KATHMANDU: The Karnali Basin Conservation Foundation (KBCF), a pioneer nonprofit organization promoting biodiversity conservation and economic development, is collaborating WorldLink Communications Limited, to bring socio-economic development to the Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces of the Karnali River Basin (KRB).

While KBCF works towards funding activities that promote biodiversity conservation, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, access to quality education, and eco-tourism, WorldLink is expanding its services to remote and rural areas in Nepal.

Making the internet available to the under-privileged will help bridge the great divide between the connected and not connected.

As the current COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, with schools and businesses having to move online, access to the internet is more important than ever.

Radhesh Pant, Chairperson of KBCF, elaborated on the importance of this collaboration, “As there is still a lot to accomplish in the region, it is important to lay a strong foundation for long-term and sustainable growth.

Having infrastructure, both soft and hard, for a digital economy will be key in this regard. Our aim is to support the provinces in the region to leapfrog in the development process, and WorldLink is the ultimate partner to achieve this pioneering objective.”

Similarly, Dileep Agarwal, Chairman and Founder/Director of WorldLink Communications Ltd. said, “We will jointly work towards identifying growth zones and providing internet access for commercial business, community groups, and individuals to leverage the opportunities of a stable digital platform, fulfilling our vision of creating a ‘Digital Karnali.’

This project is in perfect synergy with our vision statement: ‘To connect everyone, anywhere, all the time’.”

Both parties pledge to work together to achieve economic, environmental, and social impact through employment creation and support to local entrepreneurs and medium and small enterprises.

In addition, both KBCF and WorldLink will support the promotion of local products and sustainable local supply chains. This strategic partnership will weave opportunities together, ensuring that the people and communities of the KRB are digitally supported and inspired to pursue prosperity.