Nepalgunj / Environmental conservation activist Hement Raj Kaphale, a resident of Ward No. 19, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, has been honored with the prestigious NICE Award 2025. The award, presented by NICE Nepalgunj, includes a cash prize of NPR 10,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

The fifth edition of the NICE Award was presented during a special ceremony organized by NICE Nepalgunj on 20th Shrawan (August 4, 2025) in Nepalgunj. The award was jointly handed over by Chief Guest Gyanendra Kumar Chaudhary, Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee (DCC), Banke; Sita Karki, Deputy Mayor; Umakanta Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer of Banke; Namaskar Shah, Central Secretary of NGO Federation and Advisor of NICE Nepalgunj; Jhalak Gaire, senior journalist and recipient of NICE Award 2023; Navin Giri, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Banke Chapter; Shiv Kumar Verma, Central Chairperson of BAS Nepal; Manohar Thagurathi, Regional Head of NIC Asia Bank for Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim Provinces; Sandhya Sharma, Principal of Mangal Prasad Secondary School; and Hem Raj Bhatt, President of NICE Nepalgunj.

Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Gyanendra Kumar Chaudhary highlighted the inspirational value of honoring individuals who have contributed positively to society. He congratulated Kaphale for his outstanding work in environmental protection and praised NICE for selecting such deserving individuals. Assistant CDO Umakanta Adhikari expressed his appreciation of NICE’s efforts, stating that honoring people doing good work spreads a positive message in the community.

Namaskar Shah, founding President of NICE and Central Secretary of the NGO Federation, stated that honoring individuals who selflessly work for greenery and the environment provides strong motivation to continue such noble deeds. He also officially announced the NICE Award 2025 during the event.

Other guests, including Navin Giri of the FNJ Banke Chapter and senior journalist Jhalak Gaire, shared that awarding individuals like Kaphale, who are leading nature conservation efforts, sends a powerful message of hope and commitment. Principal Sandhya Sharma expressed joy at being part of an event dedicated to positive social transformation, while Shiv Kumar Verma of BAS Nepal praised NICE’s commendable initiatives.

After receiving the award, Hement Raj Kaphale expressed that receiving such a prestigious award has added more responsibility to his mission. He shared that he considers the award as a reward for his ongoing commitment to tree plantation and reaffirmed his dedication to continue working for environmental conservation.

The event was chaired by NICE Nepalgunj President Hem Raj Bhatt and hosted by General Secretary Kamal Shahi, while Vice President Shobha Thapa Magar delivered the welcome speech.

The program witnessed collaboration from local governments and organizations including Narainapur Rural Municipality, Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, Janaki Rural Municipality, NIC Asia Bank, and BAS Nepal. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to partner organizations in recognition of their support. Over 60 participants, including officials from government, non-governmental organizations, and youth groups, attended the event.

On the occasion of its sixth anniversary, NICE Nepalgunj also honored three staff members involved in various projects run by the organization. Joshina Tharu, Rashti Budha Magar, and Tapendra Bahadur Malati were felicitated with appreciation certificates in recognition of their significant contributions to institutional development, program implementation, and youth mobilization in Banke district. The certificates were jointly presented by Chief Guest Gyanendra Kumar Chaudhary, Deputy Mayor Sita Karki, and President Hem Raj Bhatt.

Who is Hement Raj Kaphale?

With over a decade and a half of dedicated service in tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental awareness, Hement Raj Kaphale has become a leading figure in Nepal’s green movement. He is currently the Planting Director for 8 Billion Trees in Nepal, an organization committed to massive global reforestation efforts. Through his leadership, over thousands of trees have been planted in Nepal.

Kaphale is known for popularizing the culture of gifting plants during birthdays, weddings, festivals, and other special occasions, promoting public awareness about the importance of greenery. His impactful campaigns such as the Sitlachinee Campaign, and the Kalpavriksha Campaign are particularly notable.

Under the Kalpavriksha Campaign, saplings grown from seeds obtained from Germany and other countries have been planted at sacred sites including Pashupatinath (Kathmandu), Deuti Bajai Temple (Surkhet), Chhatreshwori (Salyan), Swargadwari (Pyuthan), and Hanuman Gadhi (Nepalgunj). These efforts not only promote biodiversity but also link spirituality with sustainability.

In recognition of his impactful work, Hement Raj Kaphale has been honored with several national and international awards, including:

Bas Brightland Award 2017
Everest climate international award 202

National Green Honor by forest minister 2018

WWF Abraham Conservation Award (2021)

Samrasta International Award 2020
international tree man award 2024

Sagarmatha Literature Award (2024)

NICE Award 2025

Hement Raj Kaphale’s tireless efforts continue to inspire a new generation of nature lovers, educators, and environmentalists across Nepal and beyond. His dream of a greener healthier world is steadily growing one plant at a time.