Minister Chaudhary calls for greater climate justice

Kathmandu, June 30

Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary has called for greater climate justice, increased climate finance and stronger international cooperation to support vulnerable countries affected by climate change.

Addressing the Seventh Climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conference in Bangkok on Tuesday, she said Nepal contributes only a negligible share of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to face severe impacts and risks from climate change.

“Nepal's status as a least developed, landlocked and high-mountain country makes it particularly vulnerable, despite its contribution to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection that helps regulate the global climate,” the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok quoted Minister Chaudhary as saying in a statement.

The conference, jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), was held in Bangkok from June 29 to 30.

The conference discussed synergies between the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, and integrated action for climate, environment and sustainable development.

Minister Chaudhary stressed the need to place mountain issues at the centre of the global climate agenda, saying the Himalayas, often described as Asia's water reservoir, and their glaciers are vital to the region.

She said coordinated implementation of climate commitments and the SDGs is essential for Nepal to maximise the use of its limited resources. Investments in climate action, she added, should also accelerate progress towards the SDGs and deliver wider development benefits.

Likewise, Minister Chaudhary said that Nepal's third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) have been fully aligned with the SDGs and prepared with the participation of government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

According to the Embassy, she appealed to the international community to support their implementation.

Minister Chaudhary also urged developed countries to ensure adequate, predictable, grant-based and easily accessible climate finance and to provide assistance to affected communities through the Loss and Damage Fund.

She further called for improved market access for organic products from least developed, landlocked and mountainous countries, contributing to environmental and biodiversity conservation.

Environment ministers and representatives from Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Fiji and Pakistan, among other countries, participated in the conference.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 July 2026.    

AEPC holding conference on clean energy and decarbonisation today

Kathmandu, Jan. 26

The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) is organising a national conference on clean energy and decarboinsing the national economy, in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The one-day event, titled 'National Forum on Clean Energy in Action: Decarbonising Nepal's Economy', being orgnaised to mark the International Day of Clean Energy will deliberate on the practical implementation of clean energy to advance Nepal’s green economy.

The conference is a continuation of last year’s forum on clean energy transition for a resilient and low-carbon economy. "This year’s event places greater emphasis on translating policy dialogue into practical action, with a specific focus on decarbonisation," Nawa Raj Dhakal, Executive Director of the AEPC, said at a press interaction organised on Monday.

The forum aims to serve as a high-level knowledge sharing and policy dialogue platform, bringing together policy makers, investors, development partners, private sector actors, civil society, experts and academia to discuss strategic approaches for accelerating clean energy development and decarbonisation initiatives in the energy sector.

It will include an opening session and three technical sessions focusing on clean energy-led decarbonisation, opportunities in energy efficiency and carbon markets and financing mechanisms for clean energy and e-mobility.

According to Dhakal, the event seeks to identify gaps and opportunities in decarbonising economy and leveraging blended financing for Nepal. The forum is expected to contribute to informed decision-making and strengthened partnerships for scaling up clean energy investments in Nepal.

AEPC has also been engaged in carbon trading activities based on renewable energy technologies since 2005. Through eight projects under the Clean Development Mechanism, it has generated 6.68 million tonnes of certified emission reductions, earning approximately USD 36.01 million from carbon trading, with further income expected in the future.

Decarbonisation in the energy sector refers to reducing and ultimately eliminating emissions from energy production, distribution and consumption through fuel switching, strengthening the national grid, and improving energy efficiency. Nepal has prioritised decarbonisation in its national goals and international commitments, including its Third Nationally Determined Contribution, the Sustainable Development Goals, the long-term net-zero strategy, the Sixteenth Plan, and the Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan.

Likewise, Dhakal said the conference aims to shift the focus 'from dialogue to action' on decarbonisation. He noted that AEPC’s achievements in renewable energy and energy efficiency have made a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

AEPC Director Dr. Mukesh Ghimire presented an overview of the current state of decarbonisation in Nepal and the centre’s role in the process.

Representatives from the private sector organsiations emphasised the need for wider dissemination of AEPC’s achievements, greater sustainability of promoted projects, and stronger attention to technology quality and post-installation maintenance.

The United Nations has been observing January 26 each year as the International Day of Clean Energy since 2024, with the objective of raising awareness and promoting actions for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy that benefits people, the planet and ecosystems.

In Nepal, the day has been observed under the coordination of AEPC, an agency working under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Renewable energy technologies account for around 6 per cent of Nepal’s total electricity access. More than 500 companies are active in the renewable energy sector, generating over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 January 2026. 

Pathak elected IUCN regional councilor

Kathmandu, Oct. 17

Nepali candidate Roshani Adhikari Pathak has been elected as one of the Regional Councilors for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) from the East and South Asia Region for 2026–2029.

The election took place during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October, where seven candidates from the region, including India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, and Nepal, competed for five Regional Councillor seats, Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi informed in a statement.

Pathak, an experienced environmental journalist and conservation advocate from Nepal, brings over two decades of experience in biodiversity protection, climate action, and gender equality. A former President of NEFEJ and Board Member of SMCRF, she has championed inclusive, science-based conservation.

Tej Bahadur Chhetri, Ambassador of Nepal to the United Arab Emirates, attended the opening ceremony of the Congress. Bed Kumar Dhakal, Deputy Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Head of the Nepali delegation to the Congress, and Ranjita Dahal, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi, represented Nepal at the Congress, whereas other participants represented the non-government sectors of Nepal.

Non-state organisations from Nepal also organised the launch of the Red Panda Carpet event in collaboration with Red Panda Network Nepal at the IUCN Congress. The Members’ Assembly of the IUCN elected new leadership and country representatives for the 2026–2029 terms.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak of the United Arab Emirates was re-elected for a second term as IUCN President, for 2026–2029 period.

Nepal, spanning from the Tarai plains to the Himalayan peaks, is a country of immense ecological richness, home to iconic and endangered species such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, red panda, and snow leopard, and supporting nearly 3.2 per cent of the world’s flora and 1.1 per cent of its fauna. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 October 2025.     

RBB promotes energy-efficient technology

Kathmandu, July 18

In a move to promote sustainable industrial practices, Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has disbursed Rs. 29 million in financial grants to 10 Nepali industries adopting energy-efficient technologies.

