Project 101 (2024–2028): Restoring Rivers and Revitalizing Communities in Waling

Empowering the Majhi community through sustainable bamboo initiatives, river restoration, and improved livelihoods.

Project 101 (2024–2028) builds upon the success of a pilot project funded by the Luxembourgish Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs from 2022 to 2023. The pilot phase focused on establishing the project in Waling Municipality, identifying beneficiaries, and supporting the community with small-scale activities. The second phase is funded by the International Climate Funding through the Luxembourg Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development.The core objective of this project...

Project 101 (2024–2028) builds upon the success of a pilot project funded by the Luxembourgish Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs from 2022 to 2023. The pilot phase focused on establishing the project in Waling Municipality, identifying beneficiaries, and supporting the community with small-scale activities. The second phase is funded by the International Climate Funding through the Luxembourg Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development.The core objective of this project is to restore the river environment and biodiversity in Waling Municipality, Syangja district, Gandaki province, Nepal, while simultaneously improving the livelihood of the local Majhi community. By leveraging bamboo, a locally available resource, the project supports income-generating activities that promote sustainable use of bamboo as an alternative to wood and contribute to afforestation efforts. This is particularly important for the Majhi community, who are vulnerable due to the negative impacts of river exploitation and the loss of steady employment and income.To achieve these goals, the project implements three main activities. First, a Bamboo Treatment Plant will be established to process bamboo and provide training for the local population in its use for river conservation, crafts, and construction. Second, River Restoration training will empower the community to actively participate in restoring the river corridor, enhancing their skills and employability both locally and nationally. Third, the project will regenerate fish populations through water quality treatment and coordination with local hydropower companies.The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 500 Majhi people, along with other ethnic groups and low-caste communities, while an estimated 3,000 indirect beneficiaries will experience positive impacts throughout the community. The total budget for this five-year project is €290,289.



Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON), a non-political, non-profit organization established in 2005 with a focus on children’s welfare, education, and reintegration, leads this initiative. UON collaborates with the Nepali Social Welfare Council, ONGD-FNEL, and other partners to ensure effective project management. This project aligns with Nepal’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), supporting both environmental sustainability and socio-economic development in wards 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Waling Municipality.

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