Participatory Urban Forestry in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal: An Analysis of Species Composition and Management Practices

Urban forestry enhances urban environments by offering ecological, economic, and social benefits. However, managing urban populations and their environments has become a pressing issue. The current study assesses the current status, challenges, and future prospects of urban forestry in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal. A mixed-method approach, including a field survey and interviews with 155 local residents, was employed to collect data. The study recorded 54 tree species, with a Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index of 3.26 and an Equitability Index of 0.81. The most frequently planted species were Saraca indica (129/869), Melia azedarach (87/869), and Ficus religiosa (49/869), while Ficus religiosa (18%), Ficus benghalensis (11.5%), and Mangifera indica (8%) were identified as the most hazardous. Urban residents perceived urban forest management as poor and emphasized the need for efficient programs involving thinning, pruning, space management, and hazardous tree removal. Dissatisfaction arose due to inappropriate species selection that did not align with community preferences. Key challenges include inadequate awareness, poor planning, and ineffective implementation. Nonetheless, opportunities such as community engagement, policy reform, and technological advancements offer pathways to improve urban forestry. Strengthening policy frameworks and ensuring their consistent enforcement are vital to addressing rapid urbanization challenges. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring and assessing the impact of urban forestry on residents’ well-being.

Cite this article as: Ghimire, P., & Lamichhane, U. (2026). Participatory urban forestry in Bharatpur metropolitan city, Nepal: an analysis of species composition and management practices. Forestist, 76, 0013, doi:10.5152/forestist.2026.25013.