We have just launched the Pipal Tree Christmas appeal through which we are aiming to raise funds towards our urban nature project in Kathmandu. Through this project, young deaf women at our Lily’s Leaves social enterprise will broaden their skills as they set up and manage a sapling nursery and plant a fourth rapid-growth forest to add to the three that they’ve planted over the past year.

Background

Due to rapid urbanisation, Kathmandu has suffered a loss of biodiversity, steadily becoming a concrete jungle. Worse still, because of the failure of seasonal rains that serve to clean the polluted air, the city has now one of the worst air quality indices in the world. This has had a dreadful impact on the physical health of the most vulnerable with a major increase in respiratory disease. And, of course, there is a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of citizens who have seen their green spaces gradually eroded.

Our project to date

In July 2023, Lily’s Leaves planted the first rapid-growth Miyawaki forest alongside the Bishnumati River that runs through central Kathmandu. This involved cleaning a piece of public land that had become an informal dumping ground and planting it out with native saplings. Two more forests followed in April and June 2024 as Lily managed to secure the growing respect and cooperation of the municipal authorities. This project with continue into the future, towards developing a trans-urban wildlife corridor. The Kathmandu landscape is changing almost by the day, as you can see from the picture below.

For more about the background, check out this wonderful film, recorded last week by our volunteer film-maker, Paul Laurance Burnett:

How you can help

Lily’s workforce of young deaf women is absolutely loving this new training and employment that provides such a stimulus to their senses. And they are proud to demonstrate that deaf people can make such a positive contribution to the environment and welfare of their fellow citizens. They are keenly awaiting the start of the fourth plantation for which we need your funding support.

And, as a new initiative, they are looking forward to managing a sapling nursery that will supply future forests rather than Lily’s Leaves having to purchase saplings from private nurseries. Surplus produce can be sold to the general public to generate an additional income for the social enterprise. We are also planning to try cultivating rare native species that are on the verge of extinction, in consultation with the local botanic garden. This project is both exciting and ambitious!

As ever, through the Big Give, your gift can automatically double in value. The appeal will run right through to New Year’s Eve with gifts being matched for as long as funds permit.You can donate securely, in any major currency, through the button below.

Thanks so much!