Nepal’s internationally recognised community forestry approach has enabled communities to manage the forests sustainably. Of these, women-led community forest user groups (CFUGs) are particularly important, yet they still have limited access to green technology, enterprise opportunities and climate finance. The production of biochar from forest biomass represents a potential low-emission, revenue-generating opportunity that can contribute to soil health and climate mitigation. For the sustainable implementation and success of the intervention, a comprehensive feasibility study is necessary to address the technical, economic, environmental, institutional and social aspects. UNDP, within its GCCF-III project, will test a decentralised/scaled-up biochar production methodology and develop carbon market registration (as a cost-effective project) in two women-led CFUGs in Lumbini, with the possibility of project registration in the carbon market. This entails an integrated feasibility study that considers technical, financial, environmental, institutional, and gender aspects.
Biochar technology enables the conversion of agricultural and forestry residues into value-added, carbon-rich products, thereby enhancing soil fertility, sequestering carbon and generating new income streams. Establishing two biochar production units in Dang District aligns with the objectives of the UNDP and UNCDF to promote sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and the principles of a circular economy.
The objective of this assignment is to supply, install, test, commission and hand over two biochar production plants, each with a capacity of minimum 1 ton per day (TPD), in two selected Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Dang District, Nepal.