GreenShift Nepal completes first year

The GreenShift Nepal project, aimed at promoting a circular economy and tackling plastic waste, has completed its first year. The four-year initiative, funded by the European Union, spans nine municipalities across the Bagmati, Madhes, and Lumbini provinces. The project is being led by the Centre for Research and Sustainable Development (CREASION) in collaboration with consortium partners Restless Development and Youth Innovation Lab.

During its first year, GreenShift launched in Bardibas, Nepalgunj, and Lalitpur, partnering with schools, youth groups, waste management enterprises, and local governments. “Through a collaborative spirit, the project has already begun to make waves, shifting mindsets, behaviors, and local systems to embrace the principles of circular economy,” according to a press statement issued by CREASION.

One of the project’s key pillars, the Climate Smart School (CSS) program, empowered over 6,000 students in 12 schools, leading them to spearhead 95 green initiatives that inspire eco-conscious behavior in their communities. Additionally, three youth groups received grants to implement 34 community projects, ranging from waste mapping to organizing clean-up campaigns.

“GreenShift Nepal has also made strides in policy development, drafting waste management policies for Lalitpur, Bardibas, and Nepalgunj, which are set to be adopted in the project’s second year,” the statement added. “The project has already impacted thousands of students and individuals, training 79 local government officials on sustainable waste management practices, embedding the principles of circular economy across the provinces.”

A two-day event was held for the annual review and experience-sharing, where the European Union (EU) ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, emphasized the importance of the GreenShift campaign for climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development. She highlighted the role of youth in bringing about positive changes in society through the GreenShift campaign.

“The campaign is close to my heart, and every change the youth wants is possible,” she said. “Youth are the agents of change; they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. The achievements of this project in just one year are a vivid example.”

Encouraging the young students and teachers present, Ambassador Lorenzo stated, “You are the center of hope for change, and I call on everyone to work together for the protection and development of our environment.” She further stressed the need for the compulsory implementation of waste management and circular economy frameworks, noting that the circular economy holds significant potential for Nepal to become a regional leader in green energy.

Aanand Mishra, founder and president of CREASION, described GreenShift as more than just a project—it’s a comprehensive campaign. He highlighted the success of uniting all three levels of government, schools, students, teachers, youth groups, private waste entrepreneurs, and sanitation workers under a common goal, driven by collective leadership and a shared vision.

Pradeep Khatiwada, executive director of Youth Innovation Lab, praised the contribution of Waste Smart Fellows in creating data-driven policies, emphasizing the importance of data-based advocacy.

Anjali Bajracharya, deputy mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan Municipality, expressed gratitude to the EU, CREASION, and other organizations for conducting the project in the city, and highlighted the need to expand such campaigns on a larger scale.