Busan: The recent national bamboo conference in Nepal’s Diktel and the outcomes of COP29 in Baku have underscored the urgent need for global collaboration to address the triple planetary crises of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the conference, jointly organized by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality and Green Bamboo Creation, Lalitpur, is Nepal’s first national event focused on bamboo utilization. Scheduled for February 27 to 29, 2025, the conference aims to promote local job creation through the sustainable use of bamboo, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
In a statement, municipality Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai emphasized the importance of capitalizing on local resources to foster entrepreneurship and preserve indigenous skills. As part of the initiative, bamboo chairs are being gifted to dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister, to raise awareness about the municipality’s efforts.
Simultane
ously, significant discussions took place at COP29 in Baku, where least developed countries (LDCs) expressed dissatisfaction with the outcomes. The event, held from November 11-22, focused on reducing greenhouse gases and securing climate finance for vulnerable nations. However, LDCs criticized the declaration for lacking ambition, ignoring vulnerable nations, and sidelining established mechanisms for climate finance. Despite this, Nepal, a member of the LDCs, returned with modest hopes for climate action support.
Meanwhile, ongoing discussions in Busan, South Korea, on an international plastic treaty have prompted concerned stakeholders in Nepal to advocate for stronger measures against plastic pollution. The importance of local initiatives, such as those in Khotang, is emphasized as Nepal navigates the challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
The circular economy, which promotes reducing waste and encouraging the use of sustainable materials like bamboo, is gaining traction. Bamboo’
s versatility, from fodder to furniture, presents a viable alternative to plastic, which poses significant environmental and health risks. The efforts in Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality to replace plastic with bamboo products in local government offices exemplify this shift.
Nepal’s participation in international climate events, including COP, highlights its commitment to addressing climate change. However, the importance of local-level initiatives should not be underestimated. Collaborative efforts between local and national levels are crucial to empowering communities and preserving traditional skills, which are threatened by modernization.
Empowering local initiatives and leveraging indigenous knowledge are key to sustainable development and environmental protection in Nepal. As the world grapples with environmental crises, actions at all levels are essential to achieving a greener and more sustainable future.