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Plastic waste has long been an issue in Nepal, with plastic litter found everywhere—from the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha, to the rivers of the Tarai plains. But who is responsible for managing this waste?

The Local Government Operation Act of 2015 mandates local governments to manage waste effectively. However, the lack of adequate budget, resources, and awareness at the local level hampers these efforts.

While the distribution of royalties from natural resources is clearly outlined, with 50 percent allocated to the federal government and 25 percent each to the provincial and local governments (as per Section 7 of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Management Act, 2017), local governments in domestic tourist destinations often miss out. They struggle to benefit from the center or the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission (NNRFC).

The Constitution of Nepal (2015) grants the NNRFC the authority to recommend how investments and returns from natural resources should be shared among the three tiers of government. However, local governments in tourist hotspots do not receive sufficient budget or attention from the authorities.

Many local bodies lack essential infrastructure, such as landfills and garbage trucks. A 2019/20 survey by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of 271 municipalities found that while 85.6 percent of municipalities reported having waste transportation services, rural municipalities have made minimal efforts to manage plastic waste, often citing budget constraints.

Ramhari Gyawali, spokesperson for the NNRFC, explained that all 753 local levels in Nepal receive a share of royalties based on their contribution to royalty collection. This means that localities with thriving local tourism—especially those benefiting from rivers and forests—often receive a smaller share due to their lower contribution to royalties.

Local levels lack updated data on plastic waste, hindering systematic solutions

Take Sailung, located 3,146 meters above sea level in Dolakha district, as an example. It has recently become a popular hiking destination for domestic tourists, but the sight of scattered plastic waste detracts from its natural beauty. This issue is not confined to Sailung; it is prevalent across many tourist destinations and hiking trails in the country, including popular spots like Shivapuri, Jamacho, and Phulchowki, as well as along rivers in tourist areas.

What happens to the plastic waste? Often, it is either left behind or burned—both of which contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Burning plastic releases harmful toxins, severely affecting air quality. Environmental expert Ujjwal Upadhyay, project team leader for the Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers of Nepal (CAP), warns that burning plastic is a dangerous practice, as it directly harms the air and public health, even increasing the risk of cancer.

Nepal, famous for its majestic mountains and cultural heritage, now faces a hidden menace: plastic pollution. Despite existing laws aimed at reducing plastic use, single-use plastics continue to accumulate along the nation’s rivers and trails, burdening local communities and tourism. The question remains: what is the true cost of plastic pollution?

Kalapani, located in Sailung Rural Municipality-8, serves as the gateway for visitors heading to Sailung. The area is home to several hotels catering to tourists, but it is also burdened with significant plastic waste.

The ‘Tourism Master Plan of Kalapani and Sailung Area (2022-2032)’, prepared by Sailung Rural Municipality, highlights the importance of agriculture as the primary occupation of local villagers. The report notes that 38 percent of the total land area in Sailung is arable, though it is increasingly affected by changing climate patterns.

As noted by Bishnu Maya Shrestha, a local resident of Kalapani, snowfall—once reliable from mid-October—is now sparse, occurring only around February. This shift has a detrimental impact on local agriculture, with crops like cauliflower, corn, wheat, and potatoes showing decreasing yields.

Yet, the same report does not address one of the most immediate challenges: plastic waste generated by tourism. The lack of waste management initiatives exacerbates the problem.

Rimal Babu Shrestha, chair of Sailung Rural Municipality, acknowledges the issue but says they have not yet considered waste management for Sailung. “We sometimes collect plastic waste from the area and burn it,” he told ApEx. “Banning plastic is not an option, as implementation would be difficult,” he added. 

According to Shrestha, the rural municipality has no data on waste production, nor are there dustbins for tourists along the hiking trail. This lack of infrastructure highlights the broader challenge faced by local governments: a lack of resources, awareness, and effective policies to address plastic pollution.

Similarly, Khadichaur, located in Balephi Rural Municipality-7 of Sindhupalchowk district, is another popular spot for local tourists, where visitors enjoy the Sunkoshi River and local fish. However, like many other areas, the riverbanks are littered with plastic waste. Hotels along the riverbank dispose of their plastic waste directly into the river. When this journalist asked one hotel owner why they were discarding waste into the river, he simply replied, “Everyone does it.”

