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As Nepal advances toward its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and national plans, one target stands out as both urgent and ambitious: achieving net zero carbon emissions. This goal, though complex, is not impossible—especially if Nepal harnesses one of nature’s most powerful, yet often overlooked, climate allies: the Vetiver grass system.

With rising temperatures, rapidly melting Himalayan glaciers, unpredictable monsoon patterns, and an alarming increase in landslides and flash floods, Nepal is already living the harsh realities of climate change. While industrialized countries focus on energy transition, electric vehicles, and technological carbon capture, countries like Nepal—with limited industrial emissions but high vulnerability—must champion nature-based solutions that are affordable, scalable, and regenerative.

This is where Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) offers a uniquely powerful opportunity. Traditionally known for its use in soil conservation, erosion control, and slope stabilization, vetiver is now gaining recognition as a natural carbon sink. Its dense and deep root system, which can grow over three to five meters underground, allows it to sequester large quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide into the soil.

Recent studies have shown that Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) has the potential to sequester 15 to 20 metric tons of CO₂ per hectare per year—a rate that rivals or even surpasses many tree-based afforestation projects. What sets Vetiver apart is its rapid growth cycle and its massive, fibrous root system, which penetrates 3 to 4 meters deep into the soil within a single growing season. Unlike trees, which can take decades to reach maturity and store significant carbon, Vetiver achieves measurable carbon sequestration in just months.

The deep-rooted nature of Vetiver is critical: carbon stored below 1 meter in the soil is far less likely to be disturbed by erosion, fire, or agricultural tilling, meaning the captured CO₂ remains stable and locked in the ground for decades, if not centuries. This makes Vetiver not only effective, but a highly reliable long-term carbon sink.

Moreover, the Vetiver System allows multiple planting and harvesting cycles per year depending on climatic conditions and management practices, which further accelerates carbon absorption. Each cycle contributes fresh biomass, organic matter, and root expansion—deepening the soil’s carbon bank.

From a land-use perspective, Vetiver can be strategically integrated into a variety of landscapes to maximize both environmental and economic benefits. On degraded and barren lands, Vetiver plays a crucial role in restoring soil fertility while sequestering significant amounts of carbon. Along flood-prone riverbanks, it stabilizes the soil, reduces erosion, and captures sediment-rich carbon, contributing to cleaner waterways. When planted on road and highway slopes, Vetiver prevents erosion and helps create resilient green corridors. Additionally, when used along agricultural field boundaries, it serves as a protective buffer that not only shields crops from wind and water damage but also enhances carbon storage capacity, supporting sustainable farming practices.

A major advantage of Vetiver is its low maintenance: it requires minimal irrigation, no pesticides, and thrives in poor soils. This makes it ideal for large-scale deployment in Nepal, especially through community forestry programs, local governments, youth cooperatives, and eco-enterprises.

In a time when Nepal seeks to meet its Net Zero Carbon target within the next five years, adopting the Vetiver System at scale could be the most cost-effective, nature-based, and scientifically sound strategy available.

Nepal’s net zero ambition is bold—but it is within reach. In Vetiver, we have a low-cost, high-impact, nature-based solution already tested across different terrains of Nepal. As the world looks for scalable climate solutions, Nepal has the chance to lead by example—not by waiting, but by planting. The Vetiver System is not just about green landscapes; it’s about a green future.

With the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions within the next five years, the vetiver system in Nepal shows promising potential. In 2022, Nepal emitted approximately 56.7m metric tons of CO₂ equivalent greenhouse gases. According to studies, vetiver grass can absorb around 15.24 metric tons of carbon per hectare per year. Based on this, Nepal would need to plant vetiver across approximately 333,335 hectares to offset its annual carbon emissions.

To achieve this goal within five years, vetiver would need to be planted on 66,667 hectares of land annually. Out of Nepal’s total 4.1m hectares of arable land, the proposed plantation area represents only 8.13 percent, making it both practical and achievable. To help visualize these facts clearly, a visual infographic has also been prepared, showing how Nepal can realistically achieve its net-zero target using the vetiver system.

