The Rotaract club of Kathmandu with the support of the Rotary club of Kathmandu has launched a three-year native forest restoration project, Briksharambha.

The initiative, which brought together the Rotary club of Kathmandu, The Revolution Project, Division Forest Office Lalitpur, and Sano Hattiban Kirat Manghim Byawasthapan Samiti, aims to restore native forests and ensure ecological balance and sustainability. The organisers said 300 trees of 14 native species will be planted in Sano Hattiban.

Briksharambha was born from observing the haphazard tree plantation efforts around the Kathmandu Valley, where sustainability wasn’t prioritised. This observation led to a partnership with The Revolution Project, an organisation dedicated to restoring native forests in the Kathmandu Valley since 2021. They have planted eight pocket forests with 8000+ plants around the valley.

The first plantation event took place on August 24, 2024, marking the start of a long-term commitment. Although 300 trees have taken root, the project’s goals extend far beyond this initial phase. Briksharambha will conclude in 2027, with The Revolution Project nurturing the young plants into a self-sustaining forest. Meanwhile, the Division Forest Office Lalitpur and Sano Hattiban Kirat Manghim Byawasthapan Samiti will protect the trees until they are strong enough to grow independently.

Briksharambha is not just a one-off initiative; it’s designed as a model project that other Rotary, Rotaract clubs and organisations can replicate, said the organisers. By doing so, the project hopes to inspire a wave of sustainable environmental efforts, amplifying its impact and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

The Rotaract Club of Kathmandu welcomes collaborations from other organisations on similar initiatives to broaden the scope and enhance the impact of this crucial work.