Urban Forestry in Selected Nepali and US Cities: Assessment, Analysis, and Recommendations

Urban forests provide numerous benefits to urban residents, including shade, dust control, noise mitigation, stormwater retention, ecological services, pedestrian comfort, aesthetic enhancement, and economic value, including food production. Nepali urban areas face a range of environmental and infrastructure-related challenges, such as air and noise pollution, frequent street flooding, and poorly maintained roads and sidewalks. In addition, many pedestrians in cities experience uncomfortable, unpleasant, unhygienic, and unsafe walking conditions. Urban forests can help alleviate many of these problems at relatively low cost by providing shade, absorbing dust and noise, and reducing surface water runoff. Urban trees also enhance urban aesthetics, increase property values, and provide psychological and therapeutic benefits to residents. Despite these benefits, urban forestry remains an underappreciated aspect of urban planning and development in Nepal. In recent years, some municipalities have begun to recognize the importance of urban forests and are exploring ways to improve urban greenery and tree cover. However, substantial work remains to develop effective urban forestry plans and implement them to address the challenges described above. In contrast, urban forestry practices in many US cities are relatively advanced. Most major US cities now maintain urban forestry master plans aimed at improving shade, aesthetics, biodiversity, and environmental performance. This paper summarizes the benefits of urban forests, reviews urban forestry practices in selected US cities, and examines the current state of urban forestry in Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys; the metropolitan cities of Bharatpur, Birgunj, and Biratnagar; and the sub-metropolitan cities of Dharan, Hetauda, and Nepalgunj. The paper proposes policy recommendations and practical steps for developing urban forestry master plans for Nepali cities. It also reviews selected examples of urban forestry practices in both the United States and Nepal. Urban planners and policymakers may benefit from the recommendations and planning approaches outlined in this paper.