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.
The Attarpur reforestation site comprises 660 hectares of pine-dominated temperate forest near the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, which is home to rare wildlife such as snow leopard (Panthera uncia), the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), and 235 species of birds. The rugged terrain is steep and prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
Overdependence on fuelwood and timber for construction has intensified deforestation driven by landslides. The nearby villages of Sildhunga and Dhadung are home to nearly 800 people from the Tamang, Newar and Dalit ethnic groups. The traditional livelihood is agriculture. The hilly geography presents many challenges to farmers, and the traditional farming practice involves terraced rice and potato cultivation. Deforestation of this area has led to a host of environmental issues, including increased risk of flooding as well as socio-economic impacts to local communities due to topsoil erosion, low agricultural productivity, and in some cases, complete farm failure.
The primary planting area is located within the Gyalgung Community Forest, which provides residents with household needs such as fuelwood, livestock fodder, and medicinal and edible plants.
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.
The Attarpur reforestation site has significantly impacted local livelihoods. Our planting partner, Eden Reforestation Projects has directly hired and manages full-time salaried people from the Attarpur community.
- From June 2021 to May 2022, projects at this site have created a total of 2,337 working days.
- Women’s empowerment is a core principle and goal in Nepal. At the Atturpur site, 45% of the planting and nursery staff are women, with that number greatly increasing going into 2022.
- The local Eden Reforestation leadership team for Nepal is composed entirely of women.
With a steady income, local community members can put savings aside, invest in their households, start micro-enterprises to diversify their income opportunities, and provide healthcare and everyday needs for their families. Additional significant socioeconomic impacts include improved diets and health due to purchasing nutritious food and increasing education as families can afford to send their children to school.
Our Nepalese trees are taking root and thriving, and over the next few months the next batch of nursery seedlings will be planted. 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 Power2Motivate, Global Reward Solutions and Kart.
Learn more at eco.carltonone.com