The disbursement ceremony was held on July 17 at the bank’s Kathmandu office, marking the official rollout of the REEEP-GREEN grant facility.

The grant scheme falls under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN), co-financed by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It provides partial grant coverage for industries with strong energy-saving potential, helping them adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies.

The supported industries implemented key energy-saving measures identified through certified energy audits, resulting in projected lifetime savings of approximately 36,788 MWh, the bank informed in a statement.

"These efforts directly contribute to Nepal’s climate commitments and the country’s broader vision for sustainable industrial growth," it said.

CEO of RBBL Devendra Raman Khanal reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to green finance and environmental stewardship, and said that the programme aligned with national sustainability goals. The event also featured remarks from Rudra Khanal, Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, and representatives from the EU, German Embassy, and GIZ Nepal.

The initiative prioritises energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and decent work conditions, and aims to foster a circular economy in Nepal. "The lessons from this first round of funding are expected to inform future business cases for loan and blended finance models, encouraging wider industry participation and supporting long-term sustainable development across the country," read the statement. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 July 2025.   

Nepal grapples with severe air pollution: Report

Kathmandu, June 17

Air pollution has emerged as the leading cause of death and disability in Nepal.
It has become a crisis that is significantly shortening the lives of its citizens and inflicting substantial economic damage, stated a World Bank Report 'Towards clean air in Nepal: Benefits, pollution sources, and solutions' released in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The report revealed alarming statistics, indicating that the average Nepali's life expectancy is reduced by 3.4 years due to polluted air, leading to approximately 26,000 premature deaths annually.

The pervasive nature of air pollution surpasses other critical health risks such as malnutrition and tobacco use, making it the country's foremost environmental and public health challenge.

According to the report, the Kathmandu Valley and Tarai region are the major air pollution hotspots in the country, and these areas have shown no significant improvement in air quality over the past decade.

"The primary pollutant of concern is Particulate Matter (PM2.5​), microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which can deeply penetrate the lungs and other vital organs, posing a severe threat to human health," read the report.

Current PM2.5​ concentrations in these regions far exceed the World Health Organisation's (WHO) ultimate annual mean target of 5 μg/m3, as well as its initial interim goal of 35 μg/m3.

The economic repercussions are equally staggering, with the cost of poor air quality estimated to exceed 6 per cent of Nepal's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year. This economic toll is a result of reduced labour productivity due to increased health-related absences and impaired cognitive function, as well as significant negative impacts on the tourism and aviation sectors, said the report.

If immediate and decisive action are taken, air pollution would further intensify and reach 52 μg/m3 in the Kathmandu Valley and 42 μg/m3 in Tarai by 2035, causing tens of thousands of additional premature deaths, particularly among children and the elderly and further straining the healthcare system, thus, hindering economic growth.

 

Transboundary pollution

The report noted that major sources of pollution in the Kathmandu Valley are industrial production, cooking, and mobility. Industrial fuel combustion, primarily from boiler usage, is expected to rise significantly.

Likewise, seasonal forest fires, prevalent from February to May, also contribute substantially, ranking as the fourth largest local source of annual average air pollution exposure.

A significant portion of Nepal's air pollution originates from outside its borders. Transboundary air pollution has a considerable impact on air quality in both the Kathmandu Valley and, more acutely, the Tarai region.

Almost a quarter of the pollution in the Kathmandu Valley is from outside the Valley, with more than half of that originating from other countries. The situation is even more critical in the Tarai, where two-thirds of PM2.5​ exposure crosses international borders, largely due to its proximity to the Indo-Gangetic Plain Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) area, a region known for high agricultural and industrial emissions.

 

35 by 35

According to the report, the Government of Nepal has expressed a strong commitment to improving air quality, setting an ambitious target to achieve an annual average PM2.5​ concentration of 35 μg/m3 by 2035.

This '35 by 35' aspirational goal aligns with the WHO interim target 1 for PM2.5​ and has been endorsed by other countries in the IGP-HF region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan.

The report identifies three priority measures crucial for achieving this target in the Kathmandu Valley: cleaner production technology, cleaner cooking, and cleaner Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs). These measures are not only among the most cost-effective but also offer the highest pollution abatement potential, read the report.

The report also noted that while these measures are vital for the Tarai, they are insufficient on their own due to the significant transboundary pollution. Achieving the '35 by 35' target in the Tarai necessitates collaborative action with neighbouring countries.

It advised that Tarai should focus on local priority actions while engaging in regional coordination efforts to strengthen common pollution control measures across the IGP-HF region.

According to the report, to enable air quality management (AQM), Nepal should enhance air quality monitoring and communication, strengthen governance and enforcement, establish supportive economic framework to redirect revenue from environmental tax to clean transitions, provide incentives to industries in cleaner technologies, and ensure adequate infrastructure for cleaner technologies.

Speaking at the report launch programme, Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, said that clean air and economic growth are not in conflict. In fact, the cost of inaction on pollution is far greater than the cost of taking bold steps today.

According to him, from setting stricter industrial emission standards to promoting electric transport, the government is committed to cleaning Nepal’s air.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 June 2025. 

Construction of Dodhara Chandani ICP to begin soon

Kathmandu, Jun. 4

The removal of trees and poles at the construction site of the Dodhara Chandani Integrated Check Post (ICP) and Dry Port is in its final stage and construction is expected to begin soon, Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB) said.

This national priority project is located in Dodhara Chandani Municipality-1 in Kanchanpur district, within the buffer zone of Shukla Phanta National Park.

The government issued an approval to utilise 42.36 hectares of national forest land and remove trees and poles on October 19, 2024.

A bilateral agreement between the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the NITDB was subsequently signed on January 8 this year. Permission to fell 1,593 trees within the 42.36 hectares of national forest land for the ICP construction was obtained from the National Park Office on February 6.

According to the NITDB, 940 of the 1,593 trees have been felled, with the remaining work expected to be completed within next 15 days.

The project, with an estimated total cost of approximately Rs. 3.80 billion, is being constructed with financial and technical assistance of India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments was signed in June 2023.

