Why
The Green economy aims at sustainable development without degrading the environment. The 2011 UNEP Green Economy Report argues, “that to be green, an economy must not only be efficient, but also fair. Fairness implies recognizing global and country level equity dimensions, particularly in assuring a just transition to an economy that is low- carbon, resource efficient, and socially inclusive”.
How
One of Lead Nepal’s core mandates is to uplift the living standard of marginalized group by increasing their income by 25%. This is achieved by introducing innovative healthy approach towards self-sustainability at the same time creating income-generating activity and linking producers and business entity to build a safe and healthy environment for today and the future. LEAD Nepal, tries best to promote pro-equity interventions in its entire program so as to achieve fairness during the process of a green economy. Few of the examples are stated below:
a) Organic Farming
By 2014, Lead Nepal has build the capacity of 3800 farmers family and directly linked them to business centers who sell their products to many outlets within and outside Nepal. Organic Mountain Flavor Pvt. Ltd. alone exported 297 tons of ginger in 2014. LEAD Nepal’s five year plan (2020) is to enhance the capacity of 36000 more farmers covering an area of 9000-hector farmland between the elevation of 300 to 3700 meter, increase their yield by 25%, acquire organic certificates and directly link them to business houses. Currently, LEAD Nepal is exploring export market opportunities.
b) Agro-Eco Village
Lead Nepal has converted Sankhu Palubari village into an agro-eco village and income made from their products run the community school and cultural function.
c) Waste Management
Waste diversion is another green economy that Lead Nepal is involved in. The first step towards it was converting urban waste to organic compost, which became a lucrative business. Currently, LEAD Nepal is working towards waste to energy and is assisting the SWMTSC, Ministry of Local Development, in preparing zero waste strategy for Solid Waste Management, for Kathmandu.
d) Wetland Project
Products such as bamboo baskets, mats and natural fiber products are another green economy introduced and about 100 women in Tapuksohi, were empowered on macramé knotcraft.