In November of 2023, Dr Ratna Paudyal led a group of fellow UniSC academics and 26 UniSC multidisciplinary students to Nepal, on a two-week short-term mobility program supported by the New Colombo Plan. This genuine multidisciplinary program, provided UniSC’s environmental science, business and engineering undergraduate students an opportunity to work directly with organisations and communities in Nepal to tackle the global issue of plastic waste.
UniSC students explored various aspects of urban and rural life in Nepal. They investigated the pervasive issue of plastic waste pollution and its impact on both urban and rural livelihoods, with focused visits to rivers, waste treatment sites, farms, national parks, and local businesses across the Langtang and Chitwan National Park areas and Kathmandu Valley. Field trips highlighted the commonalities and differences in plastic pollution issues, offering students multifaceted perspectives.
Participating UniSC student Marcia, who is completing a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Communication) had the opportunity to participate in the program as part of the course BCI304. I chose to participate as the program focused on sustainability and recycling in the community, allowing me to combine my passions for sustainability and videography in an amazing trip.
My experience in Nepal was incredible. We spent time with locals, immersing ourselves in their culture in a way that tourists wouldn't typically be able to. One of my favourite parts was our visit to Rasuwa, where we connected with the locals, experienced their culture, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, danced to local music, ate delicious food every day, and witnessed sustainable living practices first-hand. Seeing a rhino up close in Chitwan National Park was also an unforgettable experience. Additionally, Kathmandu left a strong impression, highlighting the importance of recycling and sustainability in urban environments. Being able to document everything and improve my skills and understanding was incredibly rewarding.
This program enabled students from diverse disciplines to view issues through their respective disciplinary lens, offering social, cultural, environmental, and authentic local experiences, showcasing rural Nepalese sustainability practices amidst increasing plastic pollution challenges.
Want to find out more? Contact Global@usc.edu.au