A similar situation exists in Balephi Rural Municipality. The local body does not collect waste. Ganga Bahadur Tamang, chairperson of Balephi Rural Municipality, explains that they lack a landfill site, which is why waste collection is not feasible. “We’ve asked hotel owners not to dump waste in the river, as the area is a tourist site, but they don’t listen,” he says. “We also don’t have a policy to impose fines.”

While tourism has undoubtedly contributed to Nepal’s economy, it has also exacerbated plastic consumption and waste. This growing problem not only threatens the environment but also tarnishes Nepal’s reputation as a pristine tourist destination. In fact, reports and social media posts from tourists reflect concerns over the visible plastic waste, a negative image that could impact Nepal's tourism industry.

Beyond tourism, plastic pollution imposes hidden costs on local communities. Local governments near popular tourist trails and urban areas face the burden of waste management, yet they lack the resources and infrastructure to cope with the volume of waste. Consequently, waste is often dumped in rivers or open spaces, exacerbating the problem.

Madhav Karki, an environmentalist and chief advisor to the Minister for Forests and Environment, highlights the additional dangers of plastic waste, such as its ability to block river flows and drainage systems, which can lead to floods. “Plastic waste also infiltrates agricultural fields, harming soil quality and crop yields,” he adds. “Communities that rely on local rivers for irrigation and drinking water face the risk of contamination as plastic waste degrades and releases toxins.”

In addition, inadequate waste disposal methods mean that plastic litter is often burned in open pits, releasing harmful toxins that pollute the air and threaten public health. Local residents near trekking routes are particularly vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of plastic pollution.

In many municipalities across Nepal, waste is disposed of improperly, with some even using forest land for disposal. Even cities like Bhaktapur and Kirtipur dump waste on riverbanks and in public areas. A 2020 study by the UNDP Accelerator Lab Nepal revealed that urban areas generate over 350 tons of plastic waste daily, with nearly a third of this waste ending up in rivers.

Upadhyay explains that the presence of plastics in rivers ultimately impacts human health. Microplastics from contaminated river water enter the food chain, affecting crops and aquatic animals, which humans then consume. A study reported by ‘The Guardian’ in Aug 2024 found that brain samples collected earlier that year contained, on average, approximately 0.5 percent plastic by weight. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health implications of microplastics accumulating in human tissues. Previous research has shown that microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, potentially leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other adverse health effects.

This issue extends to wildlife as well. A recent study found that rhinos in Chitwan National Park ingest plastic items of various sizes and shapes, posing serious risks to their health and survival. Published in the journal ‘Global Ecology and Conservation’, the study analyzed 258 dung samples from the park, revealing that 10.1 percent contained visible plastic.

In response to the crisis, the government has implemented the Solid Waste Management Act (2011) and Solid Waste Management Rules (2013), though enforcement remains weak. One major challenge is the lack of waste segregation at the source, which complicates recycling efforts.

The Intergovernmental Fiscal Management Act (2017) unevenly allocates royalties, leaving domestic tourist hubs like Sailung underfunded for waste management. Despite the Local Government Operation Act (2015) mandate, local governments face critical shortages in budgets, resources, and essential infrastructure like landfills and garbage trucks

Nepal has a long history of attempts to ban plastic bags. The first initiative came in 1998 when Hetauda Municipality introduced a ban, though its effectiveness gradually faded over time. By 2010, other municipalities began implementing similar restrictions. In 2013, Kathmandu Metropolitan City took a significant step by enforcing its own ban on plastic bags. On 1 April 2015, the Nepal government introduced the ban on plastic bags, for the first time, following a directive from the Parliament Environment Committee. However, due to the massive earthquake, the ban could not be enforced properly.

In May 2022, the government introduced the ‘Action Plan for the Ban on Plastic Bags’, which included four key strategies: preventing the import of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, banning single-use plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, providing grants to businesses for eco-friendly bag production, and encouraging individuals to use reusable bags while shopping.

