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 2025

9, 267 trees planted

12,078 people made aware of eco-responsible attitudes

One of our programs in India

Addressing the urgency of climate crises

During the rainy season, landslides are becoming an increasingly common natural disaster, causing significant property damage and disrupting access to mountainous areas.

Karuna’s teams implement projects that strengthen communities’resilience and provide first aid training in high-risk areas. But when disasters strike, it is essential to take action to help the inhabitants. In response to a major landslide in Darjeeling in October 2025, affected people received temporary shelters and emergency supply kits.

I am a landslide-affected person. During this difficult time, I received plywood, agro net, and a sanitation kit. I am deeply grateful to Karuna-Shechen for providing timely support after the disaster. With this assistance, I was able to construct a temporary shelter for my family.

Kishan, sinistered citizen and father of 3 children, Darjeeling

In 2025, 93 families received support.

I support emergency aid in the event of natural disasters.

One of our programs in Nepal

Empower people to take action to safeguard the future

Through environmental awareness programs, students in the Child Club learn about the importance of nature conservation and the steps they can take at their level to make a difference.

Beyond theoretical learning, the children are putting practical skills into action: sorting waste, conserving water, and planting trees. This
commitment extends beyond the classroom, as it gives new meaning to their everyday life and transforms their awareness into a genuinely,
important movement. By joining forces, the children demonstrate that education for sustainable development is a powerful tool for building the future.

I am very happy that our school received support for waste management and tree plantation. It became greener, cleaner, and more attractive. As child club members, we feel responsible for caring for the plants, managing waste properly, and protecting our school environment. It is very important for our future.

Namuna, 12 years old, treasurer of the child club from Tara Middle School, Bijayanagar

In 2025, 978 children participated in environmental awareness programs.

I support environmental awareness programs.

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