"The Indian side has selected a construction company, and a contract is expected to be signed soon," read a statement by the Board. The project had been stalled for 15 years.

According to Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the NITDB, with the completion of the tender process and the tree management work within the next fifteen days, construction is expected to commence within one to two months.

The dry port will feature modern trade infrastructure, including roads, parking areas, platforms, warehouses, weighbridges, container yards, passenger terminals, customs, banks, and animal and bird food laboratories (quarantine).

Its completion and operation are expected to facilitate trade and be a milestone in the development of the Sudurpaschim Province and adjoining areas in the western-most part of the country. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 June 2025. 

We must conserve forests: PM Oli

Kathmandu, May 10

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the indiscriminate felling of Saal trees in the name of scientific forest management will be strictly stopped.

Inaugurating the Second National Forest Promotion Workshop organised by the Ministry of Forests and Environment on Saturday, he said that Nepal's Saal forests are an exceptional example of nature and that such tall trees are important for water retention, so they should not be commercially utilised before reaching maturity.

“Though the slogan ‘Green forest is Nepal’s wealth’ is an old one, forests had not been properly utilised as a resource. However, we have now made a firm commitment to prevent the destruction of forests and to contribute to the solar system’s balance by conserving and properly utilising the forests,” said Prime Minister Oli.

According to him, Nepal has increased efforts in forest conservation. Now, instead of merely expanding forest areas, it needs to move towards productivity. “For the commercial utilisation of forests, we must adopt a policy that avoids both haste and delay,” he said.

Currently, forests make up 46 per cent of Nepal’s land area.

Noting that Nepal is a country rich in nature and vitality, PM Oli highlighted that this also contributes to global environmental efforts. He emphasised the need to strengthen forests and convert bushlands into dense forests.

He further said that agriculture and forestry officials could collaborate to promote fruit cultivation and that olive farming could be expanded in the Himalayan region. He urged against regionalism, encouraging cooperation among all regions.

Stressing that encouraging farmers towards livestock farming would support renewable forestry, PM Oli added that expanding pastureland would help integrate forest and agricultural ecosystems.

“I was criticised as being anti-environment when I said we don’t need to further increase the number of tigers. But people misunderstood. A tiger doesn’t read law books when it gets hungry and can’t find food; it attacks people. Just because a tiger in a photo looks harmless doesn’t mean it won’t cause harm,” said Prime Minister Oli.

Nepal has more than doubled its tiger population in line with international commitments. Those living near forests understand the difficulties involved. “Environmental conservation is meant for the welfare of humanity. If humanity itself is unsafe, environmental protection becomes meaningless,” he said.

He also pointed out that some countries still refuse to honour the Paris Agreement and stressed the need for global cooperation in this regard. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 May 2025. 

Nepali Embassy in Muscat organises hiking programme

Kathmandu, May 10

The Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman, organised a Nepal-Oman Friendship Hiking Programme on Saturday. The event aimed to foster friendship, promote wellness and encourage environmental awareness among the Nepali and Omani communities, the Embassy informed in a statement.

The hike started early in the morning from Riyam Park, proceeding through the historic Muttrah Fort and ended at Riyam Park.

The two-hour-long hike brought together a diverse group of 46 participants, including Ambassador Dornath Aryal, the first Omani woman to summit Sagarmatha, Nadira Al Harthy, Embassy officials and their family members, representatives of Nepali community organisations, Omani journalists and social media influencers.

Emergency safety measures, including an ambulance, were arranged through the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman. Before the hike, Al Harthi briefed participants on important precautions and safety tips for hiking.

“All participants enjoyed the hiking trail, which offers stunning views. Since the route mostly faces north, it is suitable for hiking in the early morning and evening even during the summer season,” read the statement.

As part of the environmental awareness initiative, participants also took part in collecting plastic bottles and other litter along the route, reinforcing the message of ecological responsibility.

Ambassador Aryal praised the breathtaking scenery, highlighting the colourful rock formations, water-filled streams and the variety of plants along the trail. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 May 2025. 

Financing gap impacts locally-led adaptation for climate change

 Kathmandu, Feb. 15: 

Locally led adaptation plans for climate change are facing slow progress and poor implementation in absence of required financial resources across the region in South Asia including Nepal. 

Speaking at an international workshop on 'Institutionalising Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) in South South Asia' that concluded on Friday, the experts and government officials said that the local communities lack the enablers of leadership and action. 

According to them, lack of enabling policies and governance structures, devolved, adequate and flexible finance, human, institutional and technical capacities, and downward accountability has significantly impacted the locally-led climate change adaptation activities in Nepal. 

Suman Subedi from the Climate Change Management Division (CCMD) of the Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) called on the stakeholders to ensure financial resources for the funding of adaptation programmes at the local level so that sustainable development could be promoted. 

"We need to recognise that the challenges are significant which demand collaborative efforts from us in addressing them," he said. 

The CCMD has a designated Adaptation Section with responsibility of preparing and implementing programmes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, taking lead in developing climate action plans for both adaptation and mitigation, facilitating the management of climate financing, assisting in the development of climate technology, organising national and international meetings and fulfilling international reporting requirements.

Speaking at a press meet on the concluding day, Subedi stated that although efforts are underway to formulate and implement Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA) in all 753 local levels of Nepal, many local bodies have not yet executed the plans. He emphasised the need for increased investment in climate adaptation, considering Nepal's high vulnerability to climate change risks.

Highlighting the significance of the workshop, he noted that it provided a crucial platform for sharing experiences among various institutions in South Asia working on the same issue. "Such programmes help make Nepal's environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and adaptation plans more relevant to the times," maintained Subedi. 

Poor execution of adaptation programmes 

"Most of the adaptation plans are prepared by the experts and consultants and they seldom go into actions because local bodies lack the expertise needed to execute such plans," said Joy Elamon, Member of Kerala State Disaster Management Authority of India while stressing the need for capacity development of the local governments and communities.

He pointed to the need to create ownership of the local communities in adaptation plans and incorporate private and non-profit sectors in the process. 