In July 2023, the government introduced the ban on plastic bags and products that are less than 40 microns thick. This includes the production, import, sale, distribution, and use of these products.

In Oct 2024, the Department of Tourism announced a ban on the use of plastic bottles in four-star, five-star, and luxury hotels as part of a broader push toward environmental sustainability. This directive requires these establishments to use glass bottles or metal vessels for serving drinking water in hotel rooms and restaurants.

However, despite these legal reforms, enforcement remains weak.

“Political will is necessary for the strict implementation of these rules,” says Karki. “All three tiers of government, along with other agencies like the security forces, should unite and coordinate to enforce these rules.” He also adds that having similar rules nationwide would make implementation easier.

According to Upadhyay, reducing plastic use requires not only legal reforms but also a shift in people’s behavior. He also points out that Nepal lacks adequate research and data on this issue. 

Nepal’s iconic trekking trails and rivers, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, are increasingly burdened by plastic waste left behind by trekkers. Meanwhile, popular rivers like the Bagmati, Koshi, and Gandaki are heavily polluted by discarded plastic.

In response, the government launched the Sagarmatha Clean-Up Campaign in 2019 to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the mountains. Through the campaign, the Nepali Army has since collected around 119 tons of waste, with most of it being plastic.

Ang Babu Sherpa, leader of the Sherpa team for the ‘Mountain Clean-Up Campaign’, stated that up to 40-50 tons of garbage may still remain at South Col, the final camp before climbers attempts the summit, according to the Associated Press. “The waste there consists mainly of old tents, food packaging, gas canisters, oxygen bottles, tent packs, and climbing ropes,” he explained, noting that the garbage is layered and frozen at the 8,000-meter altitude of the South Col camp.

In recent years, a government mandate requiring climbers to return their trash or forfeit their deposits, combined with increased environmental awareness among climbers, has greatly reduced the amount of waste left behind. However, this was not the case in past decades.

According to Nepali Army spokesperson Brigadier General Gaurav Kumar KC, the Army’s role in national parks is limited to providing security, not collecting waste from hiking and trekking trails. He stresses the need for collaboration among the national park office, the Army, and other relevant departments and government agencies for effective waste control and management. “There should be strict rules and awareness initiatives for visitors at checkpoints. However, these rules won’t be practical if we don’t have sufficient dustbins in the area,” he explains. “Frequent signage indicating dustbin locations is also necessary to encourage proper waste disposal.”

Since waste collection falls outside the Nepali Army’s responsibilities, they do not have data on it. ApEx reached out to the information officer of Chitwan National Park for data on waste collection in the area, but they also lack any related records.

A survey conducted in 58 municipalities of Nepal in 2012 found that the average municipal solid waste generation was 317 grams per capita per day, amounting to 1,435 tons daily or 524,000 tons annually. 

A 2019/20 baseline survey by the CBS of 271 municipalities revealed that only 12 (4.4 percent) used transfer stations for waste processing.

Additionally, 99 municipalities (36.5 percent) had waste management plans, while 57.2 percent did not. Among the surveyed municipalities, 114 (42.1 percent) used landfill sites, 117 (43.2 percent) did not, and 14.8 percent did not report about their landfill site status.

And this is the latest data CBS has.

“Plastic waste management is not only Nepal’s problem, but a global crisis. However, many other nations and cities have banned it and enforced rules to properly address this issue,” Karki says, emphasizing that it is not an impossible task. “We should learn from international practices and implement them here as well.”

While international examples like Bhutan’s ban on plastic and Kenya’s policy against plastic bags offer hope, Nepal’s success in tackling plastic waste will depend on effective local solutions, such as waste segregation at source, recycling programs, and raising awareness about plastic’s environmental impact.

“Many countries have started producing electricity, bricks, cement, bitumen, and other products from plastic waste,” says Karki. “We should follow the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle,” he suggests.

This story has been produced with the support of the Internews Earth Journalism Network through the Media for Inclusive Green Growth project

Our journey began from Bhaktapur, three friends on bikes, bound for the serene heights of Sailung in Dolakha district, perched at an altitude of 3,146 meters. The destination—about six hours from Kathmandu—has gained popularity as a favored trekking spot for domestic travelers, promising spectacular views and a refreshing break from city life.

