My First Week in Hong Kong

By Anjila Manandhar**


When I first landed in Hong Kong the weather was cold and the air was clean. I silently said to my self “It’s been ages I haven’t breathe clean air, now I don’t have to inhale dust and smoke for at least 10 months.” I wish I could take clean air back home to my country. Hong Kong also has air pollution problem but the roads are not dusty like we have in Kathmandu. On my way to my new home the first thing I noticed are the very tall buildings, lots of greeneries, long underground tunnels, beautiful and colorful two storied buses, an electric train and ferries. Hong Kong has various modes of public transport system.

The second day to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, my office station, I was introduced to a group of research graduates. They took me to the laboratory where they are monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality. The lab was furnished with different types of monitoring equipments which are very new to me. I felt I joined the University again.

It is amazing to see people queuing in front of the bus stand that made me recall my memories during my school time. They lined up to get into the bus; to get into the elevator and even in the shopping centers to pay the bill. They are so well mannered and have respect for each other. All the time we could observe and learn lots of disciplinary lessons from the people here and definitely a success factor of the development.

People like to walk here and so do I. I walk to my office everyday, there are good pathways for the pedestrians, and on the way we pass by a beautiful garden which is like a botanical garden, we can see various species of plants and there are some benches for the people to rest. People use this space for doing exercise in the morning, cycling and playing for kids, jogging and some homeless spend the nights in the place though they are not allowed to lye down there.

Hong Kong is geographically compact and the port are being encroached to build the tall buildings which look good but it blocks the wind which means more pollution and heat is trapped inside. It seems that Hong Kong has one of the world's most efficient, safe, and frequent public transport systems. That may be one of the reasons why I have seen more people (more than 80 %) riding on public vehicles. It is interesting that people pay by using card for the transportation they use. It is Octopus Card an electronic value card which is very easy and convenient to use. It is accepted by almost all forms of public transport and at many fast food chains and stores, save time and eliminates the need for small change.


I had good experiences during my first week and hope to gain more knowledge and experience from here so that I can contribute something to my organization and to my country.


**Ms Anjila Manandhar worked as a Program Coordinator for Clean Energy Nepal. Currently she is posted at Polyuniversity Hongkong under the FK Exchange Program.

“Let’s Walk” for Clean Blue Sky in Kathmandu

By Charina Cabrido and Gopal Raj Joshi

In most developing world cities, a large number of citizens walk as part of their daily social, recreational, and livelihood activities. Every trip begins and ends with a walking trip. Nearly all trips made by people entail some walking, either directly to a destination or to another mode of transport.

In Kathmandu, large section of population prefers to walk. In fact, 18.1 percent of daily trips are made entirely on foot, and of the nearly 56.5 percent of the commuters who use different modes of public transport, a large percentage walk some or large part of their daily commute.

The extent to which pedestrian infrastructure allows people to walk with ease and safety determines quality of the pedestrian environment and the overall transportation network.


Inadequate planning for pedestrians has many negative consequences, the most notable being unnecessary fatalities and injuries. For example, according to study conducted by Kathmandu Valley Mapping Program (KVMP), pedestrians represent up to 40 percent of all fatalities in Kathmandu City in 2001.

Beyond death and injury, an unsafe and inconvenient pedestrian environment impedes social and economic mobility of people. Walking everyday in a chaotic road environment can be both unpleasant and unsafe. Moreover, it reduces the time and energy that people could otherwise devote to work, family, and other productive activities.

Further, lack of sufficient pedestrian infrastructure can be very costly in the long run. Beyond the unnecessary costs incurred from accidents and impeded economic mobility, there are also opportunity costs from lost tourism and investment opportunities -- pedestrian facilities play a significant role in the way outsiders perceive a city’s image.

When cities improve mobility for wealthier residents at the expense of poorer residents (by, for example, building new roads for automobile traffic without including sidewalks), they are cultivating, rather than reducing, social inequity.
Improving pedestrian facilities have high financial returns in terms of economic and environmental benefits due to reductions in emissions and accidents/ fatalities averted.

