Posted on March, 28 2020

Kathmandu, Nepal – In the midst of the global COVID-19 health crisis, Earth Hour Nepal was marked digitally for the first time ever, through Nepal’s Voice for the Planet; a global campaign demanding urgent climate action from world leaders.  

Without being geographically bound to Kathmandu, this year’s event fostered opportunities for youth across Nepal--from the rolling green hills to the icy-mountain peaks--to shed light on the importance of protecting the country’s rich natural assets. From Dolpo to Banke and beyond, voices from across the country converged for reflection. 

Nepal is rich in natural assets and storied with examples of recovery. Earth Hour Nepal saw people from all over the country virtually unite to raise their voice for the environment. 

The event featured brief sessions led by change agents, performances by conservationists and several others who shared their messages, thoughts, art, and photography on the growing need to protect nature and spread hope for the planet – the digital event drew an overwhelming participation, garnering a digital reach of over 4.9 million and 9.8 million in social media impressions throughout the month long campaign.
 

Dr. Ghana S. Gurung, Country Representative, WWF Nepal said, “The current global crisis we are reeling under is deeply saddening. Now more than ever, we must realize our collective responsibility towards the environment and work to safeguard the future – for both ourselves and the planet we live in.” 

Starting as a symbolic ‘lights out’ event in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become a true mass movement exemplifying the power of people in driving change. Held every year on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour engages millions of people in more than 180 countries and territories, switching off their lights to show support for our planet.

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For more information please contact:

Shayasta Tuladhar

Senior Communications Officer, WWF Nepal

shayasta.tuladhar@wwfnepal.org  / earthhour@wwfnepal.org

Notes to Editors:

Link to Earth Hour Nepal - Virtual Event

Link to Earth Hour Nepal - Voice For the Planet