We set out on the route from Dhulikhel, weaving through Zero Kilo, Dolalghat, Khadichaur, Mude, and finally Kalapani, from where Sailung is a mere 1.5-hour hike. ‘Sailung’ translates to ‘100 hills’ in the local language, aptly named for the rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. These small hills are Sailung’s unique charm, although our main aim was to glimpse the eastern Himalayan range. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t favor us, and the mountains remained hidden behind a thick layer of clouds.

Most of the route was smooth for riding, but the last 10 kilometers to Kalapani were rough off-road terrain, adding a hint of adventure to the journey. We stayed overnight in Kalapani, where basic accommodations offer a cozy rest for hikers aiming to linger longer.

On our way back, we spent another night by the Bhotekoshi River at Sukute, unwinding on its beach and soaking in the river’s calm flow. For variety, we chose a different route home—returning from Zero Kilo to Kuntabesi, then on to Nagarkot, and finally back to Bhaktapur.

The ride, the laughter, and the moments on the hills made it a memorable escape from the routine—one that blended adventure, friendship, and the timeless beauty of Nepal’s landscapes.

By the third day of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Nepal had engaged in a couple of events. President Ramchandra Paudel addressed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit and also addressed a high-level session organized by Kyrgyzstan on ‘Advancing Mountain Agenda’. Nepal also hosted a high-level session titled “Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Mountainous Regions,” and unveiled two projects—Managing Watersheds for Enhanced Resilience of Communities to Climate Change in Nepal (MaWRiN) and Building National Capacities of Nepal to Meet Requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement (CBIT)—funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

In his summit address, President Paudel urged that vast resources currently allocated for arms be redirected toward adaptation and mitigation to safeguard humanity and ensure a habitable planet for future generations. “Not only have pledges for climate funding been insufficient from the outset, but the funds remain largely unmet,” he noted, pointing out that complicated procedures prevent targeted communities from accessing these funds. He called for immediate implementation of the “polluter pays and compensates” principle.

President Paudel also called for the rapid operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund to assist vulnerable developing countries. He argued that climate finance should account for contributions from nations like Nepal, which preserve biodiversity, protect the Himalayan cryosphere and supply freshwater. Such countries, he asserted, should be adequately compensated for climate-related loss and damage.

Highlighting Nepal’s dedication to sustainable resource use, he pointed to increased forest cover and expanded clean energy production, which aligns with Nepal’s ambitious emission reduction goals under its second NDC, benefiting global environmental efforts. However, he cautioned, “The challenges of global warming and climate change far exceed our capacity and resources.” He also emphasized the need for technology transfer and adequate capacity-building grants under the Paris Agreement, insisting that climate finance be provided as grants, channeled through national treasuries for effectiveness.

President Paudel expressed hope that COP29 would make concrete progress on setting a clear NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal) aligned with climate justice, equity and capacity to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and advance sustainable development in least-developed and Himalayan nations.

In a session organized by Kyrgyzstan, Nepal pointed out that “due to the effects of climate change, young people from mountainous regions are forced to migrate, leaving the poor, women, children and the elderly to suffer the most.” President Paudel emphasized the need for integrated programs that simultaneously address poverty and climate change.

With climate indicators breaking records each year, people in mountain regions are facing increasingly harsh conditions. He cited the displacement of over 35 families from Thame village in Solukhumbu, Nepal, following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) last August, as well as the tragic loss of over 500 lives due to floods and landslides during the monsoon season. “The suffering and trauma from these disasters are long-lasting. Thorough assessment and increased preparedness are crucial to reducing future loss and damage,” he added.

Additionally, the launch of the MaWRiN and CBIT projects underscores Nepal’s commitment to enhancing community climate resilience and strengthening national reporting capabilities under the Paris Agreement. This event, organized in collaboration with Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and GEF, gathered stakeholders from Nepal’s Ministry of Finance, MoFE’s Climate Change Management Division, and global climate organizations.

