Nepal: Environmental protection in the high mountains
The area around Karnali is by far the poorest and most remote of Nepal's 14 administrative regions. A total of 50 villages in the districts of Kalikot, Mugo, and Humla are extremely difficult to reach from the capital, Kathmandu. Life at an altitude of over 3,000 meters is harsh. The people in this impoverished region are largely unaffected by the influx of tourists who begin their treks in this impressive mountainous area from Kathmandu. The population in this remote region, where villages can only be reached on foot after several days, faces entirely different problems: electricity is either completely unavailable or only available for a few hours at a time.
And the Nepalese in this arid region are particularly hard hit by the consequences of the climate crisis: Irregular rainy seasons and prolonged dry periods are detrimental to agriculture, which is largely dependent on rainwater and already only allows for one harvest per year. Furthermore, the glaciers are melting, initially leading to the flooding of glacial lakes – but with long-term negative consequences for the drinking water supply and agriculture in the districts. Terre des Hommes therefore, together with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, supports several measures to improve energy supply and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, and is one of the few non-governmental organizations venturing into this difficult-to-access region.
Terre des Hommes project partner, HuRENDEC, assists the local population in building energy generation facilities such as biogas plants. These provide energy for gas stoves, thus contributing to a reduction in deforestation. The same applies to energy-efficient stoves, which, while still wood-fired, form more enclosed systems than conventional stoves, which, due to their open design, consume more firewood. Solar panels, on the other hand, provide enough electricity for a few light bulbs, reducing the use of lamps and thus saving energy and money for households. The reduced need for wood also eases the workload for women, who are predominantly responsible for collecting firewood. The same is true for improving the operation of traditional watermills, which were typically powered by wooden wheels. A simple technical upgrade of the mills with metal wheels increases their grinding capacity and reduces waiting times for women, as they can have larger quantities ground in the same amount of time. The program is complemented by workshops in which women and young people learn about their rights and how to enforce them.
The program is co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).