Eco-action in Nepal - August 2021 Update

High in the mountainous Sindhupalchowk District of northeast Nepal, we’ve funded the planting of 350,000 new native trees. Just 138 km. west of Mount Everest, the region ranges in altitude from 747m. to 7,085m. at the apex of Langpoghyang Peak. Drenching annual rainfall of 2,500 mm., and dramatic temperature swings contribute to unstable soil conditions. 

This Himalayan region is rich in natural resources, but is one of the least developed districts in Nepal. It is accessible from Kathmandu via the Arniko Highway that extends from Kathmandu to Kodari on Tibet's border. Local communities here depend almost entirely on agriculture for their survival.

While the planting season is short, local villagers have already planted 350,000 trees. These trees will grow to stabilize the soil, reducing the risk of mudslides, and restoring the water-retaining power of a natural forest. Planting in Nepal can be tough due to its steep hills and rugged terrain. Seedlings are hand transported in wicker baskets from nurseries where they are tended until they can be replanted. Despite the COVID-19 crisis teams were able to coordinate effectively and safely to continue planting throughout the season.

Our planting partner, Eden Reforestation Projects has directly hired and manages full-time salaried people from the Attarpur community. Through our funding, Eden can offer steady employment to local communities that previously would not have had any income, particularly for women-headed households. Women in Nepal are rarely given the opportunity to engage in the economic sector of the community. Through employment with Eden, women at our project sites not only participate but thrive economically while supporting their families. The regular income allows them to put savings aside, enroll their children in school, and start microbusinesses to diversify their income opportunities.

Our Nepalese trees are taking root and thriving. We’ll be planting many more next season. Our site has the capacity for at least 960,000 trees, spaced out at a density of 2,500 trees per hectare.

Funding for this planting project is automatically created with every member action within Evergrow — our affordable employee engagement app that unifies recognition, rewards, savings, wellness and climate action for growing businesses. Evergrow makes work more meaningful, and your impact more powerful. The more that members use Evergrow, the more trees we can plant, enabling more CO₂ to be removed from the atmosphere, reducing global warming.

Learn more at evergrow.app