ATL Nepal
ATL (Agriculture, Tourism and Lifestyle) Nepal is founded by Aakash Shilpakar, a self-taught land designer and a regeneration enthusiast. ATL is an emerging online platform that champions projects in eco-farming, conscious tourism, and sustainable living. It weaves captivating stories through documentaries featuring young Nepalis who have embraced nature and who contribute to the local green economy. Through impactful storytelling and a digital marketplace, ATL amplifies the voices and offerings of creative farms across Nepal. Aakash envisions ATL as Nepal’s first regenerative lifestyle hub.
Eco-Friendly Incense Stick
Ecologist Shreyashi Bista and community member Rita Joshi Awasthi lead the Eco-friendly Incense Sticks project. Their initiative, Empowering Individuals through Sustainable Incense Stick Production, is active in Dhangadhi, Nepal. Its primary objective is to generate employment opportunities for local community members, with a particular emphasis on empowering women. This is achieved through the skilful crafting of incense sticks using marigold flowers indigenous to the region. The project is strategically designed to champion sustainability, leveraging local resources for both environmental conservation and social empowerment.
Nepal Cycle Society
The Nepal Cycle Society is led by Rubin Maharjan, a development researcher; Suman Rai, a strategic planner; and Chandani Shakya, an urban designer. Advocating for non-motorised, active transport as a solution to urban challenges, they aim to instil a cycling culture in Nepal for a shift toward green mobility in workplaces. They offer consulting services in bicycle infrastructure, awareness sessions, safety training, and manuals. Through Nepal Cycle Society, they emphasise the manifold benefits of cycling to work, which include increased workforce efficiency and a healthier lifestyle.
PPB Biofertiliser
Biotechnologist Ina Niroula and environmental engineer Rupesh Kaini collaboratively confront the challenge of unmanaged wastewater through their project, PPB Biofertiliser. Their objective is to develop a cost-effective and environment-friendly method of treating wastewater generated every day. They do this by utilising Purple Phototrophic Bacteria (PPB). This innovative process yields clean recycled water and a benign bio-fertiliser, contributing to improved soil quality.
Threads of Hope
Terisa Tamang, a student of psychology, is the founder and president of the Dhairya Cancer Foundation. Terisa is devoted to connecting mental health and the environment in her project, Threads of Hope. Passionate about breaking mental health barriers, Terisa employs the therapeutic benefits of knitting and crochet in eco-craft, placing a strong emphasis on empowerment and wellness through sustainable yarn. The project, which goes beyond conventional crafting, is a movement that seamlessly interweaves creativity, hope, and sustainability.
Buneko
Yasmin Chaudhary is a dedicated forester. Her childhood was marked by a plastic-free lifestyle, which commitment still shapes her work. Yasmin was raised in a community where articles of kaas grass and bamboo were widely used. She noted the loss of these traditional Tharu items and crafts and the widespread adoption of plastic. Her project, Buneko, aims to preserve and revive indigenous practices through the production of handcrafted natural items that last for more than 10 years. The project aims to provide employment opportunities to Tharu women.