• Community based, Non governmental organization

• Registered with Nepal Home Ministry, District Administration office, Nepal

• Affiliated with Social Welfare Council, Nepal

• Experienced in working with international organizations

Vision

As local champions, lead collective conservation efforts in locally addressing global environmental challenges.

Mission statement

Develop a strong network among concerned stakeholders, increase environmental consciousness among people and encourage local initiatives in the area of environment conservation. This is to be achieved through collective action, awareness raising on environmental issues and fully involving communities in addressing their own local problems.

People behind WATO

Prajwol Gurung is a resident of Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, received his Bachelors degree in the field of Computer Engineering from the Beijing University of Science & Technology in China. After working in a reputed computer software company in Nepal for a few years, Prajwol pursued further studies in Belgium and received his Master's degree in Computer Science. He is the Chairman of WATO and has been involved in social works for a number of years.

Niraj Dawadi, is also a resident of Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal and has been working in the social sector for a long time. He has played an important role in project development and enhancement of international cooperation of WATO Nepal. He received his Bachelors degree in the field of International Relations from the American University in Cairo, Egypt and Master's degree in the same field from the International University in Japan. He is the Secretary of WATO.

Pashupati Raj Joshi, is also an inhabitant of Gyaneswar, Kathmandu, Nepal and currently works as Technical Specialist at District Water Supply and Sanitation Office of Nepal Government. With more than 13 years of experience on water supplies and sanitation works in various parts of Nepal, Mr. Joshi brings to WATO his vast experience in anti-pollution, sanitation and water purification mechanisms. Mr. Joshi is cognizant of the problems of sanitation and pollution problem and has been an integral part of the organization since its inception. He is the Joint-Secretary of WATO.

Rajdip Lama, has been involved in the activities of his community in Gyaneswar for many years and has also organized several social events in Gyaneshwor and other neighborhoods in Kathmandu. A well known musician advocating local and social contexts, Rajdip is also the founder of JukeBox Pvt. Ltd, a premier music and entertainment company based in Kathmandu. Due to his zeal for social activism, he is very much connected to local community dwellers and aware of thier probelms. Rajdip is at present working in WATO as Project Coordinator and the Treasurer of the organization.

Local Champions of Kathmandu, Nepal [community based NGO]

Established in 2000, WATO is a community based NGO in Kathmandu, Nepal. As local champions striving towards addressing global environment concerns locally, we apply international experiences about environment conservation to feasibly address problems of communities.

We have developed open spaces and parks in urban Kathmandu; undertaken projects on industrial pollution mitigation, and are currently undertaking urban greenery initiatives. Our work includes a collective effort from government agencies, NGOs and communities towards urban environment conservation, including protection of local habitat and the natural ecosystem.

WATO consists of highly motivated individuals, with a shared determination to make sustainable changes in people’s lives  and the number of people who share similar vision in support for our work is increasing with every community development project that WATO initiates.