Large scale plantation and SALT approach was initiated by the project for land slope stabilization, erosion control, and greenery promotion. Women were mobilized for anti-poaching campaign which reduced wild animal poaching by 80%. The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides/insecticides was brought down and organic farming was encouraged to maintain the overall environmental health. The project enforced some versatile ideas to conserve environment and improve livelihoods simultaneously. Growing of crops which have high market value, do not require tilling and provide essential nutrients to the soil such as black gram, soybean, adzuki bean, cow bean and French bean were promoted in 9 ha. As part of resource management, Riktekhola drinking water system of Kupintar, Paurangkhola drinking water system of Deutis and Nimtikhola drinking water system of Ghairang were repaired and maintained. Now 80 households get regular supply of potable water and the surplus water irrigates 14.5 hectares of land. Easy supply of fodder and water has reduced women's drudgery and curtailed their work by 5 hours daily.

Two hundred fifteen farmers were able to earn NRs 14200 to 18500 per month from ginger, turmeric pineapple and banana grown in 9 hectares of land, and grasses and fodder tree species in 19 hectares. The greenery has also contributed in preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil productivity. For the dual purpose of enriching people's diet and stabilizing land, a variety of leguminous crops that do not require tilling were planted in 9 hectares of area. Chepang people used to pick wild fruits and roots haphazardly and even kill monkeys for consumption in the face of food insecurity. But now the pressure on environmental resources has decreased as food sufficiency has increased from 3 months to 11 months. Three irrigation systems and rehabilitation of 10 conservation ponds were constructed to farm productivity from 10-30 Quintal/ha. Organic farming was initiated in 15 ha of land for its environmental and health benefits from which 88 farmers earned NRs 10 million. Since uterine prolapsed is very common in Chepang women, the project coordinated with a local health post to surgery of 17 women for the first time. The income fetched from various sources is being used for health treatment and children education


Women empowerment has been a key focus of the initiative from the beginning. Women were selected as leaders in Community Forest Users Groups and Drinking Water Management Committees for the first time. There are 17 women working as leaders in seven community based organizations. Weekly and monthly reviews of their work have permitted them to correct their mistakes and sharpen their skills. Women were mandatorily elected for managerial roles, trainings and exposure visits. The involvement of women allows them to interact with larger number of people and see more of the outside world. Through these endeavors women were given a platform to express themselves, their issues and concerns. Letting women to lead groups and committees not only boosted their confidence but also increased their popularity and prestige in the community.


The project works exclusively for the poor and underprivileged ethnic minority groups. Chepang and Tamang are highly oppressed marginal groups of Nepal. All the seed supports, water schemes and other livelihood supports have been targeted for these people. Altogether 230 Chepang and 285 Tamang families have benefitted from the initiative of which 70% of them are females. The project facilitated the reformation of community based organizations to accommodate women (at least 33% women involvement in all institutions, groups and committees) and minority groups. It has adhered to the principle of GESI (Gender and Social Inclusion) from the start whether for hiring staff or selecting participants for trainings. The promotion of ?Social audits? of all the programs, plans and budget has helped to foster transparency, accountability and rule of law. The linkage of natural resource (land, water, and forest) based initiatives with local culture and tradition has opened up many avenues for the participation of marginalized and underprivileged people.