Nepal is one of the world's most affected countries by climate change. Once predictable weather patterns have become chaotic, with soaring temperatures and extreme rainfall causing both droughts and floods. The air quality has deteriorated in Kathmandu and in both urban and rural settings there has been a loss of biodiversity. One appropriate response is to restore nature by planting forests that, suitably sited, can also offer flood protection. The problem is that these take too long to mature.

Since 2021, we have been pioneering the use of rapid-growth 'Miyawaki' forests in Nepal and proven that they do indeed grow ten times faster than those planted conventionally. We can grow a forest in three years rather than thirty. We have planted such forests in Kathmandu valley and in Madhesh Province, engaging the communities in plantation activities. Now we aim for even more prolific growth through piloting the use of new compost ingredients that, if successful, can be adopted across Nepal.