Muna Chaudhary, 27, has been working in Joensuu at Arbonaut Oy since 2022. He works as a Geographic Information System and remote sensing analyst.
Chaudhary completed his Bachelor of Science in Forestry in Nepal in 2020, after which he applied to the Master of Science in European Forestry programme in 2021, which included studying both in Finland and abroad. Chaudhary arrived in Joensuu in July 2021.
– My day-to-day responsibilities involve digital data processing and analysis, contributing vital insights into forestry information, and generating satisfactory products for customers, Chaudhary describes.
Chaudhary’s main tasks involve data processing, including 3D data, laser scanning data, and satellite data, as well as conducting forest inventory analysis. His role focuses on both processing and analysing data to create better products for clients.
He secured this job through an internship he completed earlier this year, starting his current part-time position already during the internship.
Differences between forestry in Nepal and Finland
Chaudhary says that in Nepal, there isn’t as much experience, advancement, or development in forest bioeconomy as in Finland. The resources, such as biofuel, are not as abundant. In contrast, Finland has made significant progress in this field.
Additionally, the forests in Finland are completely different from those in Nepal, where the forests are more tropical.
I appreciate how forests are managed here, and I also enjoy the sauna and the snow, Chaudhary says with a chuckle.
Nepal focuses more on forest protection, while Chaudhary wanted to learn how forests in Finland are used, managed, and maintained. According to Chaudhary, the forest management style in Finland is entirely different, and he was eager to explore these differences firsthand.
– Geographic information system and remote sensing are important for managing animal habitats such as grazing and damages of tree saplings and population management – like hunting of moose – in Finland. And how these two aspects, wildlife habitat and population management, correlated with other ecological and sociological aspects, Chaudhary states.
During his studies and research in Nepal, Muna Chaudhary focused primarily on wildlife protection, specifically on safeguarding the prey of big cats like tigers and leopards through surveys involving elephants.
However, when he arrived in Finland, he was surprised to see that the approach was not centered around protection but rather production. In Finland, forest management is more about optimizing forests for production, such as timber and other resources, rather than solely focusing on conservation and protection, which was a stark contrast to what he was used to in Nepal.
Chaudhary believes, that Joensuu has a significant advantage due to its vast range of resources, which makes it an attractive hub for various companies in the forestry industry.
– My interest is how innovatively we could use GIS and remote sensing tools to derive reliable information from raw remote sensing data for sustainable forest management, wildlife conservation as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, Chaudhary tells.
– My interests aren’t limited on office work, but my mind constantly thinks about how we can use that information in the field as forester and researcher, Chaudhary adds.
Coming back to Finland
As part of Chaudhary’s Master’s programme, he spent a year in Finland and then another in Germany, where he completed his master’s thesis. He has also visited Spain, France, Romania, and Austria to observe how forestry skills and knowledge are applied in different contexts.
Through these experiences, he gained extensive knowledge of forestry by collaborating with local professors, students, foresters, and colleagues. Despite these travels, Chaudhary chose to return to Finland, he has enjoyed his time in Joensuu.
– I appreciate how forests are managed here, and I also enjoy the sauna and the snow, Chaudhary says with a chuckle.
A city of extensive resources
Chaudhary believes that Joensuu has a significant advantage due to its vast range of resources, which makes it an attractive hub for various companies in the forestry industry. He notes that companies like Arbonaut and paper companies are drawn to the region, making Joensuu a key player in the forestry sector.
– They manage the forest not only in the span of production of the products, but also, they are helping in how they can manage the forest and polish the different kinds of forest products from the forest, Chaudhary states.
He also feels that the University of Eastern Finland offers a wealth of resources for teaching forestry, providing students with top-tier tools and knowledge. He believes that these assets, combined with Joensuu’s strong forestry industry, make it an ideal candidate for marketing the city as the forest capital of Europe.
I have recommended studying in Finland, and particularly in Joensuu, to my colleagues and friends around the world.
Chaudhary describes Joensuu as an ideal destination for international students, praising the excellent campus facilities and the numerous opportunities offered by both the city and the university. He highlights the highly skilled and experienced professors, as well as the extensive business network of the University of Eastern Finland, as key factors he greatly appreciates.
– I have recommended studying in Finland, and particularly in Joensuu, to my colleagues and friends around the world, because of these reasons and because of the substantial support available for students, including those interested in entrepreneurship, Chaudhary concludes.
Chaudhary is uncertain about his plans, but he expresses a possibility to return to Nepal and become a caretaker for prey animals such as rhinos in the local forests if given the opportunity.
– It would be a dream to go back to Nepal and work with the animals, but I don’t know yet what the future has planned for me, Chaudhary says.
This material was produced as part of the activities of the City of Joensuu Innovation Ecosystem Agreement (ERDF), co-funded by the European Union and the city of Joensuu.