The battle against plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. But in Patihani, Chitwan, a group Bote community is leading the way—demonstrating that grassroots action, combined with collaboration, can have a profound impact on our environment and communities.  

The Bote community, traditionally known for their fishing and boating skills, is deeply connected to the Rapti River. This vital water source not only sustains their livelihoods but also supports the wildlife in Chitwan National Park and attracts tourists to the region. However, with the growth of tourism and increased human activity around the river, plastic pollution has become a serious concern.  

In response, the Bote community have taken matters into their own hands. Every month, on the first day of the Nepali calendar month, they come together to conduct a river cleanup campaign, specifically targeting plastic waste—PET bottles, plastic wrappers, and other debris that threaten the river’s ecosystem.  

These women are not just cleaning up plastic; they are safeguarding their livelihoods and protecting the natural beauty that draws tourists to their community. Their efforts reflect the deep interdependence between the environment, their community, and the tourism sector that supports their economy.  

While their cleanup efforts are commendable, the challenge doesn’t end with removing plastic from the river. Without proper waste management systems in place, much of the plastic collected is burned, releasing harmful toxins into the air. This highlights a crucial gap—one that the Please Project is working to address.  

Through collaboration with local hotels, recycling facilities, and the Bote community, the Please Project aims to establish a sustainable system for managing plastic waste. By facilitating the collection and recycling of PET bottles, we can reduce harmful practices like burning and create a circular economy that benefits everyone—from the Bote community to the broader tourism sector.   

Under a new agreement facilitated by the CAP Project, the Bote community are now selling the plastic they collect to a recycling facility they are also collaborating with the local hotel to donate/sell the PET bottles which they sell to recycling facility to make additional income. This creates a dual benefit: not only does it prevent plastic from being burned or discarded, but it also provides the community with a new source of income. This initiative is a perfect example of a circular economy—where waste is turned into a resource, helping to preserve the environment and create economic opportunities for marginalized communities.  

For the Bote community living in Patihani, this partnership is more than just a clean-up project—it’s an opportunity to take charge of their environmental future. By engaging in sustainable waste management practices, they are not only reducing plastic pollution but also contributing to a more sustainable tourism model that will benefit future generations.  

The collaboration between the Bote community, local hotels, and recycling organizations serves as a powerful model for sustainable waste management in emerging tourist destinations. It demonstrates the potential of local communities to be at the forefront of environmental solutions, especially when supported by partnerships that foster collaboration, innovation, and mutual benefit.  

The CAP Project is proud to support this initiative, and we are committed to working alongside communities like the Bote women to build sustainable solutions that reduce plastic leakage, promote recycling, and protect our natural resources.  

The Bote community is leading the charge against plastic pollution—and their efforts are making a tangible difference. By turning waste into a resource, they are not only protecting the Rapti River but also creating a positive impact on their community's economy and the environment. This is a prime example of how collective action, fueled by community leadership and collaboration, can drive meaningful change.   

We hope that the story of the Bote community’s work will inspire others to take action in their communities, as we all work together to reduce plastic waste and build a circular economy that benefits both people and the planet.