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Pragya Seeds Nepal hosts Zero Waste workshop

19.12.2016

The workshop and training "Zero Waste, Zero Warming" was jointly organized by the District Development Committee of Dhunche, Rasuwa, Nepal and Pragya Seeds Nepal (PGSN) on 1-3 December 2016. Through the event, PGSN provided communities, waste collectors, journalists, donor agencies and government representatives with practical alternative solutions for managing waste in the community and in the jungle. There were 138 participants at the workshop. The platform was used to share knowledge and experience on waste management and to work toward making Rasuwa a “Zero Waste” district.

Shankar Prasad Koirala, former Minister of Nepal, was present as Chief Guest at the workshop. Keshab Bhattrai, former Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, and Krishna Prasad Adhikari, Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, were present as Special Guests. The programme was chaired by Rajendra Dev Pandey, local Development Officer of Rasuwa. The workshop was jointly facilitated by Shibu K. Nair, Director of the NGO Thanel, and Pranay Shrestha, Chairperson of PGSN.

Nair delivered a session on “Zero Waste, Zero Warming”, focusing on the process of achieving Zero Waste. He presented a clear picture of the procedure and the need for Zero Waste to protect Langtang National Park and the Himalayas. He also highlighted the current issue of waste in Nepal and the need for policy.

Shrestha then presented an introductory session on Zero Waste Himalaya and Pragya Seeds Nepal. He also focused on the need for Zero Waste in this community and Pragya Seeds Nepal’s plan to implement projects and advocate for policy.

Chief Guest Koirala delivered his speech focusing on the need for ethics to achieve zero waste cities and on the plans and policies that must be in place. He emphasized behavioural changes as the most important component of Zero Waste. His speech covered the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal and the institutions and policies formulated for waste and the environment. He shared his expectations toward Pragya Seeds Nepal, saying it has grown “from a seed to a three-leaf plant in a very short period and has a bright future ahead”.

Special Guest Bhattrai briefly discussed the Government of Nepal’s policies, and he highlighted the need for Zero Waste to achieve a clean and sustainable Nepal. Special Guest Adhikari followed, focusing on policy that would require producers to be responsible for the final disposal of waste products they manufactured. He shared that the Government is bringing in new policies that demand extended responsibility from the producers to manage waste in the Nepal.

Workshop chair Dev Pandey added, “Everyone needs to do a bit extra to keep the district clean and healthy.” He further expressed that he wants to make Rasuwa a Zero Waste district with the participation of the community.

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News and photo by Pragya Seeds Nepal