“Water water everywhere but not a single drop to drink”. This slogan is surprisingly relevant to Nepal although Nepal is rich in water resources with as many as 6000 rivers, rivulets and tributaries. Accessibility to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right endorsed by the Constitution of Nepal. However, many Nepalese are still deprived from this right. Due to this, a majority of the Nepalese population suffer from water borne diseases. Hence, realizing the gravity of such problems, One to Watch formed “Nepal Circularity Fund (NCF)” which focuses on eliminating waste and make circular use of resources.

Dopper, an institution based in Netherlands echoes the same sentiment as that of Smart Paani. Dopper advocates against the effects of single-use plastic on the environment. Dopper operates from the idealistic objective to prevent our world’s water sources from plastic pollution.Leveraging its vast connections across Europe, One to Watch connected Smart Paani with Dopper as both the organizations could mutually work together and benefit from the collaboration. 

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With the grant approved, Dopper & Smart Paani together intend to decrease waterborne diseases in underserved areas of Nepal through the establishment of an inclusive supply chain for local production and distribution of affordable and robust water filters for households and schools. At the same time, the supply chain ecosystem will consist of female distributors. This shall also ensure additional income of the female distributors; hence; supporting women empowerment.  Dopper and its local partner; Smart Paani, also plan to raise awareness, conduct training for distributors and households on sanitation issues and proper water filtering practices.

The impact of the grant is tremendous. The primary beneficiaries of the project are households and schools who have limited access to clean drinking water. The project that will be implemented with the help of the grant also aligns with the ‘Nepal Water Plan 2002-2027’, which seeks to provide everyone with access to reliable water services by 2027. This also aligns with the SDG’s goal number 6: “Ensure access to water and sanitation for all”. 

This project becomes more important in the light of COVID. Availability and access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is fundamental in fighting the virus. The impact of COVID-19 could be considerably higher to the population who don’t have access to clean water. Smart Paani and Dopper are confident that with the help of the grant, they will be able to impact a large mass of population. 

One to Watch’s continuous efforts to create impact is evident in endeavours such as these, by leveraging its network, helping to collaborate companies sharing the same vision and going above and beyond to assist its portfolio companies to grow.