Sustainable Mountain Initiatives Nepal (SMI Nepal) is a non-government, not-for-profit social service organization dedicated to conservation of natural resources, support mountain communities adapt to climate change and preservation and promotion of local culture and heritage. We envision a prosperous Nepal through sustainable development.
Founded in 2009, under the name Rural Tourism and Environmental Education Society - Nepal (RTEES), SMI Nepal is registered with Social Welfare Council of Nepal and is based in Rasuwa District. Since its inception, it has played a leading role in initiating various projects at local level with participation of locals, non-governmental organizations and government agencies.
SMI Nepal has till date implemented a number of projects in mountain region such as the innovation in agriculture through cultivation of high valued medicinal herbs as an alternative source of income; agricultural training and research program; promotion and maintenance of new and existing trekking routes; sanitation and waste management awareness program; provision of health facilities for the community and training for the local health workers; capacity building through vocational training for women and local trekking guide; and reforestation to reduce the impact of climate change.
We have worked in collaboration with The Mountain Institute (TMI) to conserve biodiversity and to uplift the livelihood of the communities in marginalized northern VDCs of Rasuwa district through an innovative agriculture and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) project. SMI is further planning to implement Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) project soon in the other districts of Nepal. Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC), Institute for Village Studies (IVS) and Civil Alliance for Mountain Development are our other important partners.
SMI is currently focusing on working with and empowering Himalayan communities to adapt to climate change, conduct projects in biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, education, health and sanitation, women empowerment and community development. We welcome national and international partners and volunteers to joni hands with us in our future programs.
Our Team
SMI has a very strong and young team members who come from local mounatin communities. All the members of our organization are committed to help and bring considerable change for a better future. We are guided by trust, mutual respect, partnership, cooperation and everyone's well-being.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote sustainable development and tackle pressing issues of climate change by empowering mountain communities, especialy disadvantaged community, women and youth, conserving biodiversity and promoting local cultural heritage and imparting regular awareness, education and training programs.
Objectives