Likewise, Susan Shen, Director of Asia Programme of the Global Centre for Adaptation (GCA), recommended integration of the national development plans with the local ones, exploration of the opportunities for alternative mode of financing such as self-help initiatives and implementation of public and private partnership strategy to make the locally-led adaptation more effective and result oriented. 

"For the countries like Nepal, exploring financing opportunities with the multilateral donors like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank can be a starting point as they have started financing in climate projects," said Shen, adding that African Development Bank has made a few successful investments in such projects. 

According to her, a global data hub will be created to share the good and successful practices in community-led climate change adaptation programmes and projects so that it could be shared with the communities across the globe. Shen also pointed to the need to enable and empower the communities for the same. 

Skilling up communities

Samjhana Bista, Country Director of DCA in Nepal, said that building adapting capacity of the community with enhanced green areas and government investment in such initiatives would be instrumental in improving the situation. 

She also stressed simplification of the knowledge in this area so that the communities and people at the grassroot could be benefitted. 

However, scaling up and institutionalising LLA continues to be a challenge despite history of promoting devolved governance and community-based action, said Anju Sharma, Global Lead, Locally Led Adaptation of GCA. According to her, poverty and geophysical factors also contributed to the vulnerabilities in the region. 

Likewise, Vincent Gainey, Climate Resilience Advisor at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said that viability of getting climate finance for the local bodies, local adaptation and support programmes had not been easy but there existed many opportunities in this regard. 

"The UK has many programmes being implemented in many countries supporting vulnerable communities in locally-led climate change adaptation. For example, Bhutan is moving to the next stage of such initiative. We have also been supporting such programmes in Nepal," he said. 

FCDO’s Climate Advisor, Yugan Manandhar, cited the example of FCDO establishing an emergency fund based on internal risk assessments for disaster risk management. He suggested that such a fund could be further institutionalised at the government level and utilised during times of disaster.

He further stated that creating public-private partnerships for this purpose would make the initiative more effective and sustainable.

Leadership of community

Organised by the GCA and DCA in collaboration with the MoFE, the three-day workshop was attended by the government and civil society members from various countries from the region and beyond. 

The workshop saw the participation of representatives from Nepal as well as other South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, along with representatives from government and non-governmental organisations working in this sector. Group discussions were held across eight different sessions related to local adaptation programmes.

The workshop featured discussions on issues such as food security, water resource management, urban development, and climate finance. It also discussed nature-based solutions to build community resilience, institutionalising locally led adaptation, and leveraging private sector finance for it. 

Decades of experience and learning in the development and environment sectors have shown that when enabled and empowered, communities are not only the victims but also are very effective leaders in finding and implementing solutions to address local challenges, the organisers said. 

"Their integrated understanding of their needs and priorities, combined with local knowledge (including of social and political norms), puts them in a unique position for tailoring locally-appropriate, innovative, effective and sustainable solutions," read a note from them. 

Meanwhile, South Asian countries have a strong history of supporting locally led action, and now, locally led adaptation (LLA). Bangladesh was one of the first countries in the world to set up a national climate fund – the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund – resourced from national budgetary sources to fund activities on the ground. Nepal pioneered Local Adaptive Plan of Actions (LAPAs), and with Bhutan, is pioneering the LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR).

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 February 2025.  

SchEMS publishes books on climate finance

Kathmandu, Feb. 14

The School of Environmental Science and Management (SchEMS) has launched two books on climate finance – 'Strengthening Climate Rationale: Enhancing access to climate finance' and 'Integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Climate Finance' on Friday.

Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri launched the publications at a programme at a workshop organised by the Nepal Climate Initiative (NCI) under the SchEMS in the Capital.

According to the experts who contributed to the books, Nepal's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) estimates that it will cost about US$ 21 billion to adapt to climate change by the end of this decade, rising to over US$ 47 by mid-century while the Government of Nepal has pledged only $1.5 billion. So, the country needs to strengthen its negotiations for climate finance. The books are said to work as a resource book in that regard.

'Strengthening Climate Rationale' includes topics like Nepal's climate policy, climate rationale in the context of adaptation related projects and in mitigation, guidance for project development, and climate change projects. Likewise, 'Integrating GESI in Climate Finance' presents ideas on national policies and framework related to GESI, governance and intervention for GESI and mainstreaming it in climate finance projects.

Minister Shahi lauded the efforts to create and enhance knowledge in the areas of climate finance and said that effective solutions are needed to mitigate climate impacts. "We must find ways to mobilise and benefit from the international funds for climate finance. However, we need to enhance our capacity as such funds are highly competitive," he said.

Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, expressed his hopes that the books would be helpful in enhancing the knowledge of the professionals and academics equally in the areas of climate finance.

Manjeet Dhakal, Head of LDC Support Team Climate Analytics South Asia and Member of NCI, urged for higher attention from the stakeholders including from the public and private sector to combat the climate change impacts. Principal of SchEMS, Ajay Bhakta Mathema, expressed his hopes that the books would serve as an important resource for the professionals in the field. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 February 2025.  

A decade on, VGF still remains limited to rhetoric at expense of development projects

Kathmandu, Feb. 1

It's been more than one-and-a-half decades since the country started talking about the 'Viability Gap Funding' (VGF) and its application in infrastructure projects especially ones that would be developed through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model but the country is still in the phase to have one.

After several years' discussion as well as demand from the private sector and promises from the government, the PPP Policy, 2015 promised to formulate the manual to operate VGF within a year.

Noting the lack of policy arrangement on proper sharing of risks while executing large infrastructure and development projects of national importance developed jointly on PPP concept, lack of proper arrangement to address VGF, the PPP Policy had announced to create the Fund in its policy implementation plan.

The VGF is a financial incentive that supports essential infrastructure projects by bridging the funding shortfall for initiatives that are economically significant but not immediately financially sustainable.

But it took about four years to enact a law on PPP despite the policy's promise to formulate Act, rules, guidelines and manuals within a year while Public-Private Partnership Regulation was introduced a year after in 2020. 

This policy was to act as a base while formulating Acts, rules, guidelines and manuals.

The Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act, 2019 also wouldn't have been created had the government not been organising the Investment Summit that year. The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) took the initiative in collaboration with the concerned ministries to prepare the draft of the law.

