Nepal’s community forests offer climate solutions, one leaf at a time

Nepal's women-led social enterprises are reviving a traditional practice—turning sal leaves into biodegradable plates—and scaling it as both climate solution and income stream. The enterprises, supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and NGOs, employ women from Indigenous communities and rural families across community forests. Global Voices notes that sal leaf production requires minimal energy compared to plastic or foam alternatives, and the community forests have the potential to supply enough leaves for millions of units annually. As climate impacts intensify in Nepal, these initiatives offer a model where environmental protection and economic resilience work together.

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