Green Homes; Green Kathmandu project successfully completed

Kathmandu; 6^th May 2024 Global Peace Foundation – Nepal (GPF – Nepal) officially concluded the “Green Home; Green Kathmandu ” project. The project commenced on 25^th January 2023 at Ward 5 & 15 of Kathmandu and aimed to address pressing environmental challenges faced by the public in Kathmandu. It is an initiation of GPF – Nepal in support of Engage Nepal, Fredericksburg Kathmandu Sister City, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City 5 & 15.

The project focused on transforming 50 households into “Green Homes” promoting practices like waste management, composting, recycling non-biodegradable waste, rooftop farming, producing organic food cultivation, advocating for air pollution mitigation, rainwater harvesting or rooftop farming, practising proper WASH behaviour, producing upcycling products, solid soap, liquid soap, and eco-friendly sanitary pads, organic mushroom and generating income from sustainable livelihoods.

The formal closure of Ward 15 at the ward office and Ward 5 took place at Prajapati Bhawan, Gahanapaokhari respectively. All actively involved participants from both wards gathered in the ceremony and shared their experience gained over the 1 year of engagement. Similarly, outstanding participants from both wards were recognized and rewarded with a cash prize for their exemplary efforts.

Ms.Shrijana Sitikhu, the coordinator of the project delivered the presentation giving detail information about the activities, outcomes and impact of the project. She believes that even small initiatives can have a good impact in the conservation of the environment.

During the ceremony, Mr. Birendra (Ward Chairperson of Ward 5) congratulated all the participants and encouraged them to continue their action and teach family and neighbors what they have learned from the project. He mentioned the project has increased the awareness among participants and commits to supporting participants through different training in the future.

Similarly, Mr. Ishwor Man Dangol (Ward Chairperson of Ward 15) addressed the gathering at the ceremony and highlighted the importance of female participants from the ward and the impact it has brought to individuals and the community. He mentioned the statement “If not us, then who? to signify collective responsibility, action, and empowerment.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Mr. Nabin Bikash Maharjan extended congratulations to all the participants and introduced the Federicksburg Sister City organization in the ceremony. He also highlighted the added value of the project and encouraged participants to continue their effort to take ownership of teaching others and contribute to combat climate challenges they have faced.

Dr. Chiranjibi Bhattrai and Mr. Tri- Bikram Pandey representing GPF -Nepal also spoke on the occasion and congratulated all the participants for their active engagement. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and contributions, which have significantly enriched the project’s success. Along with that, they requested all the participants to reach out GPF Nepal for any guidance or support they may need in the future.

As the project “Green Homes; Green Kathmandu” concludes, the significant impact it has brought on individuals and communities is profound. The core message “Kathmandu will only be GREEN, if the house is GREEN” has inspired participants for sustainable practices and to take the ownership for environmental impact.