By: Razen Manandhar

Kathmandu: Environmentalists say Rs. 22 million can be earned annually by managing biodegradable waste produced in the Kathmandu valley in an environmentally friendly manner. “If we follow the Clean Development Mechanism, we can earn up to Rs 22 million annually. On top of it, we can make extra bucks by selling manure,” says Bhusan Tuladhar, environmentalist and executive director of the Environment and Public Health Organisation.

CDM is a mechanism that makes developed countries responsible for generating greenhouse gases and pay developing countries that follow environment-friendly methods. In the international carbon market, a ton of ‘carbon credit’ can be sold at $7 to $15. The ENPHO has conducted a feasibility study with an aim to launch a CDM project in the capital by utilizing capital’s biodegradable waste. The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre has received Rs 33.2 million for installing 9,807 biogas plants across the nation for the period of 2004 to 2006. “Through aerobic composting, we cut the emission of carbon. That means, we are saving the world from emission of 300 ton of carbon every day. We can sell our ‘carbon credits’ to developed countries,” he says.
According to Tuladhar, a biogas plant can be built in 100 to 200 ropani at a cost of Rs 10-
22 million. Such a plant operates throughout the year and generates income. The plant can also generate around Rs 60 million per year through the sale of manure. Though the process is lengthy and difficult, the AEPC has proved that selling of carbon is possible in Nepal.
Sandip Chamling Rai, climate change officer at the WWF Nepal, says the turning of a garbage plant into a carbon-financing project is possible. “We can keep the city clean if sectors concerned are committed,” Rai says. “The idea of launching a CDM project is a welcome step,” according to chief of the Environment Department at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Rabin Man Shrestha.

Source: The Himalayan Times, June 7, 2008