Our ongoing initiative, Lily's Leaves, involves cleaning acidic pine needles to improve soils.

Reviving Swayambhu: Lily Leaves’ Miyawaki Forest Initiative 

At Lily Leaves, we believe in restoring nature—one native tree at a time. Our latest project in Swayambhu, Kathmandu, is an ambitious effort to transform a pine-dominated landscape into a thriving, biodiverse Miyawaki forest.  

The Challenge: A Land Dominated by Pine
For years, the site has been covered by towering pine trees, their fallen needles creating an acidic layer over the soil. While pines are resilient, their needles inhibit the growth of other plants, reducing biodiversity and weakening the ecosystem. To bring back balance, we’re implementing the Miyawaki method—a revolutionary approach to afforestation that mimics natural forests and accelerates growth.  


                   

Our Process: From Barren to Biodiverse
1. Soil Restoration 
Before planting, we must revive the soil. Pine needles have made the earth acidic and nutrient-poor, so we’re carefully removing the thick layer of needles and enriching the soil with organic compost. This ensures a fertile foundation for native plants to thrive.     

                      

2. Selecting Native Species 
A true Miyawaki forest relies on native species that naturally belong to the region. We’re carefully selecting a mix of shrubs, trees, and ground covers to create a multi-layered, self-sustaining ecosystem. This diversity attracts birds, insects, and microorganisms, restoring the area’s ecological balance.  

                     

 3. Planting the Miyawaki Way
Unlike conventional plantations, the Miyawaki method*involves:  
- High-density planting (3-5 saplings per square meter)  
- Natural competition that encourages faster growth  
- Minimal maintenance after the first two years  


The result? A dense, resilient forest that grows 10x faster and absorbs 30x more CO2 than a traditional plantation!  

                        

Why This Matters for Kathmandu 
Urban spaces like Swayambhu need green lungs—areas where nature can flourish despite pollution and deforestation. This Miyawaki forest will:  
✔ Improve air quality by filtering pollutants  
✔ Enhance groundwater retention
✔ Support local wildlife 
✔ Provide a natural escape for the community  


                               

   Join Us in Growing a Greener Future  
This is just the beginning. As we prepare the land and plant the first saplings, we invite eco-conscious individuals, volunteers, and organizations to support this initiative. Together, we can bring back Kathmandu’s lost green heritage—one forest at a time.  

 Stay tuned for updates on our progress!  

#MiyawakiForest #GreenKathmandu #LilyLeaves #Afforestation #SustainableNepal #EcoRevival 😊