In 2016, we conducted extensive analysis of the existing Nepalese education curriculum to find anchors and entry points to bridge environmental education. Based on this we began design of special modules tied to the 22 Learning Grounds in Yangshila. We also started to tag local species along this trail to highlight the properties of native species that local people may have ignored or under-valued. In this way, our education work will help advance conservation goals.

In 2016, we also set up our first climate monitoring station and designed our first community permaculture farm which will essentially be a village classroom to teach organic agriculture principles in a demonstrative way. Our view to education is to move beyond book learning and to consider economically viable forms of training and capacity building which will also bolster conservation goals.

Durga Kattel, KTK-BELT’s environmental education fellow, supported by Habeli Outdoor Learning Center and local teachers, will help create a pilot program in Yangshila that can be replicated all over the VDC and in the other regions of the KTK-BELT landscape.