Inspiring Young Conservation Leaders
In Nepal’s remote areas, such as UKALI region, many school children lack access to hands-on learning opportunities that inspire creativity and practical problem-solving. UKALI’s School Eco-Club program bridges this gap by providing a platform where students can learn, interact, and apply their knowledge to actively contribute to environmental conservation causes.
By targeting the youngest and most impressionable members of communities, the Eco-Club nurtures a sense of wonder for the natural world. Through education and engagement, students develop a lifelong commitment to conserving biodiversity, wildlife, and their habitats. The program, a flagship initiative of UKALI, is dedicated to cultivating future conservation leaders while fostering grassroots environmental action and institutions.
Empowering Students, Transforming Communities and Creating Lasting Impacts
Through the Eco-Club, students gain leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, equipping them to be proactive stewards of the environment. Their actions, though small-scale at the local level, create ripple effects that extend throughout their communities. By fostering a sense of agency and responsibility, the Eco-Club cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will champion conservation for years to come.
The School Eco-Club initiative serves as a pathway for grassroots change. By empowering children with knowledge and practical tools, the program builds resilient, conservation-oriented communities. Students become advocates for sustainable living and biodiversity preservation, making a meaningful impact in even the most remote regions of Nepal.
The Eco-Club is not just a program; it is a movement. Through their actions, these young conservationists are laying the foundation for a future where communities and nature coexist in harmony, demonstrating that even small local efforts can lead to significant, positive changes for the planet.
Activities:
Inspiring Practical Learning and Action
Eco-Clubs combine environmental education with hands-on experiences, empowering students to apply their knowledge through meaningful actions that benefit their schools, communities, and local ecosystems. These activities also enhance their understanding of curriculum-based practical concepts.
Environmental Hygiene:
Eco-Club members organize clean-up campaigns within their schools, villages, and natural surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in their environment. These efforts create cleaner, healthier communities while instilling a culture of care and stewardship.
Tree Plantations:
Students lead and participate in tree-planting and reforestation activities, revitalizing degraded areas and enhancing local biodiversity. These activities not only restore habitats but also educate students on the importance of plantations and land improvement.
Wildlife Observation and Monitoring:
Eco-Club members actively participate in biodiversity monitoring by recording wildlife species, documenting observations, and reporting human-wildlife conflict incidents. These practical experiences foster curiosity, develop foundational scientific skills, and promote effective data management with meaningful conservation implications.
Conservation-Aligned Projects:
Students participate in practical activities like gardening, composting, habitat protection, combating game hunting and trapping, and engaging in conservation-themed activities such as dramas and community forums. These projects directly benefit both their academic growth and the sustainability of their communities.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
Eco-Club members act as conservation ambassadors, organizing events such as awareness campaigns, rallies, and nature festivals, inspiring their families and communities to participate and fostering a collective commitment to environmental conservation
UKALI is a community-driven model, focusing on the Upper Karnali Landscape as a learning ground and field campus. Guided by the philosophy of “Leading by Locals,” the initiative ensures that conservation efforts are community-led and grounded in the cultural heritage and values of the landscapes it serves. With the broader vision of developing a replicable approach for other mountain regions in Nepal and beyond, UKALI strengthens local institutions, nurtures conservation leaders, and enhances the capacity of communities to actively participate in and benefit from conservation initiatives.