Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling in Pokhara (GCRU)
Introduction to Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling in Pokhara (GCRU)
The Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling in Pokhara (GCRU) project promotes a circular economy by replacing the traditional ‘throwaway’ model with sustainable recycling and upcycling (RU) solutions. This shift aims to reduce solid waste pollution, lower environmental impact, and create green jobs.
Green Decision Labs and Research (GD Labs) is one of the facilitating partners in this United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led initiative, funded by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and supported by Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) project. GD Labs focuses on skills development, enterprise incubation, and community empowerment to support the growth of community-driven RU enterprises.
Role of GD Labs and Research in the GCRU Project
GD Labs and Research brings innovation and community engagement to the core of the GCRU project through a multi-layered approach:
- Policy and Coordination Support: Work with local government to create an enabling environment for community-led recycling and upcycling solutions.
- Green Venture Zone (GVZ): A dynamic learning and innovation hub, the GVZ supports the incubation and development of RU enterprises while serving as a space for experimentation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
- Community Empowerment: In collaboration with local stakeholders, we train and support members from 136 Tole Lane Organizations (TLOs) across the PMC. Participants are equipped with technical skills in waste segregation, safe handling, and upcycling while also receiving support in entrepreneurship and business development.
Through these efforts, GD Labs is not just facilitating training— but also building pathways to sustainable livelihoods, fostering environmental stewardship, and helping establish a resilient circular economy in Pokhara.
Timeline of Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling (GCRU)
Selected Team/Idea for the SDT 2 of Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling (GCRU) Project
विचार (Idea) | वडा | टोल | सम्पर्क व्यक्ति | टोली सदस्यहरू |
स्रोत व्यवस्थापन केन्द्र | ५ | माछापुच्छ्रे टोल, गैरीगाउँ टोल, नमुना मिलन टोल | चूडामणि अधिकारी | रामप्रसाद पौडेल, संतोशी सुवेदी ढकाल, सुमित्रा सापकोटा, सञ्जु भण्डारी |
एयरपोर्ट टोल फोहोर व्यवस्थापन | ८ | पुरानो एयरपोर्ट | आशा जिसी | आशु गुरुङ, रिना थापा मगर |
वस्त्र अपसाइकलिङ | ९ | नयाँबजार टोल | सुदा रेग्मी | इरा जामरकटेल भण्डारी, टीका पोखरेल |
अपसाइकलिङ | २२ | दुर्गालक्ष्मी टोल | सुवास बराल | खेमराज बराल, लक्ष्मी बराल, नारायण बहादुर खत्री, कुल प्रसाद बराल, महेन्द्र पौडेल, झम्कनाथ देवकोटा |
रिसोर्स यूटिलाइजेसन केन्द्र | ९ | शान्तिबन टोल | दिल बहादुर गुरुङ | प्रतिमा गुरुङ, लक्ष्मी शाक्य, अनिशा गुरुङ |
फूल अगरबत्ती | ४ | सिद्धार्थचोक | शर्मिला पौडेल | – |
कृषि | ४ | सिद्धार्थचोक | लक्ष्मी पराजुली | – |
फाइबर अपसाइकलिङ | ३ | नदीपुर टोल | ओशन थापा मगर | – |
RU हस्तकला | ८ | शिवालय टोल | पुष्पा देवी सापकोटा | – |
हाम्रो जीवनशैली | ९ | पार्वती टोल र कृष्ण टोल | पूजा बि क र टोली | – |
फाइबर उत्पादन | ९ | बसपार्क टोल | रसिदा खातुन | – |
ई-वेस्ट | ९ | शान्तिबन टोल | खेम बहादुर नेपाली | – |
दाजुभाइ फोहोर संकलन केन्द्र | २३ | – | रुद्र बहादुर राना (विकास) | – |
Our Impact So Far
The GCRU project is already making significant strides:
- Conducted Skill Development Trainings (SDT 1) for over 100 community members.
- Launched the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify promising community-led RU enterprises.
- Set up the foundation for a 5-day Bootcamp (SDT 2) to incubate selected RU groups and prepare them for real-world enterprise building.
- Ongoing field visits and feedback loops have enabled GD Labs to provide responsive and targeted support to both participants and community partners.
Looking Ahead
As the project evolves, GD Labs will continue to support:
- The establishment and growth of RU enterprises within the GVZ framework.
- Strengthened market linkages and institutional capacity for community RU groups.
- Recognition and support for top-performing teams through the RU Awards.
We believe this initiative is a blueprint for green transformation—one that can be replicated in other cities and regions. Through GCRU, we aim to demonstrate that waste can be a resource and that empowered communities are the key to building a greener, more inclusive future.
FAQs about Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling (GCRU) project
The GCRU is a project designed to promote the green economy by establishing recycling/upcycling (RU) enterprises based on the circular economy model in place of the current ‘throw away’ approach, thereby increasing green jobs and reducing pollution and the environmental impact of solid waste.
Learn More about the GCRU project here: https://www.undp.org/nepal/projects/green-job-creation-through-recycling-and-upcycling
Green Decision Labs and Research (GD Labs) is engaged in the GCRU project as one of the facilitating organizations. GD Labs is responsible for planning and executing community outreach, conducting training programs, shortlisting participants, and incubating potential RU enterprises for wards number 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 22, and 23 of the Pokhara Metropolitan City.
Additionally, GD Labs is providing a significant role in the setup of the Green Venture Zone (GVZ) of the GCRU Project and supporting the end-to-end process of connecting community-level RU groups with enterprise opportunities, contributing to both environmental sustainability and green job creation in Pokhara.
While you may not be directly connected with the GCRU project at the moment, you can still support its objectives by engaging with the cause of cleaning your city and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Green Decision Labs and Research (GD Labs) is always open to future collaborations with individuals, organizations, and communities who share the vision of building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable environment. If you’re passionate about this cause, there will be opportunities to work together and contribute to the growth of Recycling and Upcycling (RU) initiatives in the future.