COLARP stands for Consortium for Land Research and Policy Dialogue. COLARP is a non-profit making research based service oriented organization registered with the government of Nepal under the Company Act 2063. It was established in 2007 with senior and young professionals who are regionally, nationally and internationally recognized and have a long research and developmental experiences. It is an alliance of universities (Kathmandu and Tribhuvan University), research/knowledge based institutions (Nepal Centre For Contemporary Research -NCCR, Nepal Institute of Development Studies – NIDS), and practice based organization (Community Self Reliance Centre – CSRC) to generate evidence for informed policy debate and decision making process on land based natural resources issues.This joint between academic and non-academic institutions would bridge the gap among researchers, policy makers and practitioners/activists to enhance social learning and common understanding for informed policy reform and practices/movements. It is located in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur. By virtue of its intensive works on research and policy, it is serving governmental and other stakeholders as credible and recognized Policy Think Tank on land issues at national level.

Nepal is undergoing a substantial transformation in terms of politics, social relations and power dynamics. Land based natural resources are not only a source of livelihood of millions of Nepalese people but also a fundamental basis of feudal power relation in rural society and attractive agenda for political parties to win votes and remain in power. Land, at the center, will still be a major issue of contention in the future.Because of lack of authentic data and research based on evidences, land and Land based natural resources related decisions are made on ad hoc basis, politicized and exaggerated or undermined. Therefore, a systematic, long term engagement in land and its associated resources related research is essential. COLARP intends to contribute on these major issues with its intervention and expertise for sustainable socio-economic growth and development of the country.
MISSION
Develop COLARP as an organization capable of helping the poor and the landless to improve their life situation by engaging in research and policy analysis.
GOAL
To bring research and policy actors and practitioners together to promote evidence-based policy debate that will help the poor, landless and near landless people gain access to and control over productive resources including land.
VISION
A society without poverty where every person enjoys dignified life by equitable access to and control over resources.y engaging in research and policy analysis.
OBJECTIVES
- Contribute to addressing land related issues by systematically engaging the consortium in research, development and consultancy services
- To promote informed policy debate on land issues
- To help the government in the formulation and implementation of relevant policies and their effective implementation
- To develop COLARP as an independent ‘think tank’ on land-based resources
WORKING PRINCIPLES
COLARP undertakes a set of distinctive working principles that are collectively promoted by its member institutions-
- Service Relevance: COLARP commits to aligning all principles with its mission to generate impactful and lasting results for the future. Efforts are made to avoid generic statements, ensuring every action contributes meaningfully to its objectives.
- Transparency: As a social organization, COLARP prioritizes operational transparency. It maintains a robust accounting system, ensures its activities are open to public scrutiny, and undergoes regular monitoring and evaluation. An annual social audit is conducted, encompassing the institution’s overall performance.
- Democratic Norms and Values: The organization’s operations reflect a strong adherence to democratic norms and value systems, evident across all its functional areas.
- Cost Efficiency and Service Effectiveness: COLARP strives to strike a strategic balance between cost efficiency and service effectiveness, affirming the institution’s relevance and value.
- Stakeholder-Centered Service Delivery: A key working principle is the delivery of timely, high-quality services that go beyond stakeholder expectations.
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: COLARP upholds nondiscriminatory practices and promotes equality across gender, sexual orientation, and physical ability in all areas of its work.
- Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Abuse: The organization enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment, abuse, and related misconduct, with disciplinary actions applied as necessary.