Environmental research

In a typical Himalayan houses, fuelwood is used not only for cooking but the fire is seldom putout as it serve the duel purpose of cloth to keep the body warm and blanket to sleep with. Firewood usage in the rural communities of Nepal is the highest in Asia, with approximately 95% of the fuel being used for cooking, heating and lighting. This has raised both environment and health imperatives. A recent study from ITDG claims that 1.6 million deaths worldwide every year accredited to solid fuel smoke in homes. A death toll greater than that of malaria. Thus in order to curb the deforestation and improve health quality, one of the best alternative is to improve the kitchen standards, which can be easily attained through the local initiatives. The project has aimed to install 120 ecostove which would also serve as the heater in the home and 80 ten watt solar home system in Baglung. The target beneficiaries are the indigenous Majhis (the fishermen tribes). The project would also train the villagers of the new technologty and engaged them in organic farming to improve the economic standards.

Nepal