including biodiversity and human livelihoods.
• Evaluate Costs and Benefits: Conducting economic analyses of conserving ecosystems and their services by considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, particularly marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities.
• Institutional Arrangements: Investigating innovative institutional models to manage and sustain ecosystem services effectively.

Key Resources for Researchers:

To facilitate research, SANDEE recommends using several external resources such as:

• The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)
• Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES)
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Examples of SANDEE-supported Projects:

SANDEE has supported notable studies in ecosystem management, such as:

• Non-timber Forest Products Extraction Under Different Forestry Institutions in Bangladesh
• Mapping and Designing Payments for Ecosystem Services in Punkha, Bhutan
• Soil Conservation Benefits of the Upper Mahaweli Watershed in Sri Lanka

2. Economics of Climate Change

The effects of climate change are intensifying across South Asia, with profound economic and social implications. Temperature variations, erratic precipitation, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels are already disrupting the lives of millions, particularly in vulnerable communities.

SANDEE's focus on the economics of climate change encompasses:

• Impact Evaluations: Quantifying the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture, water resources, health, and other sectors.
• Adaptation Measures: Assessing the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of various adaptation strategies to build climate resilience.
• Mitigation Strategies: Analyzing approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while achieving local benefits, such as improved air quality and energy efficiency.
• Institutional and Policy Frameworks: Investigating the policies and institutions necessary for enabling low-carbon growth and long-term climate adaptation.

Examples of SANDEE Research in Climate Economics:

SANDEE has a track record of supporting climate-focused research, such as:

• Assessing the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal economies in Bangladesh.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of renewable energy adoption in rural Nepal.

3. Natural Resource Use and Environmental Change

South Asia and the HKH region face increasing pressure on natural resources due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. Sustainable resource use is critical for ensuring long-term ecological balance and economic stability.

SANDEE encourages studies on:

• Resource Utilization: Evaluating the economic implications of natural resource extraction and consumption.
• Environmental Policies: Analyzing policy measures to mitigate resource depletion and promote sustainable practices.
• Community Involvement: Examining the role of community-driven initiatives in managing natural resources effectively.

Multidisciplinary and Transboundary Collaboration

Recognizing the interconnected nature of environmental challenges, SANDEE actively promotes multidisciplinary projects that integrate economics with other fields such as ecology, sociology, and political science. Additionally, transboundary collaborations are encouraged to address issues that span national borders, such as water resource management and air pollution control.

Application Process for Research Grants

Eligibility Criteria

Researchers and institutions interested in applying for SANDEE’s grants must:

• Be based in South Asia or the HKH region.
• Submit concept notes focused on one of SANDEE's prioritized research themes.
• Demonstrate a strong economic component in their proposed research.

Submission Guidelines

The deadline for submitting research concept notes is December 31, 2024. All submissions must include:

• A clear and concise research concept note outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Details of the applicant’s academic and professional background.
• Evidence of collaborative or multidisciplinary approaches, if applicable.

Concept notes should be submitted through SANDEE’s official portal, ensuring compliance with all guidelines outlined in the call for proposals.

Selection Process

The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of submissions based on their relevance, feasibility, and potential impact. Proposals emphasizing innovative solutions, policy implications, and benefits to marginalized communities are given priority.

Why Apply for a SANDEE Grant?

1. Funding Opportunities: SANDEE provides financial support for conducting impactful research in environmental and resource economics.
2. Collaboration and Networking: Researchers gain access to a network of experts and institutions across South Asia and beyond.
3. Capacity Building: SANDEE offers training and mentorship programs to enhance researchers' skills and knowledge.
4. Policy Impact: Research funded by SANDEE contributes to evidence-based policymaking in South Asia and the HKH region.

Conclusion

SANDEE’s research grants represent a critical investment in understanding and addressing the economic dimensions of environmental challenges in South Asia and the HKH region. By focusing on ecosystems management, the economics of climate change, and sustainable resource use, SANDEE empowers researchers to develop solutions that promote both environmental sustainability and economic development.

For researchers eager to contribute to these pressing issues, the deadline for submitting concept notes is December 31, 2024. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a tangible impact on environmental and resource economics in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse regions.

For further information, visit SANDEE’s official website and explore the comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting concept notes. Together, let us shape a sustainable future for South Asia and the HKH region.

Apply here