The enactment of the PPP and Investment Act, 2019 was presented to the potential foreign investors as one of the major reform initiatives in infrastructure project development in Nepal then.

The PPP Policy had also addressed the recently changed governance structure in the country and incorporated a provision that the local bodies could also amend the 'Public-Private Partnership (for Local Bodies) Policy, 2003’ on the basis of the federal policy.

While the responsibility of establishing the VGF was given to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the government was supposed to provide financial support through it in the form of direct capital grant to the projects. "Such grants can only be provided when financial income through proposed revenue sources is not sufficient to meet the expenses thus making projects financially unviable," read the Policy while maintaining that such grants shall be made available to PPP projects only to make them financially viable.

To obtain the VGF grants, the Board of Directors of the support seeking project should decide and submit an application to the PPP Centre which is to appraise the project and recommend its eligibility.

As per the condition set by the policy, VGF grants would be accepted on the basis of approved guidelines and only in the condition that there are no adequate and appropriate options left for making those projects financially viable.

 

No progress in a decade

After a decade of the formulation of the PPP Policy and five-six years following the enactment of the PPP and Investment Act, the country hasn't got the VGF.

As one of the key agencies pushing for the VGF, the IBN is lobbying for the Fund to have it at the earliest.

For the foreign investors, seeking information on the matter, the IBN has posted a clause from the Act on its website: "As per sub-section 1 of section 43 under Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act 2019, Government of Nepal shall establish a Viability Gap Fund for construction, operation and expansion of the projects that yield positive returns in the long run and are important from infrastructure viewpoint but could not yield reasonable financial returns immediately."

Babu Raj Adhikari, Joint Secretary (Technical), of the IBN, said that the deliberations for the implementation of the VGF have started. According to him, although the IBN had recommended the projects like Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectricity Project for the VGF modality, absence of the Fund has impacted its progress.

Meanwhile, in April last year, the MoF had turned down the proposal for investment modality for the Budhi Gandaki HEP (1200-Megawatt capacity) that included VGF on the pretext of the dearth of financial resources. Eight years ago, the government had decided to provide Rs. 940 million to the project to make it commercially bankable.

The national pride project is in a limbo due to insensitivity from the government as it was ping-ponged to China, India and local investment modalities. The government has already spent more than Rs. 43 billion on the project in land acquisition and other preparatory works.

According to a high-official of the MoF, the agenda of VGF has not been accorded priority.

Currently, the Ministry is in the process of formulating a draft of the alternative development financing bill. However, in a statement issued by the MoF on 29 December, 2024, VGF was not mentioned.

 

Indian practice

India enacted the 'Guidelines for financial support to Public-Private Partnerships in infrastructure Viability Gap Funding scheme' in 2020 with an objective to make PPP projects commercially viable by providing financial support to bridge the viability gap.

According to the Guidelines, private sector implemented infrastructure projects, selected through open competitive bidding, that aim to provide a service against payment of pre-determined tariff or user charges.

The companies in water supply, solid waste management, health and education sector are entitled to maximum 30 per cent VGF while pilot/demonstration projects in health and education can get up to 40 per cent. Project of other eligible sectors can have up to 20 per cent VGF.

The Guidelines mention that the project seeking VGF up to INR 2 billion can be approved by the Empowered Committee, and project costing above that limit should be approved from the Finance Minister.

India has different disbursement modality for the PPP projects. Capital Grant VGF is disbursed after the private sector company has subscribed and expended the required equity contribution. Likewise, Operational Grant VGF is disbursed annually for the first five years post-commencement date based on audited annual accounts.

The VGF is released in proportion to debt disbursements by the Lead Financial Institution (LFI) while the latter is also responsible for monitoring the project's compliance with agreed milestones and performance levels. The progress report must be submitted to the Empowered Committee (EC) on a quarterly basis.

For the disbursement of the VGF, a tripartite agreement among the EC, LFI and developer company is required, and if a project is terminated and not continued as a PPP, 90 per cent of the Capital Grant disbursed must be recovered from the owner and paid to the Ministry of Finance. If the project is re-bid and continued as a PPP, VGF may not be recovered.

 

Success Story

VGF in clean energy in Nepal

While the authorities are still grappling to formulate an effective Viability Gap Funding (VGF) policy and fund, a donor-driven VGF initiative has been immensely successful in Nepal's clean energy sector. The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) stated that this is an example of successful initiative in the sector.

Executed by the AEPC, Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP) - a Government of Nepal programme supported with the financial assistance from the British Embassy in Kathmandu, the programme has enhanced energy transition, security and access in various parts of the country.

According to Prem Sagar Subedi, Deputy Team Leader at the NREP, the VGF has proven better and more effective than the grant-based promotion modality in the clean and renewable energy sector.

The programme has eight different windows to support the private sector clean and renewable energy projects of up to 1-Megawatt. It provides 50 per cent discount on interest rates for five years if the project takes the fund as the loan while in another modality it provides Rs. 1.5 per unit on the generation-based incentives for the next five years.

Approved in 2021 by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), the VGF is supported by the consortium led by DAI Global UK that includes Winrock International as an implementing partner. It has got the commitment of 4.5 million Pounds (Rs. 771.5 million). 

Subedi said that this amount is likely to suffice to cover about 100 energy projects. "Of the 80 projects approved, about 30 projects have been completed with the support from this fund. However, NREP targets for 100 projects," he said.

Executive Director of the AEPC, Nawa Raj Dhakal, the initiative has supported in mobilising the private investment which wouldn't have been attracted to clean energy sector otherwise.

"This has multiple benefits including the better operation and management of the projects. Private sector handles the projects in a better way since it has to recover the investment," he said.

Recently, the Programme has approved a mini-hydro project with 911 KW being developed by the local government and private entrepreneurs in Amadablam area. This project of Rs. 610 million is likely to provide regular income of about Rs. 8 million to the local body.

With the 'aggressive' expansion of national grid electricity to even the remotest areas of the country enhanced people's access to clean energy but at the same time, the growing demand crated a shortage. Initiative like the VGF in clean energy will fulfill the gap while at the same time contribute to the energy quality as well.

