KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 28
Bote are river people who primarily live in Bharatpur, Chitwan. Their major profession is primarily fishing-related. And Bote people are an essential cog in the wheel for anyone who wants to understand the river and the life that surrounds it.
However, they are often overshadowed by the Tharu community, and they primarily live along the East Rapti and Narayani rivers that border Chitwan National Park, with some Bote settlements in Gorkha, Tanahu, and Lamjung.
The Bote are a little-known indigenous group in Nepal. According to the 2021 census, there are 11,258 Bote people.
Recently, Project Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers of Nepal (CAP) team members from CREASION Nepal have aimed to divert plastic waste into the product value chain from landfills and rivers by strengthening plastic waste collection mechanisms and strengthening recycling efforts through the introduction of technological innovations conducted FGD with the Bote Community.
They shared that they are associated with boat tourism and fishing; that's why Bote.
"On October 26, 2024, a transformative training session titled "Capacity Building Training for Vulnerable Communities" took place, uniting 20 participants from the Bote community and informal waste workers (IWW)," said CREASION Nepal Secretary and focal person of project CAP, Sujata Koirala.
"This training aimed to raise awareness about plastic waste, its environmental impact, and the principles of the circular economy. It featured hands-on activities focused on problem identification and practical solutions. Participants learnt effective techniques for collecting, sorting, and selling plastic waste, transforming a pressing issue into valuable economic opportunities."
Additionally, the training included sessions on savings and investment strategies to secure their financial futures, along with essential topics like gender equality and health and safety practices.
Among the participants, there were 6 males and 14 females: 3 males and 7 females from the Bote community, and 3 males and 7 females from the informal waste worker's sector.
Koirala emphasised that the Bote people, known for their heritage of ferrying travellers across rivers and fishing, share a profound connection to their environment.
"However, their livelihoods are increasingly at risk due to plastic pollution threatening the health of their rivers. This training is vital for their sustainability, empowering them to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the river, ultimately reducing pollution and protecting their community," she said.
"Through these efforts, we aim to inspire a collective movement toward effectively managing plastic waste, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for future generations."