New reforestation and nature restoration project starts in Suntakhan, Nepal
August 12, 2023
Protecting the precious resources of life is one of the goals of Akasha Academy - and one way to do this is through reforestation and nature restoration.
“We all live on one planet, we share the same elements and resources. We are all part of nature.”
TK Rinpoche
In June 2023, we started a collaboration with ANSAB – Asia Network of Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources and the Municipality of Gokarneshwor, with the aim to restore damaged public land and raise awareness in the local community in Suntakhan about the importance of reforestation and nature conservation.
The project kicked off on the World Environment Day – 5th of June 2023 – when 108 fruit and nut trees were planted on public land in Suntakhan together with members of the community, the mayor of Gokarneswor, Deepak Kumar Risal, international volunteers and students from the local schools.
Background
Natural forests are incredibly important for our planet. They are home to more than half of the world’s land-based animals, plants and insects. Forests help to fight climate change because trees can store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they produce oxygen for us to breathe and buffer the impacts of natural disasters such as storms and floods.
In Nepal, especially in Kathmandu region, many of the natural forests have been destroyed due to agricultural use and land plotting. This contributes to the loss of biodiversity, increased air pollution, increased landslides and higher temperatures.
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2023, it was declared to have the worst air quality in the world. Photo source: Researchgate
Benefits of reforestation and nature conservation
The benefits of planting trees and preserving natural landscapes are manifold. Not only does it help to reduce air pollution, mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen the local biodiversity – it also helps to stabilize the soil against landslides, which are common especially in the rainy season. Planting trees also helps to become more resilient against soil erosion and provides home and a safe area to move for many animals.
Our approach
With the collaboration with ANSAB and the Municipality of Gokarneshwor, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and show how reforestation and preserving natural landscapes benefits the whole community.
Sustainable agriculture and forestry specialists from ANSAB and Akasha Academy are leading the plantation and actively instruct the community about soil preparation and conditions for the trees to survive. Practical learning sessions will be held in local schools and Akasha Academy headquarters in Suntakhan.
Students from eco-clubs from the Shree Suntakhan and Shree Devi Balsudhar Secondary Schools will be actively participating in the project, taking care of the trees as they grow and learning about sustainable agriculture and reforestation. This way, they will learn the importance of reforestation and nature conservation and will have the practical skills how to protect and preserve our natural elements in the future – and of course, also to enjoy the delicious fruits once they have grown.
Project Kick-off
The project started on the World Environment day 5th of June 2023 when around hundred participants joined forces to plant the first trees. The Gokarneshwor Mayor Deepak Risal planted the first tree, accompanied by the Chief and members of the local Ward, the Suntakhan Youth Club as well as other members of the community. The students and eco-club members of the local schools were the leading hands in the plantation.
The project shall serve as a positive example for the region and will be accompanied by regular workshops and community events to inspire others to join the cause.
How you can support
We all breathe the same air, drink the same water and walk on the same earth – and we also share the responsibility of protecting our planet.
To create pathways for the future, we need to protect and restore the environment, preserve natural resources and local biodiversity and raise awareness through environmental education as much as we can. And that’s where we need your help. Join us protecting our precious resources of life! All contributions are highly appreciated.
