Lumbini to Lo Manthang (L2L) – Planetary Health Field School 2025

From the Terai lowlands to the Tibetan Plateau, an interdisciplinary field school exploring climate, culture, biodiversity, health, and sustainability across one of the world’s most dramatic ecological gradients.

Overview:
The 2025 Lumbini to Lo Manthang (L2L) Planetary Health Field School was a three-week immersive educational journey across Nepal, designed to explore the interconnected relationships between environmental change, human health, social systems, and sustainability.

Bringing together 17 undergraduate participants from Nepal, Duke University (USA), and member institutions of the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), the field school created a unique platform for interdisciplinary learning across environment, engineering, health sciences, and the humanities.

Traveling from the flood-prone plains of Lumbini to the climate-vulnerable Himalayan communities of Upper Mustang, participants examined how global change impacts ecosystems, livelihoods, migration, biodiversity, and well-being.

Through direct field exposure, cultural immersion, scientific observation, and community dialogue, students gained firsthand understanding of Planetary Health in practice.

Key Highlights:

  • 17 Participants

  • 7 Nepali Students

  • 7 Duke University Students (USA)

  • 3 HUC Students (China & India)

  • 3 Weeks Across Nepal

  • Interdisciplinary Planetary Health Framework

 

The Transect Experience

The L2L journey followed Nepal’s remarkable altitudinal and ecological gradient—from the hot Terai plains to the high Himalayan drylands.

Major Learning Stops:

Lumbini (100m)

Birthplace of Buddha; floodplains, spirituality, and climate vulnerability.

Tansen & Mid-Hills (~1,000m)

Health systems, urbanization, tourism, and community resilience.

Pokhara

Environmental transitions, biodiversity, and conservation.

Lupra – Muktinath – Kagbeni

Watershed health, pilgrimage, disaster risk, and climate adaptation.

Marpha to Lo Manthang

Biodiversity, Himalayan livelihoods, and tourism transformation.

Sam Dzong & Dhye

Climate migration, drought, and village relocation.

Core Learning Themes

The field school explored Planetary Health through seven interconnected lenses:

Ecosystems

Understanding relationships between environmental change and communities.

Disaster Risk

Identifying climate risks and pathways to resilience.

Health

Exploring environmental drivers of physical and psychosocial well-being.

Restoration

Observing sustainable ecosystem regeneration.

Development

Examining migration, food systems, tourism, and modernization.

Local Knowledge

Learning from indigenous, religious, and cultural perspectives.

Community Engagement

Direct dialogue with youth, women’s groups, leaders, and policymakers.

The Doughnut of Social and Planetary Boundaries

To guide systems thinking, the field school used the Doughnut Economics framework—balancing human well-being within ecological boundaries.

At each field site, students assessed:

  • Social foundations

  • Ecological ceilings

  • Climate vulnerability

  • Sustainable futures

This methodology encouraged participants to critically examine how communities can thrive while staying within planetary limits.

Landscapes, Communities & Learning in Action

From monasteries and mountain passes to health posts and relocated villages, the L2L Field School offered students a living classroom.

Participants documented:

  • Climate transitions

  • Biodiversity

  • Community health

  • Local livelihoods

  • Cultural resilience

  • Migration stories

Gallery:

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Behind the Scenes:

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Mapping Climate Migration: Sam Dzong

One of the field school’s most powerful lessons came from Sam Dzong, an ancient Himalayan settlement forced to relocate due to drought, glacial retreat, and environmental degradation.

This story illustrates the real human consequences of climate change in fragile mountain systems.

[story map link]

A Collaborative Global Learning Network

This field school was organized by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, educators, health experts, engineers, and local cultural leaders committed to addressing global challenges through place-based learning.

Main Funding Institutions:

  • Duke University

  • Himalayan University Consortium (HUC)

Local Institutional Partners:

  • Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR)

  • Forum for Energy and Environment Development (FEED)

  • KarmaFlights Foundation Nepal

[logos of Partner]

Local Partnership for Planetary Health

As a proud local institutional partner, KarmaFlights Foundation Nepal supported this initiative through community connection, regional collaboration, and shared commitment to education, sustainability, and transformative learning.

This partnership reflects KarmaFlights’ broader mission of empowering communities through education, environmental awareness, and meaningful collaboration where we live, work, and fly.

Learn More:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DFElx-AOiHZbvAQNi2j_McxfnyPMqtFn/view?usp=drive_link

[link of the report]

Building Future Leaders for a Changing Planet

The L2L Planetary Health Field School demonstrates how immersive education can inspire future generations to understand and address the complex challenges of climate change, sustainability, and human well-being.

Together, through collaboration, science, and local knowledge, we can shape a healthier future for both people and planet.