Park Village Resort leads Miyawaki-based reforestation in Budhanilkantha

KATHMANDU: A Miyawaki-based reforestation initiative took place at the Radha Krishna Temple in Mandikhatar, Budhanilkantha, on Sunday, bringing together businesses, organisations, students and community members to restore local biodiversity and create a climate-resilient urban environment.

Led by Park Village Resort in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute and Global Compact Nepal, the programme focused on ecological restoration and responsible corporate action.

Participants planted native species including parijat, bimiro, mayal, taki, amala, naspati, amba, lapsi, bael, tejpat, koiralo, chiuri, painyu, jamun, kadam and chaap. The plants are intended to act as a living seed bank for Budhanilkantha’s native flora, help cool the urban area and provide habitats for birds, pollinators and small mammals under pressure from rapid urbanisation.

The Jane Goodall Institute will mobilise its network to care for the planted trees for about three years to ensure the project’s longevity.

Sumitra Tripathi Pandey, ward chairperson of Budhanilkantha Municipality-9, delivered the opening remarks and urged sustained environmental action following recent floods and climate-related disasters. She called for greater awareness, preparedness and long-term measures rather than a return to routine once an immediate crisis passes.

Ayush Dev Pant, creative head of the Jane Goodall Institute Nepal and co-founder of The Revolution Project, briefed attendees on the importance of native species and said the initiative aims to restore vegetation that once grew naturally in Budhanilkantha and the wider Kathmandu Valley. He added that 'The Revolution Project' has established about 45 plantation sites with a reported 98% survival rate.

Rashmi KC, programme manager of Global Compact Nepal, and Samprada Lamichhane Gurung, guest relations and digital marketing officer of Park Village Resort, highlighted how collaborative programmes encourage businesses to take practical steps towards sustainable growth and benefit surrounding communities and the environment.

The event, attended by roughly 50 people, was moderated by Maya Sakya, executive director of Park Village Resort. The morning concluded with participants discussing future environmental actions over refreshments and Sakya distributing certificates in recognition of attendees’ contributions.