The MaWRiN project, funded with $9m, aims to build climate resilience for Indigenous people and local communities in the Marin watershed. Through nature-based solutions and diversified livelihood support, MaWRiN is designed to empower vulnerable communities to adapt to climate impacts.

The CBIT project, funded at $1.65m, focuses on building Nepal’s institutional capacity to meet the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) requirements of the Paris Agreement. By tracking progress on Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), CBIT will bolster Nepal’s climate reporting and accountability, targeting the submission of Nepal’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR).

Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, head of MoFE’s Climate Change Management Division, remarked on the importance of these projects for Nepal’s international climate commitments. “With MaWRiN and CBIT, Nepal is advancing its climate resilience and transparency, empowering communities while aligning national goals with global standards,” he said.

Esteban Bermudez, representing GEF, emphasized the projects’ importance in ensuring Nepal’s timely compliance with the Paris Agreement. Although he acknowledged some procedural delays, he praised Nepal’s ministries for their commitment and affirmed GEF’s continued support for Nepal’s climate objectives.

Dhaniram Sharma, joint-secretary of the Ministry of Finance, underscored the CBIT project’s critical role in enhancing transparency and accountability in Nepal’s climate action, highlighting MaWRiN’s focus on watershed management and community-centered sustainability. “While Nepal has received some climate financing, the escalating impact of climate change requires stronger financial backing,” Sharma stated.

Deepak Kumar Kharal, secretary of MoFE, closed the event by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to supporting WWF Nepal in implementing these projects. He expressed optimism for increased international funding to scale climate resilience and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change in Nepal. “These projects are not just a response to present challenges but a step toward a sustainable, resilient future,” Kharal concluded.

COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties, opened on Monday with calls for urgent and united global action as leaders and experts highlighted the worsening climate crisis and the need for immediate action to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Addressing the gathering, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell underscored the need for resilience and determination, recalling his neighbor Florence, an 85-year-old climate victim, as a symbol of humanity’s tenacity in the face of escalating environmental impacts.

Stiell emphasized the necessity of establishing a new global climate finance goal and a functional international carbon market to combat climate change. “If at least two-thirds of the world’s nations cannot afford to cut emissions quickly, then every nation pays a brutal price,” he said, noting that climate finance should be viewed as a self-interested investment rather than charity.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo issued a “red alert” over rising temperatures, as the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded history. She described recent extreme weather events as “our new reality” and stressed that every fraction of warming increases risks worldwide. The latest WMO report revealed that 2023’s greenhouse gas levels are at record high, accelerating sea-level rise and extreme weather events across the globe.

New COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev of Azerbaijan urged attendees to see COP29 as a “moment of truth” for the Paris Agreement, highlighting that climate impacts are already evident in events like hurricanes, droughts and floods. “We are on the road to ruin,” he warned, calling for tangible leadership beyond rhetoric.

Nepal’s delegation under President Ramchandra Paudel will advocate for climate finance to support vulnerable mountain regions facing disasters such as glacial outbursts. 

The conference aims to address key issues, including setting climate finance targets, finalizing international carbon trading mechanisms, and increasing adaptation efforts. As COP29 unfolds, developing countries like Nepal are pushing for decisive measures to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems from climate impacts.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UN Climate Change released urgent reports on the escalating levels of greenhouse gasses and the inadequacy of current emissions targets. Both reports underscore the dire need for rapid and aggressive climate policies ahead of COP29, which is set to take place in Baku from Nov 11 to 22.

The WMO reported on Monday that greenhouse gas concentrations reached unprecedented levels in 2023, driving global temperatures higher and committing the planet to years of warming. The UN agency’s annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin highlighted that carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide concentrations are all at record highs, with CO2 levels climbing at an alarming rate—up more than 10 percent in just two decades.

CO2 concentrations rose by 11.4 percent in the past 20 years, reaching 420 ppm in 2023. Methane and nitrous oxide levels were also significantly elevated, reaching 1,934 ppb and 336.9 ppb, respectively. These values represent 151 percent, 265 percent, and 125 percent increases from pre-industrial levels, according to the WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch network of monitoring stations.

