Reflecting on the ICIMOD–FNBI partnership

About the meeting

The Federation of Nepali Brick Industries (FNBI) has been a key partner in our efforts to create an enabling environment for uptake of the cleaner zig-zag brick production technology in Nepal and other South Asian countries. We are meeting with the FNBI Executive Committee, members of its Technology Research and Development Committee (TRDC), showcase kiln owners, and district presidents to review and reflect on the ICIMOD–FNBI partnership, and FNBI’s approaches and successes in improving working conditions and building a cleaner and more sustainable brick industry in the region.

Background

Since 2013, our Air Pollution Solutions (APS) Initiative has worked to transform South Asia’s brick sector into a cleaner and healthier industry by improving air quality through reduced emissions from brick production, increasing social and economic benefits for businesses and communities, and reducing adverse impacts on health. Since 2018, APS has also worked to integrate socioeconomic, gender, and equity perspectives into cleaner brick production through pilot efforts in Nepal. Through inter- and intra-industry partnerships, with partners such as FNBI, we have transferred best practices for a healthier, cleaner, more sustainable brick industry across South Asia and enabled improved working conditions in brick kilns in Nepal and Pakistan.

ICIMOD–FNBI partnership

APS has supported FNBI in engaging with the government and other key stakeholders, including banks, and built capabilities to lead disparate kiln entrepreneurs towards profitable and cleaner brick production. The ICIMOD–FNBI partnership has successfully scaled-up lessons from Nepal to Pakistan’s brick industry, which is ten times larger than Nepal’s.

When ICIMOD brought together brick producers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan to form the Federation of South Asia Brick Kiln Associations (FABKA), FNBI played a leading role in helping set up its Secretariat in Nepal. FNBI’s commitment also resulted in successes in adopting and up-scaling of the zig-zag technology in Nepal and Pakistan, leading to noteworthy regulatory changes from the Government of Pakistan to encourage kiln conversion. The FNBI General Assembly endorsed the social code of conduct for the brick sector in Nepal, which has been disseminated to district associations. The partnership has also introduced innovations in both Nepal and Pakistan – piloting pellets, gas firing, and internal fuel. Together with FNBI, we have established an incubation centre in Lalitpur and seven showcase kilns across Nepal.

Agenda

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

Thursday, 28 July 2022