Nepal Forward has designed and implemented several projects focusing on sustainable economic development, environmental issues and human rights.
Gurkha Restitution Fund
The Foundation has launched an initiative to end discrimination against Nepalese Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for over a century. The 1947 Tripartite agreement between India, Nepal and Britain guaranteed compensation and rights to Gurkhas, yet living conditions and benefits for Gurkha veterans and their families have been woefully inadequate. This humanitarian effort should benefit hundreds of Gurkha families who live mainly in the mountain regions of Nepal.
In March 1999, Nepal Forward and GAESO will hold an international
conference on human rights in Kathmandu, Nepal. The purpose of this
symposium is to provide a forum for vigorous discussion of the plight of
the Gurkhas, and their rights under U.K. and international law. Leading
international experts in human rights law, hundreds of veterans and
their supporters, as well as representatives of over 25 countries are
expected to attend. We are currently looking to fill two volunteer positions to help in organizing this conference.
Bagmati River Development
The Bagmati river which runs through Kathmandu has been poorly managed for decades. Raw sewage is dumped to the river untreated, causing serious pollution problems and impacting the river's ecosystem. Squatters live along the banks and suffer from chronic disease. Many temples and antiquities of significant architectural importance have fallen into ruin. The mayor of Kathmandu has requested a comprehensive proposal to restructure the management of the riverfront, improve living conditions for the residents and promote tourism to this part of the city.
Mustang Ecotourism Project
The largest contribution to foreign exchange earnings in Nepal is tourism. Overdevelopment, a concern in many areas, is beginning to impact the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas. Carefully designed tourism projects can prevent damage to the environment, which is a primary attraction for tourists to Nepal. Mustang is an undeveloped area in Northern Nepal, a true frontier with breathtaking panoramic views. An experienced tourism company has written a comprehensive business plan for tented camp in Mustang, and the Foundation is working to implement it.
Organic Agriculture
South and Southeast Asia suffers from a lack of availability of fresh vegetables and produce meeting any reasonable quality standards. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand hotels and supermarkets must import produce from California or the Middle East, but the long shipping route causes spoilage. The Nepalese climate is ideal for growing leafy vegetables, and labor intense techniques and pesticide-free practices are ideal. The export potential is large and would be a source of foreign exchange.
Alternative Energy Projects
Electricity generation and distribution is extremely poor in Nepal, particularly in rural areas. Capacity shortfalls are acute, and the grid is so unstable that most industries suffer from significant production loss, significantly impacting the economy. Almost all industrial customers and hotels require supplemental power sources, which could be replaced if hydroelectric, biomass or other renewable technologies were implemented.
Industrial Estates Management
Nepal, like many developing countries, suffers from poor infrastructure. Roads, telecommunications and power are woefully inadequate and are barriers to attracting new industry. The economy would benefit from value added industry situated between the two vast markets of China and India. The existing Industrial Districts Management is poorly funded and has not been successful in developing industrial estates.
Bagmati Sanitation Project
The Bagmati river is used as a sewer in Kathmandu, with many associated health problems. The government has requested a comprehensive plan to construct a new sewer system and associated wastewater treatment plant for Kathmandu. A waste-to-energy facility would be an added benefit of such a project.
Rural Electrification
Nepal is home to thousands of rivers. The estimated potential for hydropower generation is over 83,000MW. Many rural areas are unelectrified, being too distant from the Nepal Electricity Authority grid system, yet are in close proximity to a viable river. Large hydropower projects (such as the canceled Arun-III sponsored by the World Bank) have not been successful. Fuel supply and maintenance are too difficult for conventional power alternatives such as diesel gensets.
City Transit Project
Kathmandu is experiencing an air pollution crisis, and the primary cause is bus and "three-wheeler" emissions. A trolley (electric overhead wire) system was introduced with Chinese technology in the 1960s, but this serves only limited areas. Conversion of existing diesel busses to operate on propane would be a relatively inexpensive and effective means to reduce air emissions in the city.
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