Waste Management is another arena where we have made a difference. We started with serious of research and awareness programmes in and outside Kathmandu valley on reducing waste from source and waste diversion programmes. During 2004, the concept of waste to sustainable economy was un-thought of by the government and the civil societies but with continues awareness programmes, today its become a viable business. Lead-Nepal went to the extend of reaching out not only to the government and civil societies but aimed at school children who then would transfer their knowledge to friend and families. LEAD Nepal was the first to convert urban waste to organic compost. Supported by Jordan Foundation and Government of Nepal Solid Waste Management and Resource Center created training manuals conducted training on waste management at source.
In 2009, LEAD Nepal with partnership with Solid Waste Management Resource Center, Ministry of Local Development Nepal, conducted a research on Zero Waste Management Project for Kathmandu and Lalitpur District in Nepal. LEAD Nepal based on its research extended its service to prepare the technical proposal “Integrated Solid Waste Management of Kathmandu Valley (Package 1; Public-Private Partnership in BOT Model”). Lead Nepal also conducted a feasibility study on waste to energy for Kathmandu Valley with the support of Compunication OY & Bioste Company, Finland. Currently, Lead Nepal is part of the research and advisory team for preparing the detailed project report on zero waste management for Kathmandu Valley.
In 2008, LEAD Nepal with support from Nepal Eco-tech Pvt. Ltd. did a research and report on Earthquake Hazard Management. Soon after the 25 April 2015 earthquake, MoFALD and LEAD Nepal with the technical and financial support from UNEP jointly prepared disaster waste management policy, strategy action plan for Nepal. There were several meetings and consultations organized during the preparation process. These includes: (i) round table discussion on “Disaster Waste Management in Nepal”; (ii) workshop on “Disaster Waste Management in Nepal with International Development Partners and Funding Agencies”;(iii) Sharing mission findings on “Field Observation and Findings on Disaster Waste Management; (iv) consultation with international experts at UNEP IETC,; (v) roundtable consultation on the draft Disaster Waste Management policy, strategy and action plan. Currently the team is finalizing the draft for its implementation.
Further, On 12 July 2015 LEAD Nepal signed MOU with Karuna Shechen to work as a response team for the relief, rehabilitation and restoration program in 12 earthquake-affected districts. [1] A base line study jointly conducted by Karuna Shechen and LEAD Nepal identified the potential risk for girl child trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Hence the core reason for the intervention is to mitigate girl child trafficking and SGBV. LEAD Nepal believes that restoring social justice and introducing green economy, simultaneously creating awareness on the right of the child, CEDAW and gender sensitive actions with its protection and response mechanism will help mitigate SGBV. LEAD Nepal is also working with INHURED for the rights based approach. Currently LEAD Nepal work scope involved a) watershed replenishment, maintenance and management; b) bio forestry c) sustainable farming, d) kitchen gardening e) organic composting and pest management; f) animal husbandry; g) crop storage technology; h) cash crop cultivation & i) awareness on SGBV j) reconstruction of schools.
With the support from JHPIEGO, USA, Dr. Neol MCintosh and Linda Tietjen USA LEAD Nepal conducted a baseline study on the water and sanitation challenges along the Bagmati river banks. In order get the best result LEAD Nepal with its experts gave orientation on the impact of poor sanitation and water pollution to 50 students from ASY Higher Secondary School, 51 students from Gate College and 100 squatters from Bagmati riverbanks. This group formed a team lead by Lead Nepal and jointly designed a project to protect, prevent and mitigate the environmental challenges posed by untreated sewage flowing through Bagmati river including the practice of dumping waste in the river. We can proudly claim that individuals who took part in this research are today taking a leading role in cleaning the Bagmati Riverbanks and so is Lead Nepal.
[1] (Kavera, Sindupalchowk, Doldha, Ramachap, Sinduli, Makwanpur, Solokhumbu, Okhal Dhunga, Dhading, Gorkha, Nowakot and Rasuwa).