 

Sustainability of VGF

Information Officer of the AEPC, Ishwar Chandra Khanal, said that the result of the VGF is quite satisfactory. However, all the stakeholders expressed concerns about the sustainability of the fund since the donor-provided support is quickly depleting.

"We are lobbying with both the government and the development partners to ensure the sustainability of the fund. Our effort would be to include it in the budget of the coming year," said Khanal.

Stakeholders are hopeful of government support given the successful track record of the programme. "This is a tested model. It has adopted an online digital modality for project application and approval of the VGF. All the processes are transparent. We can achieve a lot through small scale investment through this model," said Subedi.

The companies vying for the VGF should submit a concept note in the first phase, followed by full detail of the project. A panel of independent experts evaluate the application and approve the eligible ones for the investment.

Through the VGF, NREP has supported fuel-switching initiatives in food industries in Kathmandu, distributed more than 40,000 electric stoves along with managing facility to supply, maintenance and energy reliability, and installed charging stations in PPP model. The programme is offering 50 per cent grant in charger and accessories.

"It has received a tremendous response. We have received hundreds of applications," said Subedi. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 February 2025.  

Stakeholders push for innovative financing for clean energy growth

Kathmandu, Jan. 28

Stakeholders have suggested for innovative financing models to achieve ambitious national clean energy target of developing projects with 28,500 Megawatts capacity by 2035 and increase per capita energy consumption to 1500 units.

Speaking at the 'Energy transition for resilient and low carbon economy summit, 2025' organised by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, they said that as a significant portion of the global climate finance is being channeled to clean and renewable energy, Nepal has an immense opportunity be get benefitted from it.

Prof. of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, Dr. Shobhakar Dhakal, said that more than 40 per cent of the global climate finance goes to renewable energy and Nepal must tap on this opportunity.

"Likewise, investment and financing, especially from the private sector, is instrumental to promote and develop the renewable energy projects," he said.

According to Prof. Dhakal, sales of solar technology, batteries and electronic vehicles has gone up exponentially, of late. Meanwhile, solar and wind technology have challenged the traditional energy option as their costs are declining while hydropower is increasing.

He suggested that in order to cope with challenges, Nepal should devise integrated long-term evidence-based energy transition, strengthen institutions and financing, and ensure legislation and regulatory mechanism.

"Creating far-reaching policies and facilitating the private sector are highly instrumental in this drive to achieve the clean energy goals. We must be clear that the 'piece meal approach' is not enough," said Prof. Dhakal.

However, he stated that although Nepal's electricity access has reached 98 per cent, more than a third of the population has low quality energy supply which does not help in operating industries and even the consumer durables like washing machines.

 

Roping in private sector

Prof. Dhakal suggested roping in the private sector to expand the reach of and access to renewable energy. "Nepal needs intervention in clean cooking especially electrifying it, electrifying the transport sector and creating support infrastructure, modernizing grid with low losses, enhancing energy efficiency, ensuring environmental sustainability," he said.

Addressing the summit, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, said that the country aimed to increase the per capita energy consumption to at least 1500 unit by 2035 so that the domestic consumption would reach 13,500 MW by the end of the coming decade. 

"We aim to attain zero carbon emission by 2045 although our emission is very low compared to developed countries and the neighbourhood," he said while expressing commitment to explore various sectors in the clean energy sector and support energy transition.

Nepal has a national target to generate 28,500 MW electricity by 2035 which means it needs to produce 25,000 MW in the next one decade. For it, reservoir-based projects would be facilitated, said Minister Khadka.

 

Renewable energy is national interest

Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the ICIMOD, said that Nepal is sitting on huge energy resources but efforts must be scaled up to exploit these resources and let economy benefit from it.

"When we talk about renewable energy, we are talking about national economy and national security," he maintained.

Dr. Gyamtsho suggested running tram or other convenient public transport facilities, especially in the Kathmandu valley and other large cities, building on the clean energy prospects. He also suggested Nepal to make risk assessment in the hydroelectricity sector.

Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of the IRENA, Abudhabi in the United Arab Emirates, pledged her support in the government's effort in renewable energy deployment.

Similarly, Pippa Bird, Development Director and Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom for Nepal, said that transition to clean and renewable energy would contribute to the savings of foreign currency reserves which could be up to US$ 14 billion.

According to her, Nepal has a potential to be a clean energy hub in the region, and it has potential to earn US$ 9 billion a year through carbon export.

Bird suggested supporting the small and medium enterprises in the process of energy transition. "For that, we need stronger policy framework, greater private sector participation and regulatory facilitation. Remove barriers to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), access climate finance and utilise the energy bonds," she said.

Executive Director of the AEPC, Nawa Raj Dhakal, said that private sector cooperation is instrumental in energy transition. "Energy is an important infrastructure for the long-term and sustainable development. AEPC is collaborating with traditional as well as new financing models and organisations to attract more development support to the country," he said.

Guru Prasad Paudel, Executive Director of the Nepal Rastra Bank, said that there is a capacity gap in terms of implementing the green taxonomy in the banking sector. However, it has the potential to reform the banking and financial sector in the medium and long term, he said.

 

Challenge to reduce cost

Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), said that reducing the cost of transition and checking capital flight are the two major challenges in clean energy transition.

"Green and clean energy policies should be internalised at all sectors of economy, business and society. Only then it can help in sustainable economic growth," he said.

The summit deliberated upon various themes of energy transition including the sectoral needs, opportunities and challenges, investment and climate finance for energy transition, and regulatory framework, governance and capacity development.

The summit was held on the occasion of the International Clean Energy Day 2025. The United Nations had decided to celebrate January 26 as the Clean Energy Day which is being marked since 2024. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 January 2025.  

AEPC to mark International Clean Energy Day on January 26

Kathmandu, Jan. 20

The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) is celebrating the International Clean Energy Day 2025 with various programmes and activities.

January 26 is being celebrated as the International Day of Clean Energy to mark the development and various initiatives in clean and renewable energy. The United Nations has initiated this celebration since 2024 and it is observed with various programmes and events across the world.

Executive Director of the AEPC, Nawa Raj Dhakal, informed at a press meet organised at his office on Monday that the Centre will organise an interaction with the clean and renewable energy stakeholders on January 26 and meeting with the development partners on January 27 while ‘Energy transition for resilient and low carbon economy summit 2025 will be held on January 28’.

