Stakeholders Convene for inception of “SWACHYA SAGARMATHA” project to advance Sustainable Waste Management in the Everest Region
12 Dec 2025, Kathmandu: WWF Nepal and the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) today convened key government representatives, local authorities, development partners, and community organizations at the inception workshop of the Swachya Sagarmatha: Sustainable Waste Management for Clean Himalaya Project. SWACHYA Sagarmatha is a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management systems including e-waste handling across the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) and its Buffer Zone.
The project will be implemented by WWF Nepal in close partnership with SPCC, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Sagarmatha National Park Office, the Buffer Zone Management Committee, and local waste management groups. Funded by the Thomas L. Kempner, Jr. Foundation, the initiative aligns with the Environmental Pollution Control and Sustainable Waste Management Plan 2023 of the rural municipality. “Everest is more than a mountain it is our national pride and a shared responsibility. The long-standing work of SPCC, which began as a small pollution control project, and initiatives like the Sagarmatha Community Agro-Forestry Project show that lasting conservation is only possible when communities, government and partners come together with committed governance. It is our national duty to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of Sagarmatha and I wish this project all the best and look forward to see its impact.” , remarked Honourable Sonam Geljen Sherpa, Chairperson, Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee.
With tourism increasing from roughly 20,000 visitors in 1998 to over 50,000 in 2023, waste management has become a pressing environmental concern in the Khumbu region. The inception workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss project priorities, share insights, and collectively identify pathways for long-term, community-driven solutions. “For over three decades, SPCC has been at the forefront of waste management in the Everest region. But the scale and complexity of waste is growing rapidly. This project strengthens our community-led model by improving infrastructure, advancing recycling practices, and empowering local people with the skills and knowledge they need. We are grateful to see all stakeholders come together to prioritize the sustainable waste management and wellbeing of our mountains.”, said Mr. Tshering Sherpa, CEO, SPCC.
The program brought together federal ministries, development organizations, and representatives from Sagarmatha National Park and its Buffer Zone, private sector, media etc. to inform about the project and to receive feedback and suggestions foy h successful implementation of the project. Discussions focused on project design, community capacity building, waste segregation practices, collaboration avenues to establish a system for collecting, processing, and transporting waste, including the region’s rising volumes of electronic waste.
“The Everest region is not only a symbol of Nepal’s natural heritage but also a global icon of resilience and environmental stewardship. As tourism grows, so does our responsibility to
protect this natural world heritage site. This project brings together all key actors, from local communities to national authorities to build a waste management system that is sustainable, practical, and locally owned.”, said Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. “Our shared commitment today reflects a long-term vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Sagarmatha.”, he added. The workshop concluded with commitments to strengthen coordination among government agencies, conservation partners, and community institutions, ensuring that activities under the Swachya Sagarmatha Project are inclusive, effective, and grounded in local realities.
Photo : Sneha Tamrakar/WWF Nepal
