Bridging Boundaries: A Joint Expedition of Renewable World UK, Nepal’s Central Team and Project Partners at REALiZe Project Sites
Figure 1 Mr. Bhupendra Kandel hosting the visit in Bheriganga-2, Sadhane, Surkhet

In a pioneering venture into the pristine wilderness of Buffer Zones of Bardiya and Banke National Parks, the Renewable World UK team, in collaboration with Nepal’s central team and LI-BIRD’s project team, embarked on a transformative exploration of the Renewable Energy Access for Fragile Buffer Zones (REALiZe) project sites. Nestled at the top of Chure Ridge with no roads, no electricity, and higher human-wildlife conflict conditions, these project sites stand as beacons of hope, intertwining renewable energy solutions with conservation and community empowerment.

Figure 2 Team observing Solar Mill at Bheriganga-02, Sadhane, Surkhet

During the visit, one of the most notable interventions was the Solar Mill, strategically positioned in areas inaccessible by road which is being highly used for milling rice and other cereal crops. Here, renewable energy has not only become a lifeline for remote communities but also ensured the delicate balance of these pristine buffer zones remains undisturbed. The Solar Mill showcased how sustainable energy practices can be integrated into daily life, providing an alternative to conventional power sources in areas where access is a significant challenge.

During the visit, the visitor’s team also appraised the Solar Lift Multi Water Use System (SMUS) located at Barahtal RM, Tijugaira.

Figure 3 Solar MUS Scheme visit at Barahatal RM (Tijugaira)

The SMUS has had a significant impact in regions where there is limited access to energy and water. By harnessing solar power for water pumping systems, the project not only addresses the critical water needs of communities but also aids in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, a prevalent issue in these areas. Access to water ensures that both people and wildlife can coexist more harmoniously.

Similarly, the team also visited the Solar Communication Center located at Bheriganga-1, Tallo Bharyang, functioning without conventional electricity, which is playing a pivotal role in connecting communities, conservationists, and authorities. Powered by solar energy, this center becomes a lifeline for disseminating information, raising awareness about human-wildlife conflicts, and fostering a sense of community resilience.

Figure 4: Observing Solar Communication Center at Bheriganga-1, Tallo Bharyang, Surkhet

 The team also visited the solar dryer located at Bheriganga-2, Sadhane, Surkhet. Despite the obstacles posed by limited road access and electricity, the solar dryer for zinger and turmeric stands out as an example of environmental friendly post-harvest methods. By utilizing solar energy for drying crops, the project not only adds value to local produce but also contributes to reducing human wildlife conflict at local level, as less reliance on traditional drying methods reduces the need for large expanses of open land.

Figure 5 Solar dryer at Bheriganga-02, Sadhane, Surkhet

Likewise, the team also had an opportunity to observe multi-purpose nursery at Harre, Surkhet, thriving in the heart of these remote buffer zones, symbolizes resilience and empowerment. The nursery serves as an economic engine, providing locals with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods while fostering a sense of stewardship for the natural environment.

As the Renewable World UK team and Nepal’s central team delved into the REALiZe project, the significance of their collaborative efforts in contributing to local livelihoods in human-wildlife conflict reduction became apparent. Through the strategic integration of renewable energy solutions, these initiatives are not only illuminating the darkness of energy poverty but also lighting the way for coexistence between communities and the wildlife that shares their habitat.

In the face of challenges posed by the lack of road access and electricity, the REALiZe project stands out as an evidence of the power of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. It’s a story of communities overcoming obstacles, of nature and technology converging for a brighter, more harmonious future in some of the most remote and challenging environments.

Visit Team:

Name

Organization

Eamon Cassidy

RW, Chief Executive Officer

Al Richardson

RW, Global Program Director

Thakur Thapa

RW, Country Director for Nepal

Suman Shrestha

RW, Project Manager (REALiZe)

Suman Acharya

RW, Regional Technical Officer (RTO)

Bikash Chaudhary

RW, MEAL Officer

Krishna Lamsal

LI-BIRD, Team Leader (REALiZe)

Raksha Thakuri

LI-BIRD, Conservation Officer (REALiZe)

Bhupendra Kandel

Sundar Nepal Sanstha (SNS), Executive Director

Naresh Thapa

Sundar Nepal Sanstha (SNS)