"Development partners meet is being organised to update the international development partners about Nepal's policy and programmes and initiatives for the promotion and development of clean energy and get input for their priority areas," said Dhakal.

Likewise, the summit will bring together the clean energy stakeholders to deliberate on the possible future policies and strategies. It is being organised with the aim to identify the sectorial needs, opportunities and challenges, and prioritization of bankable projects and finding opportunities for investment and resource mobilization for energy transition.

It also aims to share success projects and development cooperation in energy sector, showcase potential bankable projects and investment promotion, and produce knowledge materials.

According to Dhakal, especially at a time while Nepal is graduating to a developing nation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026 and funds for clean and renewable energy are becoming scarce, we need to constantly work with the potential development partners in order to collaborate and cooperate in the sector and ensure Nepal gets better access to global carbon and energy funds.

"We have been focusing on alternative energy options for the people who lacked access to the national grid and other alternatives like biogas projects," he said.

About 98 per cent people have access to energy and role of AEPC will be instrumental in expanding the facility to the remaining 2 per cent people.

So, it has given priority to micro-hydro and solar projects as well as clean cookstoves. On a greater scale, the AEPC has oriented its policies and programmes to Green Climate Fund (GCF). Capacity building for the same is ongoing in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

"We aim to reach 1 million households in 150 local bodies of Tarai to promote and develop cleaner energy options including improved cookstoves and solar panels," said Dhakal.

According to the AECP, while many areas in local bodies or wards are connected to the national grid, many households in far-flung areas still don't have access to the facility. Likewise, it’s a challenge to reduce the number of households that use firewood or cow-dung cake to cook food from 54 per cent and users of the LP gas from 44 per cent.

"We need to replace them both," said Dhakal. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 January 2025. 

Nepal ill-prepared to manage growing volume of e-waste

Kathmandu, Dec. 28

In the Fiscal Year 2022/23, Nepal imported about 5.7 million mobile phones and more than 4 million last year. It also imported telephone devices including those for cellular and wireless networks in a large volume.

According to the statistics of the Department of Customs (DoC), it also imported more than 2.9 million sets of headphones/earphones, 2.3 million sets of smart watches and 4.3 million mobile chargers.

Likewise, television wets, air conditioners, household and commercial refrigerators, washing machines are also being imported to the tune of hundreds of thousands.

Senior Officer of the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Krishna Raj Bajgain, informed that last year, Nepal imported mobile phones worth Rs. 30.18 billion, television sets worth Rs. 2.49 billion, and computers worth Rs. 13.7 billion.

However, if the statistics of 2020/21 and 2021/22 are analysed, import of mobile phones and other electronic devices was even higher as the demands of such equipment went significantly high in the lockdowns during the COVID-19 period. People needed computers and smartphones for virtual meetings, work from home and entertainment.

Mobile phones worth Rs. 41.2 billion, computers and parts thereof worth Rs. 19.7 billion and TV sets worth Rs. 6 billion were imported in 2021/22. As per industry expert, lifespan of LED TV ranges from 5-10 years while mobile sets are generally used for 2.5-3 years.

It means, most of the mobile phones bought during the COVID-19 pandemic era are being replaced with newer devices. While consumer durables like refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners last for more than a decade, mobile phones, computers and television sets are replaced at faster pace.

 

E-waste generation

As people are replacing their old electronic devices and throwing away the old sets, they are generating a huge amount of e-waste and creating a challenge for the government and waste managers across the world.

While the Government of Nepal doesn't have recent statistics, in 2018, the Kathmandu Valley alone generated more than 18,000 tonnes of e-waste. A Global E-waste Monitor 2020 put the e-waste figure in Nepal at around 28,000 tonnes in 2019.

Any discarded item with a battery or plug is e-waste. It also includes batteries which have toxic and hazardous substances pose risks to environment and human well-being.

A report on 'Inventory Preparation of E-Waste and Its Management in Kathmandu Valley' prepared by Pace Nepal for the Department of Environment in 2017 listed mobile, laptop, CRT desktop, LCD desktop, CRT television, LCD television, refrigerator and washing machines as the major e-waste component.

The same report noted that the estimated collection/generation of e-waste volume by scrap dealers across the valley is a significant considering the status of Nepal as a developing country. Now, every municipality across the country is facing the problem of growing e-waste generation but none of them have policy or strategy for its management.

While scrap dealers are the last component in the e-waste value chain in Nepal, most of the unused and damaged electronic devices are being taken to India for segregation and recycling in absence of such facilities in Nepal. Scrap collectors collect such devices, including hazardous lead-acid and lithium batteries, at dirt cheap price which mostly happens in urban areas.

Mobile Phone Importers Association (MPIA) said that most of the scrap electronic devices are handled and segregated by informal sector businesses. Most of the retailers or distributors don't provide exchange offer or buy-back facility for the used phones or laptops.

Several years ago, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken some initiatives in e-waste management policy but the drive has been stalled since. A high official from the telecom sector regulator said that the policy should be created with the adoption of globally accepted principle 'extended producers' responsibility' in terms of e-waste management.

However, the official cited the poor coordination among the concerned agencies like the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Department of Environment, NTA, Department of Customs and local governments behind policy confusion and inertia.

"This is the reason the country doesn't have any statistics, policies and action plan in terms of e-waste generation, management, processing and control," the NTA said.

 

Government should buy latest devices

Meanwhile, the CAN Federation said that the government has also contributed to the growing size of e-waste. President of CAN Federation, Ranjeet Kumar Poddar, said that the computers procured by the government agencies and public schools are of older generations which won't last long and create burden economically and environmentally.

"While there are 14^th generation computers available in the market, public schools are purchasing 7^th generation computers in bulk. As you know, gadgets and IT products need to be of the latest technology to be compatible with the latest software and applications," he said.

Poddar suggested that the government should adopt a policy to bar the entry of older generation devices and machines if it has to control the generation of e-waste and get most of its investment on IT devices.

