Press Release
April 9th 2024
An innovative climate resilient project model has been launched in Urlabari
Municipality, Morang, Koshi Province, Nepal. A program was held on 9th April 2024
(Chaitra 27, 2080) in presence o. Mr. Ganga Prasad Kharel, Mayor, Urlabari
Municipality; Ms. Mina Khatiwada, Vice-Mayor, Urlabari Municipality Mr. Bijay Singh,
Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP-Nepal, Mr. Vivek Dhar Sharma, National
Coordinator, UNDP GEF/SGP along with provincial, municipal and UNDP officials.
“We started work in November 2023, and since then we have been able to work very
closely with the community, municipal government and broader stakeholders. We have
completed a series of awareness and capacity building programs and event started our
1st batch of vermicompost”, highlighted Ms. Sangita Nirola, Founder Chairperson,
‘Swati’, who is leading the program execution.
“While the project has defined targets and outcomes, the intangibles like the network it
helps build, the engagement it creates with the community are things that will keep it
sustained in the long run’, said Mr. Vivek Dhar Sharma, National Coordinator, UNDP
GEF/SGP – Nepal. “We are confident that this energized ‘Swati’ team will only grow
and sustain this program in the coming days”, he mentioned.
“This project is a model we want to showcase the world”, noted Mr. Bijay Singh. “We
see commitment from our lead partners in the project. Their prolonged generational
presence in the community has been a great value addition and we foresee a longer
term association”, he further added.
A certificate distribution ceremony was also a part the program for trainees who
completed One-day Awareness Program on Sustainable Eco-Farming and Three-day
Training on Vermicompost Production as part of the project.
“This is the first training I have ever received since my family settled here more than 30
years ago. I hope that we get a lot more opportunities likes these from this project”,
said a participant.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ganga Prasad Kharel, Mayor of Urlabari Municipality
highlighted the importance of the project and also the immense contribution of the
community partner Sisauli Farm. “The objective and aim of the project is highly
appreciated and a very necessary issue that the municipal office also wants to
prioritize” he said. “And with community partner like Sisauli Farm, we are confident that
Swati will be able to create a great impact and cover more farmers in the days to
come”, he further added. “I also want to mention to all here that we are committed to
support and give continuity to this project in the days to come”, he declared.
The project looks to address three key issues around soil degradation through
vermicompost fertilizer use, climate preparedness through capacity building and
awareness programs and demonstration of traditional & sustainable practices through
the Sisauli Learning Center. The project is located at Sisauli Farm, Urlabari – 4, Morang in Koshi Provience.
