Our forefathers experimented for generations to establish indigenous knowledge and customs, which are currently passed down from generation to generation. Indigenous knowledge is the most effective method for sustainable development. In the past, people were known to have content and healthy lives. A little town was the world to itself, the environment was healthier, and there were fewer fundamental requirements.
History is close by. Nepal used to be self-sufficient in every way. Our ancestors were bold, courageous, and hardworking people who refused to let any other country's dictatorship reign over our country. All our fundamental needs were prepared for and developed by our great-grandparents.
Until we relied on native and local customs and companies rather than imported goods, the nation and its citizens remained tranquil and healthy. But as soon as the goods that were imported started to dominate our local marketplaces, people started to become less interested in traditional and native ways of life. As a result, the environment started degrading at an increasing rate due to the growth of fancy and non-biodegradable products in the markets.
Time is incredibly valuable. It keeps people informed of all environmental changes. The majority of people in the world have learned from their mistakes as we now move into the twenty-first century. They now understand that every negative consequence that the planet and human beings are facing today is the result of their daily activities. As a result, some people are developing environmentally friendly business concepts, and others are committing to exclusively consume environmentally friendly foods.
As an innovation coordinator for the European Union-funded Project for Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth based at CREASION, I was given the responsibility to explore environmentally and climate-friendly firms and ideas amongst the youths of Madhesh Province and provide support in framing their businesses to generate profitable and sustainable goods.
As part of my role, I got an opportunity to observe many small startup environments and climate-friendly businesses from a very close distance. I was surprised to see young people coming up with indigenous business knowledge with great passion and determination. However, the pain point of almost every aspiring entrepreneur is that they have struggled to find their ideal target market.
Rekha Marik is 26 years old. For many generations, her family has produced Dhakia Konia. Rekha claims that her ancestors were wealthier when they had the same business, but that she is now having trouble supporting her family since the market value of their handcrafted goods has been degraded due to cheap plastic products in the market. Another budding entrepreneur is Sushma Shah. She has long worked as a trainer for eco-pads and now manufactures locally-made cotton pads that are excellent for both the environment and human health. She also is aware of how individuals are conscious of their health and the environment but still choose to purchase synthetic sanitary pads from the market. Most individuals recognize the environment and climate-friendly products, but only a small percentage utilize them.
Environment and climate-friendly products are more than simply products, they represent the tale of genuine entrepreneurs and the hardship they endured to create the product. Some climate-friendly products are indigenous, they are made by hand with love and blessings. Some products carry symbolic significance with cultural values and norms. One such example is the Mithila art. I had heard about the Mithila Kingdom, and its kings and queens in the form of stories. I am over warmed to see the youth bringing entrepreneurial ideas to promote history in the form of art during the Climate Smart Entrepreneurship Program. If you are an antique fashion and handicraft lover then do check out their amazing Mithila art depicted product at Mithila art (Art for Climate) in the town.
Everyone strives to maintain good health and is extremely selective about the food that they buy from the modern market. At the same time, they are also aware of how challenging it can be to create pesticide-free and organic agricultural products. But when it comes to buying food people would rather choose chemically contaminated products over organic and pesticide-free products to save a small amount of cash. Such customer behavior has demotivated young start-up entrepreneurs despite their passion and determination to support the green climate of the world.
Climate Smart Entrepreneurship is the most required development for our generation as they are the only sustainable solution to fight back against the negative consequences of Climate Change. Very few people such as indigenous and innovative youth are coming forward to initiate Climate Smart Entrepreneurship. However, these entrepreneurs are facing various challenges in scaling up and ensuring that their businesses add to sustainable impact. Indigenous people possess knowledge of local ecosystems and which climate actions can be effective for them. Similarly, youth are initiating innovation through their years of research. A business model that promotes leadership, and knowledge that also supports the values of local communities along with a healthy environment is a key foundation to any efforts directed towards enhancing climate resilience. Therefore, it is our responsibility to support indigenous and Climate Smart Entrepreneurs for the betterment of our health, and the planet and the overall prosperity of our upcoming generations.
