In partnership with the Independent Power Producers’ Association in Nepal (IPPAN) and The Asia Foundation (TAF), Niti Foundation implements the “Managing Resource Based Disputes for Peace Building and Economic Growth” project, which is funded by Governance Facility.  

This project promotes evidence-based policy responses by the state and private firms for preventing, mitigating, and managing resource-based disputes, specifically those that occur between local communities and project promoters in the hydropower sector.  Niti conducts research and analysis that serves as a basis for facilitating dialogue between relevant communities, civil society, the government, and private firms. As part of the project, Niti has engaged local youths as Change Facilitators in areas with concentrated hydropower investment in Dolakha, Lamjung, and Sindhupalchowk Districts.  Change Facilitators work with stakeholders to improve information-sharing between developers and communities and strengthen local people’s knowledge about relevant government policies and actions. The project also collaborate with the monthly Shikshak Magazine as which disseminates the information about hydropower development. The overall goal of this program is to overcome resource-based disputes in hydropower development by promoting a more democratic, inclusive and participatory policy process, leading to a more peaceful society.