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The Miyawaki Method as a Green Solution to Population Increase and Natural Deterioration in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley was long revered for its natural beauty.  But now it faces severe environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization, air and water pollution, and ecological degradation. 


To withstand the rapid and widespread changes to the environment, and with the hope of restoring the beauty of Kathmandu Valley, the Miyawaki Method–a method for rapid and dense native forest cultivation– has started to play a significant role in adapting to environmental problems. This article explores the relevance and impact of the Miyawaki forest in Kathmandu Valley is a relevant and impactful model, with the potential to combat air pollution, mitigate urban heat, and revitalize biodiversity.


Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by forested hills, yet the core of the valley has undergone massive ecological strain due to uncontrolled urban expansion. Between 1989 and 2016, built-up areas increased by over 400 percent, replacing agricultural and forest lands and severely impacting air quality and biodiversity (Ishtiaque et al., 2017). This development has intensified the urban heat island effect and created climate vulnerability due to a decline in natural green buffers that cool the city and improve air quality (Kandel & Pokhrel, 2024).


The Miyawaki Method, invented by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involved planting diverse species densely to form a micro ecosystem of a forest within urban infrastructure. These forests grow ten times faster, are 30 times denser, and require minimal maintenance after three years (Sharma et al., 2022).


In recent years, Miyawaki forests have gained a lot of attention because they have expanded across Kathmandu Valley. One such example is the 2023 Bishnumati River corridor plantation of the flower Lily Leaves that involved many local stakeholders. Community members planted over 2,300 saplings spanning 38 native species (Royal Society for Asian Affairs,2023). Another project was held in Naxal, led by the Sweden Alumni Network Nepal, which planted 500 saplings in urban barren plots using the Miyawaki method (SI Sweden, 2023). These initiatives demonstrate how small-scale, community-based Miyawaki forests can contribute to localized climate resilience.


Furthermore, Miyawaki forests have also played a significant role in promoting environmental benefits in Kathmandu. Apart from reducing particulate matter and carbon emissions, Miyawaki forests also help in groundwater recharge, biodiversity restoration, and psychological well-being (Saud 2018). Their dense structure acts as a carbon sink, filters pollutants, and moderates local temperatures, offering tangible solutions to Kathmandu's growing urban stress.


It is abundantly clear that Miyawaki forests provide environmentally sound, scalable, and community-engaging solutions to urban resilience as Kathmandu continues to adapt to the dual stresses of natural deterioration and population increase. Restoring the city's green character while tackling the climate crisis is achievable by expanding these programs through citizen involvement and local government regulations in the development of green infrastructure. 


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About the Author:


Aner Zabdial Rai was born in Kathmandu, with family roots in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. He is currently an undergraduate student at St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, and a youth intern at Youth Advocacy Nepal. Aner has served as a Documentation Specialist and Advisor at We for Us Nepal. Curious and optimistic, he is eager to contribute and grow as a participant in the RYN Fellowship.




References


Ishtiaque, A., Shrestha, M., & Chhetri, N. (2017). Rapid urban growth in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: Monitoring land use changes using remote sensing. Environments, 4(4), 72.https://doi.org/10.3390/environments4040072


Royal Society for Asian Affairs. (2023). The use and application of the rapid reforestation Miyawaki method in Nepal.


Saud, B., et al. (2018). The threat of ambient air pollution in Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2018.https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1504591


SI Sweden. (2023). Mini forest plantation program in  Kathmandu https://si.se/en/events-projects/alumni-activity-mini-forest-plantation-program


Sharma, R., Thapa, P., & Gurung, M. (2022). Application of the Miyawaki method in urban Nepal: An emerging model for reforestation. Nepal Journal of Environmental Science, 6(1), 20–25.


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