How Women’s Initiatives Are Transforming Urban Forestry in Nepal

How Women’s Initiatives Are Transforming Urban Forestry in Nepal?

In Nepal, the role of women in environmental conservation is becoming increasingly evident, especially through the remarkable work of Lily's Leaves. Through their Urban Natural Project, Lily’s Leaves empowers deaf and underprivileged women, offering them transformative training in urban forestry, forest development, and nursery management. 

These women are not just participants in the project—they are leading the charge for greener, healthier urban landscapes that impact their communities for generations. Through their efforts, Lily’s Leaves proves that women’s initiatives in urban forestry can change the environment and society.

What is Urban Forestry and Why is It Important?

Urban forestry involves more than just planting trees in cities; it also includes maintaining green spaces to improve air quality, counteract climate change, and build thriving ecosystems within urban areas.

Urban forestry initiatives are important in Nepal, where rapid urbanization is damaging the natural landscape. Lily’s Leaves has made it its mission to involve women in this important cause, using women’s initiatives in urban forestry as a tool to build sustainable, green spaces in the heart of Kathmandu. 

Their work has transformed urban spaces and empowered women to take leadership in environmental conservation.

Lily’s Leaves and Their Impact on Urban Forestry in Nepal

The most fundamental idea of Lily's Leaves is that long-term transformation can occur only through women's work under urban forestry.  Women were trained in urban forestry by the Urban Natural Project and are now empowered with skills to plant and care for urban forests.

By helping restore desert land and converting it into dense, flourishing green belts, this project has sparked a green revolution in Kathmandu. Lily's Leaves is ensuring that women who go through training not only benefit the environment but also develop skills needed to succeed economically.

Phase I: Miyawaki Rapid-Growth Plantation (2023)

In 2023, Lily's Leaves initiated the initial stage of their urban reforestation program through the creation of a Miyawaki forest along the Bishnumati River.

This rapidly growing plantation, cultivated under the guidance of local women, rapidly transformed a previously neglected piece of ground into a productive wood. The women were not just planting trees—these women were farming the environment and learning valuable lessons that would serve them for many years to come.

Women's initiative in the urban forestry was pioneering in this project, and their work prepared the ground for future green space in the city. By working, they had proved that with empowerment, women can be champions of environmental sustainability

Phase II: Expanding Green Spaces (2024)

After the success of Phase I, Lily's Leaves continued to widen the Miyawaki forest during 2024, still involving women in planting, maintenance, and further advancement of urban canopy cover.

This phase focused on sustainability in such a way that not only were the green spaces set up but also taken care of and looked after for future generations. 

Women's initiative in urban forestry resulted in these women rising as leaders, demonstrating that their work was critical to the long-term success of urban greening programs.

Phase III: Riverbank Greening and Environmental Protection (2025)

In 2025, Lily's Leaves initiated Phase III of the project, which focused on greening Kathmandu's riverbanks. In this phase, women who had received forest development training in the earlier phases took the lead in planting native trees along the riverbanks. 

These women were not just restoring the environment but playing an active role in protecting it. They addressed environmental challenges that have long affected Kathmandu by preventing soil erosion and preserving aquatic ecosystems. 

This ongoing project is a shining example of how women’s initiatives in urban forestry can tackle real-world environmental issues while empowering women to take charge of their communities’ futures.

What is Empowering Women through Urban Forestry Training?

The Urban Natural Project is about planting trees and empowering women to become community leaders. These women have learned skills in urban forestry, nursery management, and environmental conservation through the training. The training has given them practical skills and with pride and ownership of their work.

With the programs of Lily's Leaves, these women are becoming leaders of the environmental cause. The nursery training will teach them how to grow and care for plants, while the forest development training will provide the expertise needed to design and maintain forested areas in urban environments. 

Both programs aim to enable women to take leadership roles in altering their communities, creating green places that have a good impact on the environment, and offering advantages for future generations.

For example, women learn how to nurture plants in urban nurseries, manage forested areas, and engage in tree planting, directly impacting Kathmandu's environment.

What is the impact of Women’s Initiatives in urban forestry?

The impact of the work done by Lily's Leaves cannot be denied. Through women's efforts in urban forestry, Lily's Leaves has helped to revitalize Kathmandu and introduce much-needed green cover to urban areas.

These projects have benefited the residents with not just improving their quality of life but have also had direct environmental effects like cleaner air and more biodiversity. The Miyawaki forests as well as the riverbank greening initiatives are now cherished city ecosystems, and the women themselves are proving they are not guardians of the earth, but even leaders of the environment.

Conclusion

The revolutionary potential of women's work in urban forestry cannot be overstated. Through Lily's Leaves' Urban Natural Project, women are not only taking back urban space—they are shaping the future of Kathmandu.

By empowering deaf and disadvantaged women with the skills to be leaders in environmental conservation, Lily's Leaves is showing that when women are leading urban forestry, the results can truly be life-changing for the community and the environment as well.

FAQs

Q1: What is the Urban Natural Project by Lily’s Leaves?

The Urban Natural Project is an initiative by Lily’s Leaves that trains deaf and underprivileged women in urban forestry, nursery management, and forest development. The goal is to empower women to lead in creating sustainable urban green spaces.

Q2: How has Lily’s Leaves contributed to urban forestry in Nepal?

Through the Urban Natural Project, Lily’s Leaves has transformed barren urban spaces into thriving forests, including the Miyawaki forest, and continues to empower women to lead in urban greening efforts throughout Kathmandu.

Q3: How do women benefit from the Urban Forestry Project?

Women learn essential skills in urban forestry and environmental stewardship, preparing them to be community leaders, supporters for sustainability, and achieve financial independence.

Q4: What challenges do women face in urban forestry in Nepal?

Women have inadequate resources, societal obstacles and learning gaps. However, Lily's Leaves is addressing these issues by offering continuing support and training to assure their success.

Q5: What is the long-term impact of the Urban Forestry Project?

The long-term impact includes a greener, more sustainable urban environment, improved air quality, increased biodiversity, and empowered women who are taking leadership roles in environmental conservation and urban development.