The Nepal Weekly 
June 4, 2024On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Green Impact Nepal (GIN) in collaboration with Land Our Future (LOF)organized the eco-hike to Marble dada, in Godawari. In a pre-celebration of World Environment Day, a group of 23 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of Green Impact Nepal (GIN) and organizers from Land Our Future (LOF), embarked on a half a day eco-hike to Marbaldada. The hike aimed at raising awareness about this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Land Restoration,” and explore ideas to revive the degraded landscape.
Marbaldada used to have a very intact environment like Phuchowaki dada. However, land has been left barren due to the devastating impact of marble factory that was established there. But The national authorities have intervened for the regular conduction of the factory because the mining for the conduction of the factory destroyed the intact forest ecosystem terribly. Those horrible historical events of those area was shard by the former minister Sunil Manandhar.
The eco-hike participants, ranging from medical professionals to foresters and engineers, visited the site to assess the environmental depletion and brainstorm restoration ideas. The group discussed the potential of transforming Marbaldada into a tourist destination or focusing on natural restoration through plantations and creating a flower demonstration site showcasing the biodiversity of Godawari Park. The eco-hike concluded with a visit to Godawari Park, where participants studied the park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of land restoration and the collective responsibility to protect our environment. As World Environment Day approaches, this eco-hike has set the stage for further discussions and actions towards a more sustainable future. (By Deepa Dahal)