Walking is a Sustainable Mode of transport in the context of air quality, personal health and global warming. A study done by CAI Asia Center on 30 Indian Cities clearly indicated that nominal increase of 5% mode share in Pedestrians can contribute as much as 9.9% reduction in daily CO2 emissions in an average Indian city ( under prevailing trip/ traffic and control conditions). Walking can cut the use of fossil fuel in vehicles thus lowering emissions of air pollutants.

In 1994 the construction of pedestrian facilities in the Makati , Philippines CBD was initiated, the average walking distance of pedestrians was about 450 meters based on tracking surveys. In 2002 after several of pedestrian facility projects had been completed especially the elevated walkway system, average walking distance had increased to about 700 meters.

In many countries, methods of planning have been redesigned so that social, economic, and environmental objectives are an integral part of sustainable transportation planning. This changes both the process and the content of transportation planning and decision making. Priorities are shifting toward less environmentally damaging modes and improved vehicle technology; optimizing the use of existing capacity; and location and design decisions that support sustainability objectives.

As a first step towards encouraging and helping Kathmandu city to improve its pedestrian infrastructure, CANN, CEN and CAI Asia Center are developing a campaign “Let’s Walk”. Under this campaign, a study on measuring Walkability Index of Kathmandu City will be carried out, which would reveal not only where the city stands in terms of walking situation and which areas require significant improvements, but also identify specific actions city can take to improve their pedestrian infrastructure, as well as related policies and services. Following activities will be carried out in the days to come.
• Lobby with concerned officials in the city government for improved planning and investment in pedestrian infrastructure
• Plan and conduct awareness raising amongst general public using electronic and print media, networks with schools, etc.
• Encourage the walking habits among general people of Kathmandu City.
Let’s walk and Let us walk for clean blue sky in Kathmandu.

Marriage of Trolley Buses

“Marriage? Whose marriage in this month??, “such frequent voices were heard outside the Office of Trolley Bus Office, on Wednesday, 12th of August. While the season is monsoon, the month of Shrawan which is not conventionally the time for marriage in Nepal, Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) in coordination with Clean Air Network Nepal, Clean Energy Nepal and the workers of Trolley Bus Office organized a TROLLEY MARRIAGE with the theme of “Sustainable Transport for Sustainable Future”.
To draw the attention of the Government and the concern agency for the successful execution of Trolley Bus, the pioneer electric vehicle of the country, program was being designed. At the program, two trolley buses were made Bride and the Groom for the marriage. The Trolley Bus has been facing the continuous ups and down in its history of 34 years and mostly down in the recent years.

Relatively, an interaction program was organized on the very day to discuss on the challenges and the future of Sustainable Urban Transport. Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, Environmentalist, Mr. Ratna Sansar Shrestha, Energy Expert, Mr. Bijay Man Sherchan, President of Electric Vehicles Association, Mr. Punya Prasad Bhandari and President of Office of the Trolley Bus were among the speakers on the interaction.
“The electric vehicles are environmentally and economically important for the nation like us, rich in potential hydropower generation,” said Mr. Ratna Sansar Shrestha. Speaking at the same program, Mr Sherchan stressed the fact that there are no alternatives to electric vehicles for the betterment of our environment in Kathmandu. He also urged all attendees to work to revive the pioneer Electric Vehicle of the nation.

The unique wedding was organized to mark the first anniversary of NYCA and the 9th International Youth Day at the Trolley Bus Office in Kathmandu.

Youth for Climate Change and Clean Air in Nepal

To capitalize youth power for disseminating environment friendly attitudes and behaviors among general people and to provoke them for real actions on clean air and climate change, Clean Air Network Nepal is mobilizing a youth forum.

By Gopal Raj Joshi

Youths are energetic and dynamic by nature. If youth power is mobilized sensibly they can play a vital role as a change agent to transform the society. Realizing the potentiality of youth power, Clean Air Network Nepal constituted a youth forum known as Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA). NYCA is a youth led coalition of youth groups or organization across the country. It is working as sister organization of CANN to manage education and awareness campaign on clean air and climate change targeted to various segments of society particularly focusing on youths and policy makers. It is also networking with national and international youth coalition to enhance its niche and partnership.
Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) in association with the Clean Energy Nepal and CANN has been conducting various activities to sensitize youths on issues of Clean Air and Climate Change. These activities include regular training, workshop, interaction programs and public events on various occasions. The knowledge and information gained during such program is not limited with them, the members of NYCA are sharing the information with peers, school students and general public through various college and school based activities.