To maximize impact, strong policy support and cross-sectoral alignment are essential. The government should formally recognize Vetiver systems within national carbon offset strategies and incorporate Vetiver-based interventions in future updates of Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, it is crucial to facilitate streamlined carbon credit certification mechanisms, allowing local communities, municipalities, and private firms to access benefits from global carbon markets. By taking these steps, Nepal can accelerate progress toward its net zero targets while simultaneously unlocking significant opportunities for climate finance and green investment.

While carbon sequestration is a central focus, Vetiver offers multi-dimensional value across environmental and socio-economic domains. It plays a vital role in soil and water conservation by reducing erosion, restoring fertility, and enhancing groundwater recharge. In the context of disaster risk reduction, Vetiver strengthens slopes and embankments, offering natural protection against landslides and floods. It also generates livelihood opportunities through its use in handicrafts, essential oil extraction, composting, and livestock fodder. Moreover, Vetiver supports biodiversity and ecological regeneration by reviving degraded landscapes and fostering the growth of native flora and fauna.

With the rising popularity of Korean dramas (K-dramas) in Nepal, many young women admire the romance, fashion, love, success, and lifestyles portrayed on screen. These dramas are widely loved, particularly by female audiences. However, some viewers compare their own love lives to the unrealistic fantasies depicted in these shows—potentially shaping or even disrupting their relationships. But are these dramas setting unrealistic expectations for relationships, beauty standards, and success?

Over the past decade, K-dramas have taken Nepal by storm, captivating audiences with their catchy storylines, charming characters, and idealized romance. From romantic and grand confession in the rain to dramatic love triangles, K-dramas have always succeeded to allure the audience which have set an incredibly high bar for what romance should look like. 

Unlike Indian series, which often follow repetitive patterns, K-dramas feature diverse genres and dynamic storytelling. Male leads are typically wealthy, mysterious, and emotionally reserved at first, only to reveal a softer, protective side as the plot unfolds. Female leads, meanwhile, are portrayed as kind-hearted and resilient, winning over their love interests through sincerity.

For many Nepali fans, these idealized portrayals have influenced their views on relationships. Social media is filled with posts yearning for a “K-drama-like romance”—complete with grand gestures, deep emotional bonds, and unwavering commitment. Some admit that they find themselves comparing their relationships to what they see on screen, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction when real-life love does not match the drama-fueled fantasy.

Shristi Prajapati (19) shared, “I used to watch a lot of Chinese dramas instead of K-dramas, though I’ve cut back now. The love stories feel so realistic that I sometimes hope for the same connection in real life.” However, she acknowledges the risks: “Unrealistic expectations can harm relationships, making people feel their partner isn’t loving enough.”
Prajapati explained that she only wants the parts to be in reality which could turn into real life like showing efforts and all. “But I also think that it can harm the perfect ongoing relationship where once they gather the expectations in their relationship and it may create problems in the relationship where one may end up feeling sad and may think that their relationship is not going well or their partner is not loving enough.”

Shayan Shakya (22) reflected on his past obsession: “I used to dream about recreating dramatic moments in real life, not realizing some things only work on screen.” He added that conservative Nepali society made such fantasies even harder to fulfill, leading him to stop watching.

Anil Giri, writing for The Korea Times, noted that K-dramas avoid excessive vulgarity and lengthy runs, focusing instead on vivid portrayals of love, tragedy, and family issues—key reasons for their appeal.

The “oppa culture”—where women romanticize older, protective men—has also influenced Nepal’s dating scene. Many young fans now crave fate-driven love stories with grand sacrifices. However, experts warn that these narratives can distort perceptions of healthy relationships.
Psychologists said, “Real relationships can be disappointing and frustrating if you want your spouse to be affluent, protective all the time, and to have the characteristics of a male protagonist in a K-drama. Young Nepali males may experience pressure to live up to the ‘oppa’ ideal, which is to be powerful, prosperous, emotionally distant but kind, and in charge at all times.”

