The Need for Change
Switching to a sustainable, circular economy is not only vital for the environment and society but also essential for economic stability and innovation. In Nepal, the Roots of Circularity (RoC) project, led by the Impact Hub Association (IHA) with Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) and Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), and funded by the European Union, is driving this important change. This blog explores insights from the scoping study and the project’s potential impact on Nepal’s economy and society.
Introducing the RoC Project
The RoC project is a four-year effort to build a Circular Economy (CE) ecosystem in Nepal, focusing on Bagmati and Lumbini Provinces. Its main goals are to influence Nepali policies, engage citizens, and promote entrepreneurship based on CE principles. This initiative supports global sustainability goals and Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of 2020, aiming to create a sustainable and circular future for Nepal.
How the Study Was Conducted
The scoping study, the foundation of the RoC project, used both primary and secondary data collection methods.
- Primary Data: Gathered through dialogues, focused group discussions (FGDs), and direct observation in the target provinces.
- Secondary Data: Involved reviewing extensive literature, including both published and unpublished materials related to CE and policies in Nepal.
Key Methods Used
- Dialogues: Conducted with 58 diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, civil society organizations (CSOs), policymakers, and community members, to understand community challenges and potential solutions.
- Focused Group Discussions (FGDs): Held with local entrepreneurs and CSOs, with a focus on youth and women entrepreneurs, to promote inclusive engagement.
- Direct Observation: Provided a multi-dimensional perspective on community challenges and opportunities.
Key Findings
The study highlighted several important insights:
- Knowledge Gap: There is a general lack of awareness and understanding of CE principles among local entrepreneurs and communities. This points to the need for educational initiatives and awareness campaigns.
- Education Integration: Introducing CE concepts in school curriculums can enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability from a young age.
- Financial Access: Entrepreneurs struggle to secure financing for CE initiatives. Addressing this requires better financial literacy, access to capital, and supportive investment policies.
- Policy Support: The lack of supportive policies and government collaboration is a major hurdle. Strengthening the policy framework and enhancing partnerships between the government, CSOs, and entrepreneurs are crucial.
- Innovation: Encouraging innovation within the entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential for developing effective circular solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities
The study identifies several challenges, such as the need for increased awareness, education on CE principles, better access to finance, and supportive policies. However, these challenges also present opportunities for strategic interventions and collaborations to advance the circular economy in Nepal.
Conclusion
The Roots of Circularity project offers hope for a sustainable and inclusive future in Nepal. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and promoting CE principles, RoC aims to drive systemic change and contribute significantly to global sustainability goals. The project’s holistic approach and strategic partnerships are set to unlock the potential of the circular economy, paving the way for a resilient and innovative future for Nepal.