Youth voice for policy advocacy is another thrust area of NYCA. In this context, NYCA is involved in various policy advocacy and lobbying campaign. Awareness and sensitization campaign for Constitution Assembly members is one of such commendable campaign. Nepal is now under the process of formulating new constitution through newly elected constitution assembly. To include concrete provisions for safeguarding environment and ensuring the right to clean air in upcoming constitutions, constitution assembly members need be sensitized and awared on these issues. For this purpose, NYCA is launching home visit campaign for members of major parties. NYCA has also drafted a policy briefing paper and handed over to constitution assembly members and ministry of environment.

Although NYCA is a new youth forum, it has been successful to create good impression among the youths, governments’ agency and other stakeholders. CANN has been benefitted by public awareness and continuous policy advocacy campaign done by NYCA thus contributing for exposure and existence.

Stakeholders meet to build partnership for clean air in Nepal

Various stakeholders pledged for building partnership for clean air in Nepal during National Stakeholders’ Meeting organized by Clean Air Network Nepal on 31st Dec 2008 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

By Gopal Raj Joshi

Honorable Minister Er. Ganesh Shah of Ministry of Environment Science and Technology inaugurated the meeting. In his keynotes, he suggested to build a wide network and coordinate among the stakeholders. He also added to build pressure to government for reviewing and effective implementation of policies. “I assured to you all to do my best to tackle challenges of air pollution”, he said.
Mr. Gopal Raj Joshi, Network coordinator, Clean Air Network Nepal (CANN) welcomed the participated stakeholders. He highlighted the objectives of the program, vision, activities and way ahead of CANN.
“Some of the major initiatives are taken by MOEST to control air pollution and PM 10 of Kathmandu Valley is much above the national standard “, said Mr Biswa Babu Pudasaini, MOEST.
Local Pollution not only affects the local environment but the air pollutant has trans-boundary effects, said Mrs Bidhya Banmali Pradhan from ICIMOD. “This is the Anthropocene era and power driver of air pollution is humankind, she further added.
Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar, Executive Director of ENPHO presented on the status, challenges and opportunities of air pollution of Kathmandu Valley. “ There is an increase in COPD and other respiratory infection patients and death tolls highly increases in winter approaches due to increase of air pollutants during this season, he said. “Transportation is the major cause of air Pollution and development of transport sector must be people centric rather than vehicle centric.
“Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln is energy efficient and environment friendly technology and such technology must be promoted and supported by government through incentives and financial support, said Mr. Shansank Pandey,VSBK Program Nepal.
The program ended with the group discussion and sharing of ideas on the priorities and action plan on the transport, industry and policy in Nepal.

Priority Needs for Assistance in Air Quality Management for Nepal

One of the major objectives of Clean Air Network Nepal (CANN) is to assist Nepal Government on formulating necessary policy and plans to address the issues of air pollution and climate change. Air Pollution, Transport management, energy use and climate change have very close relationship. Air pollution and Climate Change have generally common driving forces. So, integrated policy and action plan can only solve the problem of air pollution and climate change. It is obvious that Nepal lacks capacity in terms of human resource, technology and resources to address problems of air pollution. Nepal needs substantial support from donors and development agencies to strengthen the national capacity to tackle these emerging issues. In this context, CANN conducted a country needs survey to identify priority needs for assistance and specific types of assistance required.

Priority and Specific Assistance Required

1. Strengthening of national capacity for air quality assessment and management :
Nepal lacks national level network of Air Quality monitoring stations. Government of Nepal set up six monitoring stations in Kathmandu Valley in 2002 with assistance from Danish government. These stations are monitoring PM 10 and 2.5 only since its establishment. But Very little information exists on air quality status outside Kathmandu due to the absence of AQ monitoring stations. The AQ monitoring stations in the valley are also facing problem due to equipment failure and need to upgrade to monitor other major air pollutants. Nepal also lacks a strategy to consolidate and process AQM data for public dissemination and AQM planning.

