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The first phase of the Sustainable Community Development Programme (SCDP), a joint undertaking of National Planning Commission and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has completed at the end of 1999. This Programme, also known as Nepal Capacity 21, was launched in three remote and most disadvantaged districts of Mid and Far Western Development Region since the end of 1996 that involved all sectors of all the levels to achieve the sustainable development. The Phase I provided us a variety of experiences, which can be the valuable assets in order to promoting synergic efforts for sustainable community development practices in Nepal and perhaps in abroad too.
As it is emphasised in Agenda 21 endorsed in the Earth Summit held at the Rio de Jeneiro in 1992, which integrates socio-economic development and environment management, the SCDP reflects this approach into practice. It involves mobilising the community at settlement level to address the local needs and help the national level policy makers realising policies appropriate. Alleviating poverty through building the capacity of CBOs, NGOs and GOs for managing the watershed to achieve sustainable development in the long run is the thrust of SCDP. It is noteworthy that His Majesty's Government of Nepal has already recognised the process and methods appropriate to sustainable development and is, in deed, moving towards formulation of a National Agenda 21 as a blue print for Nepal's sustainable development strategies in 21st century.
This year witnessed many people-centered changes in social, economic and environment sectors. With relevant case studies, this report also attempts to highlight the remarkable year-long achievements, its shortcomings and future outlook.. For this, the Programme in Surkhet, Dang and Kailali districts will be supported for further consolidation and its activities will be expanded in three new districts -Humla, Myagdi and Okhaldhungha.
We are grateful to Mr. Hari Shankar Tripathi, Member of the National Planning Commission and Dr. Henning Karcher, Resident Representative of UNDP/Nepal for their generous support to the Programme that inspired us to continue our efforts to improve the livelihood of rural people. We are also grateful to the Executive Committee members and Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and the Sustainable Development Network (SDN) for providing feedback at both the levels, macro and micro.
Finally, we congratulate SDC members, CBOs, SDFs and staff working at the grassroots level for the achievement they gained despite several challengs they had encountered during programme implementation. The SCDP is gradually making efforts to multiply the benefits and to establish a community-based sustainable development system.
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| Laxmi Maskey National Programme Director Joint Secretary to the National Planning Commission |
Hum Bahadur Gurung
National Programme Manager SCDP (Nepal Capacity 21) |