Khusbu Agrawal, a psychologist, explained: “Fans form deep emotional bonds with characters, leading to unrealistic comparisons. Real partners, being human, can’t match the grand, selfless gestures seen on screen, often causing feelings of inadequacy.”

While K-dramas entertain, viewers must recognize the line between fiction and reality. Love isn’t about finding a wealthy savior—it’s built on mutual effort and emotional maturity.

Agrawal added: “Romantic FOMO can make fans undervalue caring partners. Critical media literacy and open discussions are essential to mitigate these effects.”

“Social comparison, Media Influence (Cultivation Theory), Character Attachment (Parasocial Bonds), Escapism & Fantasy, Emotional Investment and Happy Endings vs. Reality is the reason why we compare our relationships to K-Drama”, she explained.
That said, not all viewers adopt unrealistic expectations. Inaya Kiju, who has watched over 200 dramas, said: “I fantasize about the love stories but know they’re fictional. As long as people distinguish between reality and fantasy, K-dramas won’t harm relationships.” K-dramas have undeniably shaped how Nepali youth perceive romance. While they offer heartwarming tales, it’s crucial to separate scripted perfection from real love—which thrives on genuine connection, not grand gestures. As long as fans enjoy these dramas without losing sight of reality, there’s no harm in dreaming—K-drama style.

A verdant green garden is everyone’s dream but not everyone is able to achieve this for a simple reason: most of us don’t know the basics of gardening and try random things which don’t always yield the result we want. It’s important to arm yourself with some basic understanding of what plants want and how to get them to grow before you start working on your garden. Else, you will just be wasting valuable time and money. ApEx visited a nursery in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, to find out what are some important things to consider to create a perfect green space in your home.

Understand your space

Not every plant has the same light requirements so the first thing to do is to survey your space and see if it gets a lot of light or if there is limited exposure. Most outdoor plants thrive under direct sunlight while others benefit from indirect brightness. Depending on your space, you have to choose plants that can grow there. People often make the mistake of getting the wrong plants for their space and they can never grow to their full height or bear flowers as they are supposed to. Understanding your space and the plants’ needs can help you maximize yields ensuring you have a visually appealing garden.

Till the soil

Most soil is too hard for the plants’ roots to take proper hold, especially if you have moved into a new space and there are construction materials mixed with the soil. While adding a few fresh layers of new top soil can fix this, it’s often expensive and really not necessary either if you are willing to put in some time and effort. Water the soil or wait till it rains and then till the soil using simple plowing tools that you can get at your local nursery. Mix in some organic fertilizer and plow a few more times, letting the mix sit for a few days each. This should make your soil soft and fertile over time and thus ready for plants.

Space them out

When you start planting trees and shrubs, consider how tall or wide they will grow in a few months’ or years’ time. Since we get new plants mostly as saplings, it’s quite easy to underestimate how much space they will need later on. Make sure there is at least two feet distance between small plants and at least five feet if between two trees. A common mistake is not keeping enough space between two large plants that will result in stunted growth for both or one overcrowding the other. Proper spacing allows for good air circulation and light penetration as well. It’s okay for the branches to slightly overlap when they grow to their full size as this allows for healthy competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Provide timely nutrients

Though less is always more when it comes to fertilizer, especially synthetic ones, you have to give the soil in your garden a nutritional boost time and again. It’s best if this is usually done through organic fertilizers or compost. Since it’s the soil’s environment that usually determines whether a plant will die, stagnate, or thrive, it’s a good idea to ensure it’s the right quality and has the required nutrients. Ensure the soil is wet before you add fertilizer to it. Over fertilizing can do more harm than good so it’s best to be cautious and dilute your fertilizers before using them. Water soluble fertilizers are fast acting but must be used more frequently than others. Also, make sure the fertilizers don’t get on the plant leaves to avoid burns and discoloration.