• Set up national network of AQ monitoring stations
— Install AQ monitoring stations in major cities of Nepal (at least five stations)
— Upgrade AQ monitoring stations in Kathmandu Valley (maintenance of existing stations and add few more stations )
— Set up source apportionment lab
— Regular monitoring of other major air pollutants in valley
— Prepare strategy and activities to effectively use the data and information on AQM to create public awareness and policy actions
 Trainings and capacity building activities on AQM assessment and management for government agencies, NGOs and academic institutions

2 Reducing PM10 and PM 2.5 levels in Kathmandu Valley :
The urban areas particularly in Kathmandu Valley is facing the problem of high concentration of PM10 mainly emitted by fossil fuel-run vehicles, poor roads, and industrial units. There is a high concentration of PM 2.5 in the PM10 samples collected in Kathmandu Valley.
• Update and endorse Kathmandu Valley AQM Action Plans
• Prepare Action Plan of Clean Energy, Clean Air And Climate Change for 5 municipalities of Kathmandu Valley
• Promotion of EVs and public transport system in valley

3 Promoting sustainable transportation planning for urban and intercity transport services with an emphasis on alternative fueled vehicle
Nepal lacks a coherent transport policy.There is a need to provide capacity building within the Ministry of Transportation and Department of Transport Management to handle the challenge of planning and managing a rapidly urbanizing country. Nepal faces two different challenges. The first is planning and implementing an efficient transport plan intercity services. And the second is the challenge to respond to the growing transport need of the urban centers. Transport Ministry and its agencies need the capability to introduce and effectively implement transport policies to meet the growing transportation needs Nepal
• Technical Assistance on preparing environmentally sustainable transport policy and capacity building for concerned agencies
• Implementation of Environment Sustainable Transport System in Municipalities of Kathmandu Valley on pilot basis.

4. Planning an effective vehicle inspection and maintenance system
Nepal lacks an effective and systematic inspection and maintenance system for in-use vehicles. The present inspection system has many loopholes such that the intended results are not achieved.
• Integrated Awareness and Capacity Building Program that targeted to enhance Civic Sense on regular vehicle maintenance
• Training programs on vehicle maintenance for garage workers
• Technical Assistance to improve current vehicle inspection system in Nepal
— Explore potentiality for involvement of private sector or local municipality in vehicle inspection work
— Identify needs for capacity building of private sector or municipality and involve them in vehicle inspection work
• Upgrade the vehicle emission standards for both new and in use vehicles
• Enforcement of the Concept of "driving cycle"

5 Setting a fuel quality standards and updating AQ standards
Although Nepal has an immense potentiality in producing renewable energy, currently depends more on the other countries for the fossil fuel to meet energy demand. The quality of fuel has always been a question and a remarkable thing for the increase in emission. There is definite need in maintain the quality of those things as that directly bear the air quality.
Nepal has adopted National Ambient Air Quality Standards, Emission Standards but these standards need to be updated accordingly.
• Announcement of standard for the fuel such as coal, diesel and other petroleum products
• Formulate National Fuel Economy Policy for transport and industry sector
• promotion of cleaner technology and renewable energy sources in Industry and Transport sector
• Technical Assistance to Nepal Oil Corporation to set up effective inspection and quality control program for assurance of quality of control of petroleum products sold within the country
• Review and update NAAQS and set up standards for important hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, PAH
• Review, update and formulate emission standards for transport and industry sector

5 Strengthening Institution and formulating necessary policy, plan and action points
Nepal lacks a champion institution which is solely responsible for policy formulation, planning, implementation, compliance and necessary coordination among relevant stakeholders. In the absence of a comprehensive Clean Air Act and action plan for AQM, much has yet to be achieved.
• Technical assistance to set up a champion institution within Ministry of Environment and capacity building activities for such institution
• Formulate National Long term Vision for Clean Air
• Formulate compressive clean air act and subsequent action plans

Nepalese Youth for Clean Air and Climate Action

Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) is a youth wing of Clean Air Network Nepal formed with an objective to mobilize Nepalese youth for clean air and climate action through awareness, capacity build up and advocacy. CANN is regularly supporting activities of NYCA. Recently a news report has been published in Tiempo regarding NYCA.

Please visit following link to read more.

http://www.tiempocyberclimate.org/newswatch/report090218.htm