Korean government has pledged $9.8 million to facilitate the creation of green jobs in Pokhara.
The Republic of Korea's government has committed to providing a grant of USD 9.8 million to foster the creation of green jobs in Pokhara. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the "Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling Project in Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC)" occurred during an event at the Ministry of Finance, with Taeyoung Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, and Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, as signatories. Also present at the event were Mooheon Kong, Country Director of KOICA Nepal Office, and Mr. Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.
Under this initiative, the Korean Government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will allocate USD 9.8 million for the project, which will be executed by UNDP in Pokhara in close collaboration with MoFAGA and Pokhara Metropolitan City. The primary aim is to establish sustainable recycling and upcycling enterprises to promote environmentally friendly economic practices. A pivotal aspect of the project involves the establishment of a Green Venture Zone (GVZ), serving as a hub for recycling, upcycling, innovation, and startups. The GVZ will feature exhibitions showcasing products crafted from recycled materials and host national and international events centered around environmental themes.
The project will introduce programs focusing on recycling and upcycling ventures while also aiming to instigate behavioral changes related to waste management. It targets the establishment of 30 Recycle Upcycle (RU) enterprises, thereby creating numerous green job opportunities in Pokhara. These efforts are expected to foster significant behavioral changes at the community level, promoting waste segregation practices at households and reducing the strain on Pokhara's waste disposal sites.
PMC anticipates that the project will streamline waste management processes, leading to sustainable solutions for landfill site management. Additionally, it aims to enhance Pokhara's appeal as a tourist destination, especially after its recent designation as the country's tourism capital. PMC also intends to showcase its successful circular economy model created through recycling and upcycling to other Nepalese cities.
During the event, Secretary Marasini expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to strengthen bilateral relations. Ambassador Park highlighted the project's opportunities for unemployed individuals to utilize their skills, establish green ventures, and contribute to the country's economic growth. Kong underscored the project's role in enhancing waste management practices in Pokhara and positioning the city globally through the GVZ concept.
The event also commemorated the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Korea. Ambassador Park reiterated Nepal's significance as a priority country for development cooperation and pledged to further enhance cooperation between the two nations. Since 1991, the Government of the Republic of Korea has supported Nepal through KOICA in various sectors, including health, vocational training, rural development, and IT, with a total support exceeding USD 200 million by 2023. This assistance encompasses various projects, capacity enhancement programs, and the World Friends Korea (WFK) program, which has deployed volunteers and specialists to Nepal.