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 2024

12,980 trees planted

9,700 people made aware of eco-responsible attitudes

One of our programs in India

Planting trees to preserve the future

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

In India, we encourage the planting of trees along roadsides and in village communities to improve people’s well-being and create pleasant, shaded areas in both urban and rural environments. Awareness-raising and planting sessions for young people are carried out in partnership with schools.

For many years, Karuna-Shechen has been developing a greening program in cooperation with    families in villages, local schools and local authorities. We provide tree seedlings, tree protection solutions and maintenance advice. This initiative not only helps to conserve the environment and biodiversity, but also contributes to a positive transformation in the well-being of local residents.

Ashutosh Kumar, member of an action committee in Bihar

In 2024, 12,890 trees planted.

I support tree planting

One of our programs in Nepal

Reducing waste to preserve soil

In schools, teenagers are brought together in eco-clubs to learn about environmental protection. They become message-bearers and take action in their communities. 

In Nepal, there are no waste management systems in remote rural areas. The population is not always aware of the interdependence between pollution, environmental degradation and climatic disasters. Karuna celebrates World Soil Day to raise awareness among young people of the need to reduce waste, sort and reuse. A competition is organized among schoolchildren, and workshops are held to rethink the future collectively.

I learned about the land I grew up on and the types of crops and fruit that grow there. I realized that without good soil conservation, natural disasters such as floods and landslides could occur, making human life extremely difficult. I now share my knowledge with the people in my village, including my parents, brothers and sisters.

Sagun Tamang, grade 12 student at Khaniyabas

In 2024, 342 high-school students trained.

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