“These aren’t just statistics; every part per million and every fraction of a degree of temperature increase brings real impacts on our lives and ecosystems,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. The 2023 CO2 increase was 2.3 ppm—the 12th consecutive year with an increase above two ppm—driven by persistent fossil fuel emissions and aggravated by large-scale vegetation fires and the effects of El Niño.

The report underscores the difficulty in meeting the Paris Agreement goals to limit warming below 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. “We are clearly off track,” said Saulo. She stressed that warming feedbacks—where rising temperatures reduce the ability of ecosystems to absorb CO2—pose an even greater risk.

Due to the long atmospheric lifespan of CO2, the current levels of global warming will likely persist for decades, even with rapid emission cuts. “The warming effects of CO2 will not dissipate quickly, locking in temperature increases for generations,” noted Saulo. Radiative forcing—or the warming impact from greenhouse gasses—has increased by 51.5 percent since 1990, with CO2 accounting for 81 percent of this rise.

The WMO report highlighted concerns over the durability of natural carbon sinks. Currently, oceans and land ecosystems absorb nearly half of CO2 emissions, with oceans accounting for a quarter and land ecosystems nearly 30 percent. However, as Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett noted, climate change could reduce these natural carbon sinks’ efficiency. “Warming oceans may absorb less CO2, while wildfires could release more carbon into the atmosphere,” Barrett warned, adding that climate feedback could intensify warming further.

The WMO pointed out that current CO2 levels mirror those of 3m-5m years ago, a period when global temperatures were 2-3°C higher and sea levels were 10-20 meters above today’s levels. With the WMO warning that ecosystems themselves might soon become net emitters of greenhouse gasses, Barrett stressed the urgency of addressing these “vicious cycles” that could exacerbate the crisis and have profound impacts on human society.

These findings align with the UN Environment Program’s recent Emissions Gap Report, which assesses the growing disparity between current emissions and levels needed to meet climate targets.

On Monday, UN Climate Change released its 2024 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Synthesis Report. The report evaluates the collective impact of current national climate plans on anticipated global emissions by 2030, underscoring the critical changes required to avert severe climate impacts. 

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasizes that this report “must mark a turning point, ending the era of inadequacy and sparking a new age of acceleration” with much bolder climate plans needed from all nations in the coming year. 

The report finds that combined global NDCs would lead to a mere 2.6 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from 2019 levels, only marginally improving on last year’s two percent projection. This falls far short of the 43 percent reduction by 2030 needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as advised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Stiell states, “Current national climate plans fall miles short of what’s needed to stop global heating from crippling every economy and wrecking billions of lives and livelihoods across every country.” He emphasizes that “much bolder new national climate plans can not only avert climate chaos—done well, they can be transformational for people and prosperity in every nation.”

The report serves as a wake-up call, highlighting that “emissions of 51.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2030—only 2.6 percent lower than in 2019—will guarantee a human and economic train wreck for every country.” 

Stiell urges nations to adopt “ambitious new emissions targets that are economy-wide” and ensure they are backed by “substantive regulations, laws, and funding to ensure goals are met and plans implemented.” He also emphasizes the need for new NDCs to detail adaptation priorities and investments to protect vulnerable sectors and populations.

With COP29 in Baku on the horizon, Stiell stresses the importance of converting commitments from COP28, such as transitioning from fossil fuels and tripling renewables, into concrete policies. He concludes that new NDCs will be among “the most important policy documents” of the century, setting a clear path for renewable energy scaling, strengthened adaptation, and accelerated low-carbon transitions globally.

Both reports aim to inform COP29 discussions, where decision-makers are urged to treat the surging greenhouse gas levels as a “wakeup call” and to adopt more aggressive climate policies.

Nepal clinched a remarkable T20 series victory against the United States, winning the second match in a nail-biting Super Over on Sunday morning in Dallas, Texas. With the series already 1-0 in their favor after a 17-run victory in the first match, Nepal’s dramatic win secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one game still to be played.

