Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
1-15-2026
Abstract
Urban forest delivers several benefits to urban area residents. The benefits include shade, dust control, noise mitigation, water retention, ecological services, pedestrian comfort, aesthetic improvements, and economic benefit to the community, including the provision of food. Nepali urban areas face several environmental and infrastructure-related problems that include air and noise pollution, frequent street flooding, and unclean roads and sidewalks. Further, a vast majority of pedestrians in cities face discomforting, unpleasant, unhygienic, and unsafe conditions. Urban forests can help alleviate many of these problems at a low cost as trees provide shade to the pedestrians, absorb dust and noise, and can help reduce the surface water run-off. Further, urban trees help improve the aesthetics, raise property value, and provide therapeutic comfort to the residents.
Urban forestry is often an under-appreciated topic in Nepal’s urban planning and development process. Recently, some municipalities have realized the value and benefits of urban forestry and have begun to contemplate how to improve the state of urban forests. However, much work is left to do in creating effective urban forestry plans and implementing those to help mitigate some of the problems described above. In contrast, urban forestry practice in the US cities is relatively well-developed. Most US cities now have urban forestry master plans designed to improve urban shade, aesthetics, biodiversity, and capture environmental benefits.
This paper summarizes the benefits of urban forests, reviews examples from the selected US cities, and the state of urban forestry practices in Nepal, particularly the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys, Bharatpur, Birgunj, and Biratnagar Metropolitan Cities, and Dharan, Hetauda, and Nepalgunj Sub metropolitan cities. It proposes policy recommendations and steps to develop urban forestry master plans for Nepali cities. The paper also reviews examples of urban forestry practices in selected US cities and states, as well as Nepali municipalities. Urban planners and policy makers may benefit from the recommendations and urban forestry planning ideas outlined in the paper.
Publisher
Allied Publishers
Recommended Citation
Adhikari A., Bhattarai K., Urban Forestry in Selected Nepali and US Cities: Assessment, Analysis, and Recommendations (2026), in Adhikari A. et al (ed.) Developing Food Green Cities for Urban Sustainability. Allied Publishers, New Delhi.
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
Comments
Book Chapter in the Book "Developing Food Green Cities for Urban Sustainability", published by Allied Publishers fro NAM and Other Developing Countries S & T Center, New Delhi. 2026.