 

Policy gap in e-waste management

The government has not yet formulated any standards related to e-waste although experts in health, environment and business processing have been warning about its repercussions for the last one and a half decades. However, Dr. Deepak Kharal, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), said that the ministry is discussing the formulation of a separate standard for it while addressing other pollution control measures.

“It is not necessary to blindly follow the policies and standards set by other countries. We must focus on our own problems and develop standards tailored to our needs. However, we must not delay further; the time is ripe to learn from the good practices of our neighbouring countries,” he stated.

Acknowledging the growing volume of e-waste due to excessive use of electronic items in Nepal, Dr. Prakas Budhathoki, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, pointed out that there are no dedicated laws or policies addressing its management. “A standard has been formulated, but there is not a separate one specifically for e-waste,” he said.

But this policy absence has been a trouble for the recyclers who are seeking facilitation and incentives for their business. Utsav Aryal of Doko Recyclers said that national policy is called for to guide the businesses in this sector that has an impressive value chain from scrap collectors to segregators, recyclers, processors and exporters.

Nepal currently has the National Waste Management Policy 2022 and the Solid Waste Management Act 2011. While the National Waste Management Policy 2022 includes provisions for e-waste management, focusing on proper handling and disposal to mitigate environmental and health risks, experts have said that these provisions have yet to be effectively implemented.

Agencies like NTA and private sector associations said that the formulation of a policy is not helpful unless its implementation strategies and procedures are formulated and implemented.

“It has only been a few years since the excessive use of electronic items began, so the major impacts may not be visible yet. However, if we fail to manage e-waste properly now, it will severely harm future generations,” said Budhathoki. He also stressed the need for the government to introduce robust laws and policies to ensure effective e-waste management, safeguarding future generations from hazardous exposure.

Health implications

Dr. Khem Karki, a public health expert, said that electronic items contain many chemicals and release various harmful substances, including polyester and plastic-based compounds, which can adversely affect human health when kept close to people.

He explained that electronic items release numerous synthetic chemicals into the environment, which take a long time to decompose. These substances can impact human health, potentially causing metabolic syndrome, skin diseases, hypertension and even cancer, depending on the level and duration of exposure.

Most of the e-waste consists of metal ions out of which 2.7 per cent are toxic. “The latest research indicates that long-term exposure to electronic casings can lead to infertility by hindering sperm production,” he said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), exposure to e-waste has been linked to severe health issues, including stillbirths, premature births and low birth weight. Lead exposure from e-waste recycling activities is particularly concerning, as it has been associated with reduced neo-natal behavioural neurological assessment scores and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“E-waste volumes are pouring globally. The Global E-waste Statistics Partnership (GESP) reported a 21 per cent increase in e-waste generation over five years, reaching 53.6 million metric tonnes in 2019. To put this into perspective, the e-waste generated that year weighed as much as 350 cruise ships lined up to stretch 125 kilometres. This growth is expected to continue, driven by the expanding use of computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices, alongside their rapid obsolescence,” WHO said.

 

KMC relies on public

When asked about e-waste management in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, where most of the electronic waste is collected, Sarita Rai, Chief of the KMC Environment Division, said that no measures have been taken yet for the decomposition and management of e-waste. However, she mentioned that KMC has been planning to begin collecting and managing e-waste soon.

“We are planning to collect e-waste by dividing it into seven clusters across the 32 wards of KMC. We have called the tenders from Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to handle e-waste separately from other types of waste. Currently, we are working on strategies for managing the waste and determining where it can be properly disposed and decomposed,” she said.

The KMC currently lacks a clear understanding of how to decompose e-waste and has not conducted a detailed study on the subject. In the initial phase, the KMC plans to collect e-waste from all service providers within the Valley. “We are requesting the service providers to separate e-waste, and the process has already begun,” she said.

However, other local governments have yet to aim their attention to the management of e-waste although most of them collect the scrap tax. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 December 2024. Written jointly with Indira Aryal.   

Experts suggest clear policies for climate finance

 Kathmandu, Dec. 5

Lawmakers, climate experts, and representatives of various organisations who recently returned home from COP-29 have suggested that Nepal needs clear policies, strategies, and dedicated mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of climate finance.

Speaking at a review meeting organised by the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly of the Federal Parliament on Thursday, they called for increased studies and research to document Nepal's losses and damages caused by climate change, which they argued is essential for compensation claims.

According to them, climate finance should be provided as grants, not loans.

They raise concerns that Nepal has not effectively highlighted its unique vulnerabilities, such as those related to its Himalayan ecosystems, in international forums.

Participants of the meeting also suggested that the government should prioritise preparing and training youth from now on to ensure meaningful participation in future COP conferences.

During the COP-29 conference, Nepal was represented by ministers, parliamentarians, climate experts, and representatives from various organisations. Participants acknowledged a global commitment from developed nations to provide US$300 billion annually to developing countries as a positive outcome but noted that this figure fell short of expectations. The initial demand from developing nations was $5 trillion annually, with a more realistic expectation of $1.3 trillion, which was not met, said Dr. Anjan Shakya, Chairperson of the committee.

"The agreement on $300 billion can be seen as progress, albeit limited. Integrating loss and damage into the new climate finance targets is a step forward, but a stronger negotiating presence could have achieved more," she said.

The meeting saw participation from members of parliament, former diplomats, UNDP representatives, and heads of organisations such as the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal, Nepal Rural Reconstruction Organisation, Youth Alliance for Environment, International Water Management Institute, Climate and Disaster Programme, Nepali Youth for Climate Action, and the Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, among others.

Participants highlighted that Nepal has faced significant climate-induced disasters, including landslides, droughts, erratic floods, and the drying up of water sources, yet lacks sufficient data to quantify the associated losses. They urged the government to establish systems for comprehensive research and documentation.

Despite Nepal's minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country continues to suffer disproportionate losses due to rising global temperatures. Representatives stressed that compensation mechanisms should ensure that affected countries receive adequate and timely support.

Former Ambassador of Nepal to the USA and climate expert Dr. Arjun Karki expressed concern over Nepal's limited effectiveness in international climate negotiations. He called for the government and parliament to focus on climate diplomacy, international relations, and economic cooperation.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 December 2024.