NTNC and Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the current status of ecosystem and biodiversity in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The signing was held at a function in Rastriya Sabha Griha (City Hall) between KMC Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Rajeshwor Gyawali and NTNC Member Secretary Mr. Sharad Chandra Adhikari. Present at the signing were also the Mayor of KMC, Mr. Bidya Sundar Shakya, Deputy Mayor Ms. Hari Prabha Khadgi and Vice Chairperson of City Planning Commission Mr. Saroj Basnet.
The MoU stipulates for the preparation of necessary policy, strategy and action plans for KMC to strengthen its efforts in improving ecosystem and biodiversity more systematically and scientifically. The task will require NTNC to undertake research and prepare a detailed plan for the conservation and improvement of the main urban forests and green spaces within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, including equipping KMC with scientific measures for its planned public park and green development projects.
With Kathmandu Valley's growing urbanization, this will be necessary to enhance KMC's institutional capacity and vision for building green spaces and sustainable cities, linking urban ecosystems and biodiversity with urban communities, developing environmental-friendly public parks and gardens, forests and green belts along river banks.
