Theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”

World Environment Day 2026 was organized with the vision of strengthening students’ understanding of the deep connection between humans and nature. The program aimed to encourage environmentally responsible behavior through experiential and interactive learning. Rather than traditional classroom teaching, students were engaged in hands-on activities that linked scientific concepts with sensory experiences and local environmental action.

The program was designed as a dynamic learning platform for Eco Club students, focusing on the natural elements of earth and water. It helps students connect environmental science with lived experience, creativity, and sustainable action through hands-on exploration of these two elements.

Participants and Collaborators

The program brought together a diverse group of 60 participants, including students and teachers from Shree Suntakhan Secondary School and Shree Devi Balsudhar Secondary School, along with members of Akasha Academy and its partners Akasha Life, Artisan Bakery and Long Yang NGO.

Opening and orientation

The program began with a warm welcome and introduction by Ms. Bunusha Rai, followed by an introduction to the theme by Mr. Prachan Bhujel, who emphasized the importance of nature-inspired thinking in addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. He highlighted the interconnection between humans and nature and introduced the four natural elements earth, water, air and fire as the foundation of life and the center of the day’s learning activities.

Interactive learning on natural elements

Earth Element Session

Facilitated by Ms. Anamika Khatiwada and the education team, students collected natural materials from their surroundings in groups and presented their findings. This activity helped them understand the qualities of earth and that everything is deeply interconnected within ecosystems.

 

Water and air sessions

Led by Mr. Prachan Bhujel and the education team, students explored water through different sensory samples such as ice water, infused water, and natural mixed forms, helping them understand its role in sustaining life. Discovering the qualities of air later, students identified scents from natural elements like lemon and mint leaves. By this, the students learned how air carries smell and supports life processes while emphasizing the importance of clean air.

Agriculture and plant ecology session

In an interactive session facilitated by Mr. Shyam Kumar Pyakurel, students learned how soil, water, and air are connected to plant growth and ecosystem balance. The session encouraged active participation and discussion, deepening the students’ understanding of environmental interdependence.

 

Hands-on activities

Through hands-on activities, the students could immediately put what they have learned into practice. A total of 17 saplings were planted on the land of Akasha Academy headquarters as part of the environmental action, including a variety of fruit trees.

 

In a creative painting session led by Ms. Sunita Rajthala, nature could express itself through the students – as art on the walls of the Akasha Agriculture site. Natural colors were introduced to promote eco-friendly artistic expression, with students creating individual and group artworks inspired by today’s experiences.

Conclusion

World Environment Day 2026 successfully created an engaging and meaningful learning experience that connected students directly with nature. Through sensory exploration, scientific analysis and hands-on activities, participants developed a deeper awareness of environmental responsibility.

The program reinforced a powerful message: protecting nature is not only a responsibility but a shared future for all — inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.

Writer
Prachan Bhujel.
Education Program coordinator at Akasha Academy Nepal

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