Nepal imported 380,000 tons of plastics and plastic-made items, along with domestic production of 165,000 tons in fiscal year 2021/22 alone. Plastics has gained massive popularity in the context of Nepal, accounting for 16% of total waste with an average of 2.7 tons of daily plastic waste (ICIMOD, 2018). The presence of microplastics in drinking water to the top of the Mt. Everest has become a significant problem caused by mismanagement of plastic waste. The most commonly used plastics in Nepalese households encompass polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polystyrene (PS), and polyester. Management of plastic waste has been challenging on a global scale, and so is the case in Nepal. Several plastics bans have been introduced in Nepal, such as the Ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns in April 2015, the prohibition on use of plastic bags in Kathmandu Valley in July 2023, etc. However, these bans have not been effectively implemented as there has not been a sustainable alternative for plastic bags and lack of public awareness on the impact of plastic pollution.

Plastic Policy Hackathon is a two-day event organized by Bagmati UNESCO Club in association with Earth Hacks supported by YOUTH Council in Action for Nation. In this event, participants from diverse backgrounds come together to draft suitable policies for minimizing plastic pollution in these four major sectors: rivers, mountains, health, and industry. Drafting a meaningful policy includes problem identification, brainstorming, developing a legal framework, and provisions for innovative plastic waste technologies, along with review and refinement with experts. Any individual or a team with a maximum of 5 members from different academic backgrounds, including environment, agriculture, forestry, climate change, law, engineering, and IT, can participate in the hackathon. The outcome of this 2-day hackathon will be a blue print for the Nepal Government and their delegation to present at the INC-5 in Busan.

Problem Statement: Nepal's Suffocating Plastic Crisis: A Threat to Health, Heritage, and Future

Nepal, a nation renowned for its pristine mountains, sacred rivers, and vibrant cultural heritage, is grappling with a suffocating plastic crisis. The relentless influx of plastic waste is contaminating our water sources, endangering our health, degrading our iconic landscapes, and jeopardising the very foundation of our industries.

The Urgency:

This escalating plastic pollution poses a clear and present danger to the health and well-being of every Nepali citizen. Microplastics infiltrate our food chain, leach toxins into our water, and compromise our respiratory health. The unchecked disposal of plastic waste clogs our rivers, turning them into toxic channels that threaten our agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

Impact on Heritage and Economy:

Nepal's natural beauty, a cornerstone of our tourism industry, is marred by plastic waste. Our mountains, revered as sacred spaces, are littered with plastic debris, eroding their spiritual significance and diminishing their appeal to visitors. This environmental degradation threatens to undermine our economic stability and jeopardize the future of countless industries reliant on Nepal's pristine image.

The Call to Action:

We stand at a critical juncture. The time for complacency is over. The National Level Plastic Policy Hackathon is a clarion call to action, uniting stakeholders from across sectors – health, environment, industry, and government – to forge innovative solutions to this urgent crisis.

Our Challenge:

In just one month, we must develop a comprehensive, actionable, and scalable National Plastic Policy that addresses the multifaceted dimensions of this crisis. We must incentivize sustainable alternatives, promote responsible waste management, empower local communities, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

The Stakes:

The outcomes of this hackathon will not only shape Nepal's environmental future but will also serve as a model for other nations grappling with plastic pollution. By presenting our findings to the Member of Parliament and the INC5 Secretariat, we have the opportunity to influence national policy and drive meaningful change.

Join the Movement:

The time is now. Let us seize this moment to safeguard our health, protect our heritage, and secure a sustainable future for Nepal. Together, we can turn the tide against the plastic crisis and forge a path towards a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous nation.

Competition

Initial Stage:

Applicants have to submit the policy paper on any one of the four challenges. Policy paper’s length should be 3000 - 5,000 words. Applicants can submit policy papers in English or Nepali language.

Final Stage:

20 policy papers will be shortlisted and mentors will be assigned to each team. These selected teams should give presentations based on their written policy papers. Winners will be declared after the evaluation by Judges.