Targeted Beneficiaries

Local Governments

- Gosaikunda RM (Rasuwa District)
- Varagaon RM (Mustang District)
- Khumbu Pasang Lahmu RM (Solukhumbu District)

Waste Workers

Will benefit from OHS, GESI guidelines, and SOPs for safer and inclusive working conditions

Students and Teachers

From 2 schools in Gosaikunda RM through “Zero Waste at Schools” sessions

Community Members

Residents in the 3 rural municipalities who will receive awareness and participate in clean-up campaigns

Private Sector Waste Handlers

Engaged to strengthen waste recycling, bailing, and circular economy linkages

Circular Economy Approaches to Municipal Waste Management in High Mountains of Nepal

Funding Organization

  • International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Project Duration

1 May 2025 to November 2026

Project Goal

To contribute to the interception and meaningful reduction of plastic waste in Nepal and economic empowerment of the most vulnerable.

Objective

The overall objective of the programme is to enable a just transition towards green, climate resilient gender responsive and circular economy for a sustainable mountain settlement through pilot demonstration, capacity building and engaging in the local processes.

The specific objectives are:
  • Generate evidence on characterization and quantification of solid waste and open burning in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality at Langtang National Park.
  • Demonstrate context specific proven solutions for solid waste management and promote circular economy in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality including availing of waste bailing machine to Varagung Muktishetra RM of Mustang.
  • To co-develop and institutionalize comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and GESI guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for waste workers.
  • Support local government in Gosaikunda RM and Varagung Muktishetra RM to co- develop and implement integrated solid waste management action plan.
  • Build capacity and raise awareness on solid waste management and sanitation programmes in Gosaikunda RM-Rsauwa and Varagung Muktishetra RM- Mustang.

Geographical Location

Gosaikunda Rural Municipality- Rasuwa and Varagung Muktishetra Rural Municipality- Mustang

Expected Outcome/Output

  • Improved awareness, capacities and mechanisms for sustainable municipal solid waste management in Nepal.
  • Improved capacities of local government through development of a five-year action plan for solid waste management.
  • Improved waste management practices in schools through Zero waste at Schools program in Gosaikunda RM.
  • Established linkages with private sectors with robust solid waste management mechanism.

Project Description:

The project aims to enhance solid waste management practices in Gosaikunda and Varagung Muktishetra Rural Municipalities through close coordination with local governments. These high mountain regions face growing challenges in managing solid waste due to their difficult geography and limited infrastructure. By installing bailing machines at waste collection centers, the project will help reduce the high transportation costs of waste and promote their integration into the circular economy. Additionally, raising awareness within local communities will encourage people to view waste as a valuable resource.

Targeted Beneficiaries

350,000

Community people residing the river corridor

10

Schools covering 1000 students

500

IWWs and 2 aggregators (prioritizing vulnerable communities and women)

Ongoing Projects

10

Schools covering 1000 students