The second match went to a Super Over after both teams finished their 20 overs tied at 170 runs. Batting first, Nepal put up 170 runs for the loss of six wickets, driven by a brilliant 92-run knock from Kushal Bhurtel. The US responded in kind, scoring 170/8, with Andries Gous leading the charge with 62 runs from 43 balls, including three fours and four sixes. The tense game was decided by a Super Over when US batsman Jasdeep Singh was run out attempting a two, leaving the teams level at the end of regular play.

In the Super Over, US batsmen Shayan Jahangir and Andries Gous faced Nepal’s Sompal Kami, who delivered a fantastic spell. Kami gave up just two runs off his first two deliveries and then struck twice, dismissing Jahangir and Aaron Jones in consecutive balls, leaving Nepal a target of just three runs to win.

Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel and opener Kushal Bhurtel took charge in the Super Over. Paudel picked up a single off the first ball, followed by Bhurtel, who added another run. Despite a dot ball in the third delivery, Paudel managed to score again, sealing the victory for Nepal after just four balls, sparking celebrations from the Nepali side.

Before the Super Over, Nepal’s innings was anchored by Bhurtel’s spectacular batting performance. The opener smashed seven boundaries and six towering sixes in his 54-ball innings. Anil Sah also contributed with 25 runs off 31 balls, while Gulsan Jha chipped in with a quick-fire 19 runs from 12 balls. However, the middle order faltered slightly, with Captain Rohit Paudel departing after a 14-ball 18, and Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh falling for 2 and 1 run, respectively. Karan KC added the finishing touches with a six off his only ball.

In response, the US started slowly but gained momentum as Gous and Saiteja Mukkamalla formed key partnerships. However, Nepal’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Karan KC and Sompal Kami delivering in crucial moments. KC took three wickets, including that of US captain Monank Patel for just one run and Harmeet Singh for two, while Kami picked up two wickets, including Jones for seven and Jasdeep Singh in the final run-out that sent the match into a Super Over.

In the last over of regular play, the US needed seven runs to win, with Gous still at the crease. Kami bowled a tight over, dismissing Gous with the fourth ball, leaving the US needing two runs off the last ball. Jasdeep Singh was run out while attempting the second run, tying the game and sending it into the Super Over.

Nepal’s win secures them the series, with the final match scheduled for Monday morning.

Basant Raj Mishra, a pioneering figure in Nepal’s tourism industry and the founder and executive chairperson of Temple Tiger Group of Companies, passed away on Sunday morning while receiving treatment for dengue at Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu. He was 71.

Born on 20 Feb 1953, in Kathmandu, Mishra attended Padmodaya School before graduating from Patan Campus in Lalitpur. With a passion for entrepreneurship, he traveled to Europe after his studies to take courses in business management and marketing. 

Reflecting on his journey in The Annapurna Express’s ‘ApEx Pioneer’ column, he once said, “I was born into a family with a bureaucratic background, but a government job never appealed to me. My interest was rather in business, to start something of my own.”

Mishra’s insights into life and work were profound. “Europe taught me that work is vital, not just for income but also to establish your identity. Ultimately, what matters is not how much you earn but who you are.” This perspective guided his career, as he began working in tourism in 1977, eventually founding the Temple Tiger Group of Companies 11 years later, one of the first businesses to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in Nepal.

This visionary’s contributions went beyond entrepreneurship. He was a former chairperson of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and a PATA Life Member, and played a pivotal role in linking Nepal with international tourism circles. His goal was always to establish Nepal as a stand-alone tourism destination. “When I was starting, many tourists visited Nepal through Indian travel agencies, which considered Nepal an extension of their own country. My goal was to make Nepal a stand-alone destination,” Mishra said in the interview.

Mishra’s nephew, Pius Raj Mishra, described his uncle in the ‘ApEx Pioneer’ column as a man who lived by the mantra ‘work is worship’. He noted, “Hard work has given him global recognition as a successful tourism entrepreneur and conservationist. Even in our own family, everyone rushes to him for help and advice.”

A colleague, Sanjay Nepal also reflected on Mishra’s character in the same interview, saying, “In tourism, many people are double-tongued, but he is what he is. If he is angry, he will show it to you. He is also open-minded, a quality that many lack. Most importantly, he is a determined learner. To this day, he calls me for suggestions.”