Educate yourself

Gardening is part art and part science and while it might seem like some people are born with natural green thumbs, it’s a skill that can be honed. There are lots of good books and even resources available online that you can use to learn more about plants and gardening. Over time, you will come to understand plant behavior and their needs and be able to tell what is wrong by just looking at them. Even learning one small thing every day will help you maintain a pristine garden in the future. 

From the sacred banks of the Bagmati River to the trails of the Annapurna Circuit, plastic waste is now a visible part of Nepal’s landscape. The rise in plastic consumption—driven by urbanization, tourism, and changing lifestyles—has outpaced our ability to manage it effectively. Nepal currently generates over 450 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily, much of which ends up in rivers, landfills, or open dumping sites. But this problem is not insurmountable. With a bold vision and strategic alignment of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Nepal can pivot from crisis to opportunity—and move toward a circular economy that benefits people, planet, and profit.

Despite bans on plastic bags in several municipalities, enforcement remains weak. The informal waste sector continues to shoulder the burden of collection and segregation, often with minimal support and recognition. Recycling infrastructure is scattered and under-resourced, and most plastic packaging is non-recyclable or economically not viable to process. This situation is compounded by Nepal’s mountainous terrain, limited municipal capacity, and lack of awareness among consumers. Yet, there is growing momentum to address the issue, and the private sector must be central to this change.

Environmental projects, particularly plastic waste management, receive limited attention. However, with the growing urgency around waste and climate, companies can—and must—go beyond token initiatives. CSR funds can play a vital role in addressing plastic pollution by supporting a range of targeted initiatives. These include investing in plastic collection infrastructure in both cities and rural municipalities to ensure efficient waste management. Additionally, funds can be directed toward providing training and safety measures for waste workers, with a special focus on empowering women and marginalized groups. Public awareness campaigns can also be supported to encourage segregation of waste at the source and reduce overall plastic consumption.  Furthermore, CSR contributions can drive innovation in sustainable solutions, such as reusable packaging, biodegradable alternatives, and upcycling ventures, fostering a more circular economy. Importantly, CSR should not be seen as charity, but as a strategic investment in sustainability, brand value, and long-term resilience.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a powerful concept—making producers accountable for the plastic waste they generate. While EPR is gaining policy attention in Nepal, it remains largely unimplemented. However, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) holds immense potential to transform waste management in Nepal. It can shift the financial burden of managing waste from municipalities to manufacturers, incentivizing producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. EPR also encourages eco-design, promoting the creation of products that are easier to reuse or recycle. Additionally, it can facilitate the development of reverse logistics systems, where used packaging is collected directly from consumers. 

At the heart of the solution lies the idea of a circular economy—where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, then recovered and reused. For plastic, this means moving from ‘use and throw’ to designing out waste from the beginning. Nepal’s path to circularity can be strengthened through a combination of grassroots initiatives, innovative enterprises, and supportive policies. Community-based recycling centers, backed by CSR funds and local governments, can serve as local hubs for waste collection and processing. Social enterprises also have a crucial role to play by transforming plastic waste into valuable products such as tiles, furniture, or materials for road surfacing, turning pollution into opportunity. 

At the policy level, incentives for companies that incorporate recycled content into their products can encourage sustainable production practices. Additionally, green public procurement policies that prioritize sustainable packaging and environmentally friendly products can drive demand for circular solutions and set a strong example for the private sector.

Plastic waste is not just a technical problem—it’s a systems failure. It reflects how we design products, run businesses, and value natural resources. But it also offers a chance to innovate, collaborate, and rebuild. If Nepal wants to preserve its natural beauty, support green jobs, and achieve its climate and SDG commitments, the private sector must step up. CSR and EPR should not be seen as obligations, but as tools to build resilience and responsibility.