Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited has partnered with WWF Nepal and Kamdi Community Forest Coordination Committee (Kamdi CFCC), Banke to effectively implement the ‘The Goal is Green’ campaign aimed at environmental protection and tackling climate change challenges.

The bank had pledged to plant one native sapling for every goal scored in every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The campaign aims to create a long-term positive impact in Nepal by linking the world’s popular football tournament to environmental conservation.

Under this collaboration, WWF Nepal will provide technical support for the implementation of the campaign while the Kamdi Community Forest Coordination Committee will plant native trees suitable to the local biodiversity at a suitable location for their long-term conservation and management. WWF Nepal will provide technical guidance on species selection, identification of suitable areas for planting and ecological restoration.

Ajaya Shah, chief executive officer of Laxmi Sunrise Bank, said, “Sustainability is a key pillar of long-term value creation along with the bank’s strategic priority and the ‘The Goal is Green’ campaign is a reflection of the belief that collective enthusiasm can be translated into meaningful climate actions. He said that the commitment to plant a sapling for every goal scored in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to contribute to the long-term environment for Nepal.

Country Representative of WWF Nepal, Dr. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ghanashyam Gurung said that restoration of forest is not only about planting trees but also for ensuring long-term conservation in collaboration with local communities by planting native species of saplings in appropriate places. Such partnerships can create long-term benefits for nature, communities, and the future, linking private sector investment with community-based conservation.

“The Goal is Green” campaign conveys the message that sustainability is not limited only to financial services and products, but is directly linked to social and environmental responsibility. With the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the bank has fulfilled its commitment to plant 333 native saplings for the 333 goals scored in the tournament.