Mishra’s impact on conservation tourism in Nepal was groundbreaking. As he said, “Shifting to conservation tourism was my best career decision. In light of the prevalent climate change, Nepal has always been at the forefront of travel practices that minimize environmental waste, encourage conservation and educate travelers on the environment.” He often remarked that ‘Nepal is the Africa of South Asia’ when it came to wildlife tourism, emphasizing the country’s role in promoting sustainable travel.

Mishra was also the founding director of the Nepal Tourism Board, an entity established  in 1998 to foster private-public partnerships in tourism promotion. His leadership helped transform Nepal into a global example of successful conservation, adventure and wildlife tourism.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including the closure of hotels inside national parks, Mishra’s adaptability and resilience were key to his enduring success. “I have overcome many odds to succeed in this sector,” he said. “There are new setbacks and challenges every other day, but I can deal with them as I am a very adaptable creature.”

Mishra’s legacy as a global ambassador for Nepali tourism will continue to inspire future generations.

He is survived by his wife, Jyanu Mishra, his son, Brajesh Raj Mishra—and his contributions to the tourism and hospitality industries. 

His last rites were performed on Sunday noon at Pashupati Aryaghat. His visionary leadership, commitment to sustainable tourism and passion for promoting Nepal’s identity on the world stage will be remembered for years to come.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has called for an urgent and substantial increase in global climate finance to address the escalating climate crisis. Speaking at a Brookings Institution virtual event on Thursday, Stiell emphasized that while recent progress in climate finance is notable, it falls significantly short of the necessary scale required to protect the global economy and vulnerable communities from worsening climate impacts.

Stiell pointed to the fact that over a trillion dollars was invested in climate action globally last year, a major leap from just a few hundred billion a decade ago. Additionally, developed countries provided and mobilized over $100bn in climate finance to developing nations in 2022, according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates. However, he warned that despite these advances, much more is needed to meet the global climate challenge, especially as countries around the world face mounting damages from extreme weather events and economic disruptions linked to the climate crisis.

“We’ve seen hundreds of billions of dollars of damage to countries, rich and poor, this year alone,” Stiell remarked. “We simply can’t afford a world of clean energy haves and have-nots. In a two-speed global transition, pretty soon everyone loses.”

Stiell stressed that trillions of dollars more in investment are needed to enable all nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions and bolster their resilience to climate impacts. Without decisive action, he warned, economies will suffer more severely in the years to come. He urged the international community to seize the opportunity of the upcoming World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings, where multilateral development banks (MDBs) will play a critical role in driving the climate transition.

While welcoming recent moves by the World Bank to increase concessional lending for climate action, Stiell noted that incremental changes will not suffice. “On climate finance, we have a need for speed,” he said, emphasizing that developing countries must have access to more funds, fiscal space, and debt relief to enable effective climate action.

He called on the G20, as the largest shareholders of the MDBs, to properly fund these institutions and support reforms to the international financial system. Stiell highlighted Brazil’s G20 leadership, noting its efforts to bring together climate and finance ministers—a collaboration that he hopes will lead to more concrete outcomes.

Looking ahead to COP29 in Baku, Stiell emphasized that a new international climate finance goal must be established, one that aligns with the needs of developing countries. “COP29 must be the stand-and-deliver COP,” he said, underscoring that climate finance is central to saving the global economy and protecting billions of lives from rampaging climate impacts.

Stiell also stressed the importance of public finance, calling for more grant-based and concessional funding, and underscoring the need to leverage private finance to scale up climate investments. Additionally, he called for mechanisms to ensure that promised funds are delivered, more support for adaptation, and the effective operation of the Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28.

“We must fund a new generation of national climate plans,” Stiell said, urging governments to convert pledges made at COP28 into real-world results, such as tripling renewable energy, doubling energy efficiency, and phasing out fossil fuels.

In closing, Stiell warned against isolationist tendencies in a time of global fractures. “If we go down this path, it will soon be game over in the world’s climate fight,” he said, urging leaders to recognize that climate finance is in every nation’s interest and that boulder climate action offers a pathway to stronger growth, more jobs, and better health for all.