World Environment Day Celebration

As a part of World Environment Day 2025, under the BELIEF Programme, a series of environmental and educational activities were successfully conducted in Shivraj and Buddhabhumi municipalities of Kapilvastu District by KIRDARC Nepal to promote sustainability, climate resilience, and community engagement. The initiatives included school-based programs, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building workshops, all aimed at fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

The key activities and the outcomes of the event were:

1. School Garden Establishment Campaign: Two schools each from Shivraj and Buddhabhumi Municipality (Shree Ganga Jyoti Secondary School from Budhhabhumi-1, Basantapur and Shree Baljyoti Secondary School from Shivraj Municipality-8, Bishunpur) were selected for the establishment of eco-friendly gardens, engaging 90 (54 Male and 36 Female) students and Child Club members in hands-on plantation activities. The program supported saplings in coordination with respective school helping students learn about sustainable environment conservation starting from their school. The gardens are expected to serve as interactive learning spaces, encouraging environmental responsibility among youth.
2. Plastic-Free School Declaration: Two schools, each from Shivraj and Buddhabhumi Municipality (Navanagar Basic School from Buddhabhumi-9, Bhariya and Bebar Bhawani Basic School, Shivraj Municipality-3, Mainar) were officially declared plastic-free zones after conducting awareness sessions with 65 (24 Male and 41 Female) SMC/PTA members, teachers, and students. The campaign emphasized reducing single-use plastics and introduced eco-friendly dustbins made up of handicraft supported through the program.
3. Sanitation and Plantation Program: In collaboration with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Graduate Forums (GFS), two community-driven events were organized, combining clean-up drives and tree plantation. 43 (12 Male and 31 Females) Participants planted 200 saplings in public areas and conducted sanitation activities, improving local hygiene and green cover at Shivraj Municipality-9, Ramuwadaha and Buddhabhumi Municipality-1, Pathrakot.
4. Orientation on Climate Change for Ward Representatives: Two orientation sessions were held at Ward Number 9 of both Municipalities for ward representatives and TBS members, focusing on climate change impacts and mitigation strategies. The workshops strengthened local governance on environmental issues, with 33 (12 Female and 21 Male) participants committing to integrate sustainability into community planning combating with climate change impacts.

In conclusion, these above-mentioned activities successfully enhanced environmental awareness and action in the target municipalities. To ensure long-term impact, schools and community structures have committed: Regular follow-ups to monitor school gardens and plastic-free compliance and scaling up initiatives to more schools and communities.

Some glimpses of the event: