Scope of work:

More than 166 alien and invasive plant species have been recorded in Nepal among which 21 species are the most problematic. In Koshi Tappu, the major invasive species, such as Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Mikania micrantha, Ipomoea carnea ssp. Fistulosa is considered one of the major causes for destruction of wetlands. 

Water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) and Chinese Creepers (Mikania micrantha) are two key species that are causing degradation of aquatic habitats such as ponds, lakes and canals. Free-floating mats of Water-hyacinth in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of pure open water-dwelling bird species, especially Oriental Darter, cormorants, and grebes, as well as reducing feeding areas for some ducks and other wetland birds.

Working in collaboration with the local communities, the incumbent will be responsible to research the possibilities of developing products from water hyacinth and other invasive plant species. 

Phase 1: Site Research and Assessment 

• Field research on the existing process of extracting water hyacinth, drying and turning into products
• Research pertaining to water hyacinth management of raw material into sustainable products with the collaboration of KTK-BELT team, BELT fellows and local partners on management
• Research on the existing ways that local communities are creating products such as mats, stools and other products using typha grass
• Develop a workplan for a fellow working in the field to document ongoing field research, extraction and drying of the plants
• Conduct household research to understand the current livelihood situation

Phase 2: Design, Development and Market Research of the product

• Based on the field research and assessment, develop schematic designs for the products 
• Present and finalize the designs in collaboration with the local and national teams 
• Produce the products based on feedback
• Develop Capacity building modules and training session to youth fellows and local partners on handling and designing raw materials to sustainable products
• Develop a one-year training program on sustainable products with 20 selected households 
• Mentor, guide, and work alongside selected fellows
• Survey the market to understand the possibility of income generation from the water hyacinth products. Develop a marketing strategy based on the research

Phase 3: Capacity Building and Training

• Conduct or implement designed modules and training session to youth fellows and 20 farmers on extraction, drying, procurement of raw materials for the products 
• Provide the training to the households through 2-3 workshops 
• Provide a breakdown for seed support for the 20 farmers 

Phase 4: Product Development

• In collaboration with the architectural design team, develop interior furnishings/ mats/ exterior cladding materials and other products for the Learning Center. 

• Experience in sustainable techniques for designing and developing eco-friendly products.
• Ability to understand and share technical issues with diverse audiences
• Ability to explain conservation practices through eco-friendly products to technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and Nepali
• Basic knowledge of flora and/or wetland species and invasive species

Special skills and competence:

• Complete fluency in written and spoken English and Nepali
• Strong computer literacy
• High degree of patience and sensitivity, and ability to work
• Leadership qualities including professional communication and writing skills, public speaking ability, and project planning competencies
• Highest degree of gender and caste sensitivity is a must

• Bachelor/ Masters in science, design, fashion design or related fields
• At least 5 years of working experience in the field of fashion, textile and design industry