Environment

Environment

Promoting practices that respect nature and the living world

For people who depend on cultivating and producing from the land, such as those in rural and remote regions of India and Nepal, the environment plays an important role. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change are already being felt: severe droughts and torrential rains follow one another, having a major impact on vulnerable populations with no means of adapting.

Some figures : In Kathmandu, the number of vehicles has tripled in 10 years, exacerbating the air pollution problems facing the Nepalese capital, which will be classified as “the world’s most polluted city” in 2021. India, for its part, faces another major problem: the country produces around 6 million tonnes of non-recyclable plastic waste every year. A figure that is exploding due to strong growth in consumption.

Our environmental programs help communities to adapt and reduce these harmful effects over time, through family- or village-level solutions.

In India, our voluntary actions encourage the planting of trees along roadsides and in village communities to improve the well-being of populations in both urban and rural areas.

In Nepal, heavy rainfall following drought – combined with increasing deforestation and urbanization – is causing landslides. The environment is weakened, and air and water pollution have a major impact. Our activities strengthen the resilience of populations by providing them with solutions to improve their living conditions while preserving the natural environment that surrounds them.

Our impact in 2023

9,750  trees planted and maintained

23,087  jute bags distributed

17 665 young people
made aware of eco-responsible attitudes

One of our programs in India

A responsible attitude – Environmental awareness

In India, the excessive use of single-use plastics is causing serious environmental problems that people are not always aware of.

Through our awareness-raising campaigns, we aim to make local residents aware of the drawbacks and harmful consequences of their plastic consumption and management habits. We encourage them to use more environmentally-friendly alternatives, such as burlap bags, in order to minimize and eventually stop the use of plastic.

We work collectively in villages and schools to make future generations aware of their environmental impact. The regular distribution of bags among our patients, students and other beneficiaries, combined with a strong message of environmental awareness, helps to change social behavior.

It’s a great victory to witness the creativity and ideas of my students regarding environmental awareness, expressed through art and tangible actions. The awareness program is a joyful moment covering a multitude of topics essential to our common future. The students have gained immense inner richness from it.

Manik Lal Matho, elementary school principal – India

In 2023, 17,665 students were sensitized.

I support the fight against plastic pollution

One of our programs in Nepal

Waste management to protect the environment 

As the first victims of climate change, disadvantaged rural populations are increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection. They are willing to do their part to promote a harmonious future with the Earth.

Once informed, populations are eager to take action and implement measures to contribute to the protection of their environment. In the Ruby Valley, we established a dedicated committee that carries out awareness and waste management actions in collaboration with local authorities. In just one year, the three participating villages are clean and have planted numerous trees to combat landslides and promote the replenishment of water reserves.

We discovered that many biodegradable wastes can serve as natural fertilizers, and we also learned to avoid using plastic products and polyethylene bags. In the past, waste disposal was done randomly or in a common area. I am delighted to have acquired, along with my peers, new knowledge that will contribute to maintaining the cleanliness of our environment.

Som Bahadur Tamang, enseignant en école élémentaire. Népal

In 2023, 310 trees were planted and trash bins were installed.

I support improved waste management in Nepal

Our method of intervention

Adaptation and cooperation are at the heart of our strategies. Our activities aim to help people in need to improve their own well-being, that of their community, and that of the environment of which they are a part.

We involve the beneficiary populations in the entire project-building process, fostering empowerment and responsibility while strengthening their ability to overcome social inequalities. We place particular emphasis on involving the younger generations in preserving their environment, raising their awareness and passing on the keys to becoming responsible citizens.

Find out more about our environmental programs