Saathi, The Air Bear
Nepal | Saathi, The Air Bear – NYCA | 2024
Namaste!
We are Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), a youth-led coalition tackling air pollution and environmental justice in Nepal. In 2024, we launched the Generation Hope: Saathi the Air Bear Campaign to raise awareness, install air quality monitoring stations, and advocate for clean air policies. Our mission? To empower youth and children with the tools to understand, monitor, and demand action on air pollution.
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18 to 24 years old
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The Right-Sized Problem
Air pollution in Kathmandu is one of the worst in South Asia, with many schools and communities lacking access to real-time air quality data. Without awareness and evidence-based advocacy, youth remain disconnected from solutions to this urgent crisis.
What did we do?
Over six months, we engaged youth, children, and policymakers through installing air quality monitors, school workshops, and climate advocacy events.
Offline Impact
🌍 AQI Machine Installations – Installed air quality monitors in two schools, giving students real-time pollution data.
🎨 Climate Caravan – Children painted their vision for a cleaner future, displayed in six Kathmandu schools.
📜 Letters to the Mayor – 200+ children urged Kathmandu’s Mayor to take action on air pollution.
💡 National Youth Conference on Climate Change (NYCCC) – Trained 70 youth in climate advocacy, leading to a Youth Declaration Paper submitted to the Ministry of Forest & Environment.
🗣️ Policy Discourse on Air Quality – Experts and youth discussed air monitoring, pollution, and policy solutions.
🌍 Mini COP Simulation – Educated children on global climate policies and Nepal’s commitments.
🎭 Sky Symphony Closing Event – Public showcase with cultural performances, flash mobs, and awareness exhibits at Patan Durbar Square.
Online & Media Impact
📱 Digital Advocacy – Grew our Facebook community by 1K+ followers, increasing engagement on air pollution issues.
📢 Media Coverage – National media outlets reported on students and youth advocating for clean air.
Impact in Numbers
450 students engaged in air pollution awareness activities.
675 additional youth & children involved through NYCCC, Mini-COP & advocacy events.
200 letters delivered to the Mayor, amplifying youth demands for clean air policies.
Schools & communities now have access to real-time air quality data.
Youth Declaration Paper submitted to the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
One of the most inspiring moments was when students began recognizing pollution levels and taking action, from advocating for mask usage on high AQI days to influencing their families on air pollution awareness.
What’s Next?
We are continuing our fight for clean air by:
📌 Scaling up AQI monitoring in more schools.
📌 Expanding youth-led climate advocacy at local and national levels.
📌 Ensuring government commitments turn into action through ongoing policy engagement.
Follow our journey:
📍 Facebook: Nepalese Youth for Climate Action
