The OneYouthOnePlant (OYOP) Campaign, spearheaded by the Nepal Youth Council (NYC) in collaboration with Ncell and co-supported by FAO Nepal, was successfully concluded, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Held from June 28 to July 5, 2024, this nationwide initiative engaged thousands of young Nepalis in combating climate change through tree planting and community action.
Campaign Objectives
The OYOP Campaign aimed to:
- Promote Environmental Stewardship: Encourage youth to participate in tree planting and take responsibility for environmental protection.
- Empower Youth: Provide leadership and proactive opportunities for young people to engage in climate action.
- Enhance Community Engagement: Strengthen local ownership of environmental efforts through active community involvement.
- Advance Educational Outreach: Raise awareness about environmental conservation through workshops and public campaigns.
A Green Initiative with National Impact
The campaign launched on June 28, coinciding with National Tree Plantation Day (14th of Ashar), began with a symbolic ceremony at Suvaghat, Nuwakot—an area of significant historical relevance from Nepal’s unification era. It was the exact spot where Prithvi Narayan Shah and his troops rested during Nepal’s unification. Choosing this landmark underscored the campaign’s connection between Nepal’s rich history and its future environmental goals. This launch marked the beginning of a nationwide effort that saw the planting of an impressive 11,490 saplings, surpassing the original goal of 7,700.
Tree Diversity
The campaign saw a diverse range of trees planted, including fruit trees, flowering plants, and multipurpose species, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.
Provincial Participation
The campaign spanned all provinces of Nepal, with participation as follows:
- Koshi Province: 1,717 saplings were planted by 1,308 participants.
- Madhesh Province: 2,685 saplings were planted by 1,160 participants.
- Bagmati Province: 1,338 saplings were planted by 1,118 participants.
- Gandaki Province: 1,150 saplings were planted by 868 youths.
- Lumbini Province: 2,645 saplings were planted by 1,929 participants.
- Karnali Province: 1,085 saplings were planted by 725 participants.
- Sudurpashchim Province: 870 saplings planted by 659 participants.
Campaign Effectiveness and Insights
The campaign proved highly adaptable and effective. In urban areas, significant group participation from youths, students, officials, and environmental activists resulted in sapling plantations across public spaces such as barren lands, parks, riverbanks, schools, and colleges. In contrast, remote regions saw dedicated individuals leading the planting efforts. The enthusiastic involvement of 7,767 youths highlighted the campaign’s impact and demonstrated the power of community collaboration.
Impact and Results
The OYOP Campaign achieved significant results:
- Environmental Impact: Contributions to carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
- Community Engagement: Strong local involvement reflecting widespread support for sustainability.
- Policy Advocacy: Efforts to influence national policies on environmental stewardship and youth development.
Looking Forward
The success of the OneYouthOnePlant Campaign demonstrates the transformative potential of youth-led environmental initiatives. It highlights how collective action can drive meaningful change and sets a precedent for future environmental efforts. NYC, Ncell, and FAO Nepal are proud of the campaign’s impact and remain committed to fostering a greener, more sustainable future for Nepal.
