Direct Beneficiaries

1,500 students

Reaching to educate them on air pollution

80 Teacher

Reaching to educate them on air pollution

40 Air quality sensors

in Kathmandu schools.

Parents and School Administrators who will use air quality insights for decision-making.

Indirect Beneficiaries

Government Officials & Policymakers involved in air quality management and urban resilience.

Wider Public benefiting from better air pollution policies and awareness.

EPIC

Breathing Easier: Protecting Children from Air Pollution

Funding/Support Organization

  • EPIC Air Quality Fund

Consortium Partner

  • Green Decision Labs and Research (GD Labs)

Project Duration

1 February 2025

Project Goal

To measure PM2.5 levels in schools across Kathmandu, generate real-time air quality data, raise awareness among students and teachers, and advocate for evidence-based policy interventions to improve air quality.

Objective

  • Measuring PM2.5 pollution in schools to understand children's exposure levels.
  • Sharing real-time data openly through public dashboards and OpenAQ integration.
  • Conducting health assessments to analyze the correlation between air pollution and children’s health.
  • Advocating for policy changes at municipal and national levels to improve air quality.

Project Outcome/Output

  • Deployment of 40 air quality sensors in Kathmandu schools.
  • Generation of real-time PM2.5 data accessible via OpenAQ and project dashboards.
  • Awareness sessions reaching 1,500 students and 80 teachers to educate them on air pollution.
  • Health assessments of children from different pollution exposure levels.
  • Development of a policy brief for national-level advocacy.
  • Strengthening of air pollution monitoring for schools in Nepal.
  • Improved air quality policies considering children’s vulnerability.
  • Establishment of data-driven decision-making tools for schools and local authorities.
  • Creation of a replicable model for other cities and municipalities.

Project Activity

  • Selection of Schools & Site Preparation
  • Installation of PM2.5 Sensors
  • Dashboard Development & User Survey
  • Data Collection & Accessibility
  • Educational Outreach & Awareness Campaigns
  • Health Camp & Assessments
  • Data Analysis & Policy Briefing
  • Dissemination & Advocacy for Policy Reform

Geographical Location

Kathmandu Valley

Project Description

This project aims to address the pressing issue of air pollution in Kathmandu, particularly its impact on school-going children. By installing PM2.5 sensors in 40 schools across the Kathmandu Valley, the project will generate real-time air quality data, enabling schools, parents, and policymakers to make informed decisions. The project integrates monitoring, data analysis, educational outreach, health assessments, and policy advocacy to ensure a comprehensive approach to air quality management.