GreenShift Nepal Championing Young Climate Leaders

GreenShift Nepal Project Onboards Climate Smart Schools and Youth Advocacy Groups

GreenShift: Circularity of Plastic Waste for Net-Zero Carbon Nepal (GreenShift Nepal) project is funded by the European Union to promote a just transition to a circular economy. GreenShift Nepal is a four-year initiative (2023-2026) which will be implemented in 9 municipalities – 3 in each of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces. The project implementation is led by CREASION through the consortium partners Restless Development, and Youth Innovation Lab (YI-LAB).

GreenShift Nepal has taken a significant step forward by onboarding its first cohort of Climate Smart Schools and Youth Advocacy Groups. As part of the project, Restless Development Nepal will lead the establishment of Climate Smart Schools (CSS) in a total of 36 selected government schools. To kick things off, 12 Climate Smart Schools and 3 Youth Advocacy Groups have already been onboarded in the first year.

Climate Smart Schools: Educating for Sustainability

The project selected nine government schools across Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces to establish “Climate Smart Schools” initiative. These schools will integrate circular economy concepts into their curriculum, nurturing a generation of environmentally responsible students. Restless Development Nepal has developed a comprehensive circular economy curriculum targeting students in grades 5-9. However, the content is also relevant for out-of-school youth and the broader community. The curriculum has a total of 6 modules.

Youth Advocacy Groups: Empowering Young Leaders

GreenShift Nepal has also established Youth Advocacy Groups in 3 provinces. These groups will be platforms for young people to champion a plastic-free future.

The inclusion of Climate Smart Schools and Youth Advocacy Groups signifies a major achievement for GreenShift Nepal. This project’s focus on empowering young people offers a promising approach to building a more sustainable Nepal.

Youth Advocacy Groups and Climate Smart Schools Launch Inspiring Initiatives under GreenShift Nepal

Youth Advocacy Groups and Climate Smart Schools participating in the GreenShift Nepal project, took a leading role in raising awareness and promoting environmental action on World Environment Day 2024, held annually on June 5th. This year’s theme focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

Climate Smart Schools Take Action

Schools across Nepal’s Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces organized a diverse range of activities to celebrate World Environment Day, held annually on June 5th.

Youth Advocacy Groups Champion Environmental Action

The Youth Advocacy Groups also played a crucial role. “Nice Nepalgunj” from Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City organized a stakeholder meeting, bringing together 45 individuals from diverse backgrounds to discuss environmental preservation and resource sustainability. The event concluded with a 12-point commitment to safeguard the environment through collective action.

The stakeholders signed a commitment that outlines the following actions:

1. We will make environmental protection a top priority in all our decisions and actions.
2. We will raise awareness about environmental issues and promote environmental education within the community.
3. We will develop and effectively enforce clear policies, regulations, and guidelines to protect our environment.
4. We will create comprehensive plans and programs that prioritize environmental cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices.
5. To transform Nepalgunj into an eco-friendly city, we will implement initiatives such as green promotion campaigns, improved waste management practices, and a city-wide plastic reduction program.
6. We will develop a comprehensive environmental protection map that identifies key environmental resources and potential threats.
7. We will work collaboratively with stakeholders, including community members and organizations, to conduct joint awareness programs and campaigns promoting environmental protection.
8. We will acknowledge and reward individuals, groups, wards, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in environmental protection and green initiatives.
9. We will advocate for and support the transformation of schools within the Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city into Climate Smart Schools, preparing future generations to address climate challenges.
10. We will implement a circular economy waste management system that prioritizes recycling and transforming waste into valuable resources to generate income for our community.
11. We will enforce environmental laws and regulations to hold those who violate them accountable.
12. We will organize annual tree-planting campaigns across all 23 wards of Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city. In the Nepali calendar year 2081 (corresponding to 2024/2025), we aim to plant at least 81 trees in vacant public spaces and ensure their long-term survival. We are committed to protecting all public land within the municipality.

Similarly, our Youth Group ‘Nhu Pala Yuwa Khala’ from Lalitpur Metropolitan City officially launched their Project Awasar under the GreenShift Nepal Project. This marked the beginning of a series of impactful initiatives they will carry out with GreenShift’s support.

Following World Environment Day, Bardibas Yuwa Sanjal, our youth advocacy group in Bardibas, conducted a cleaning program along sections of the East-West Mahendra Highway and in the central Bardibas. With the slogan “सके बर्दिबास सफा गरौँ, नसके फोहोर पनि नगरौँ” (Let’s clean up Bardibas if we can, if not, let’s not litter), the young people in the Youth Advocacy group pledged to make this a weekly program every Saturday. Their efforts were also highlighted in a local Bardibas Newspaper.

A clean city means a healthier city! That’s why the Bardibas Youth Advocacy Group is dedicated to making this clean-up a weekly event.

Surendra Shah, Young Leader from Bardibas Youth Advocacy Group

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