World Environment Day 2025 – Greening and cleaning the hills of Suntakhan, Nepal
June 5, 2025
In celebration of the World Environment Day 2025, Akasha Academy organized an impactful plantation and clean-up program at Hariya Dadha, Suntakhan, located within Gokarneshwor Municipality in Kathmandu, Nepal.
In harmony with this year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” Akasha Academy also championed its own campaign message for the day: “Plastic-free starts with me.” This theme reflected the Academy’s commitment to personal responsibility and local solutions for a global crisis.
The event, made possible through the presence and collaboration of the Guth Sallaghari Forest User Group and local women’s groups, brought together approximately 100 participants, including students, government officials, local community members, Akasha trainees, and staff. The deputy mayor of Gorkarneshwor Municipality, Mrs. Sannani Lama, and the chairperson of ward no. 3, Mr. Murari Prashad Kuikel, opened the program. The diverse groups of participants reflected a strong community commitment to environmental action and sustainability.
Planting the seeds of tomorrow
The first phase of the program focused on ecological restoration. A total of 290 fruit and nut saplings from carefully selected species were planted on the green slopes of Harya Dadha, including timur, lemon grafted, plum, macadamia, and avocado for example. This diversity not only helps strengthen local ecosystems but also holds long-term potential to support food security, biodiversity, and economic resilience.
The planting effort was carried out by 50 Eco Club and Global Guardian students from Shree Suntakhan Secondary School and Shree Devi Balsudhar Secondary School. Their enthusiasm and teamwork reflected the very spirit of the day’s theme.
Cleaning the plantation area: community trash collection
The second phase of the program focused on trash collection along the scenic hiking route near the plantation area. Students, trainees, and community members collected approximately 70 kilograms of waste, a visible reminder of the urgent need for responsible waste disposal and environmental stewardship. This activity directly reflected the spirit of “Plastic-free starts with me” – showing how individual actions, when combined, can bring real change to public spaces.
Understanding pollution: interactive environmental education
To deepen the impact of the day, an educational session was conducted on plastic pollution and its relationship with the four natural elements – air, water, soil, and fire. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive discussions, participants learned:
- How burning plastic releases harmful chemicals into the air
- How it pollutes water bodies and endangers aquatic life
- How it disrupts soil health and plant growth
- And how microplastics spread across ecosystems, often without notice.
This engaging session empowered young minds with knowledge and equipped them to become informed advocates for a cleaner, greener future.
A powerful theme
At the heart of the day’s success was Akasha Academy’s organizational theme:
“Plastic-Free Starts with Me.”
This motto was more than a slogan – it was a call to action. It encouraged every participant to take personal responsibility for the plastic pollution crisis and become part of the solution, starting with daily choices and extending to community involvement.
Local action – global relevance
From tree planting to trash collection to environmental education, the World Environment Day 2025 celebration at Hariya Dadha was a living example of what happens when community collaboration meets environmental awareness. Through the leadership of Akasha Academy and the active participation of youth, local leaders, and dedicated citizens, the event created a lasting impact for both the people and the planet.
Let this day be a reminder: True change begins with awareness, grows with action, and thrives through unity.
Writer
Prachan Bhujel, education program coordinator at Akasha Academy Nepal.
