Banking Khabar / MetLife Nepal successfully conducted a large‑scale tree plantation volunteering initiative on June 6, 2026, in Patap Village, Shankharapur Municipality, approximately 45 minutes from Kathmandu. The initiative was funded by MetLife Foundation and implemented in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation and the Field Institute for Ecocultural Restoration (Eco‑Culture), in recognition of World Environment Day, 2026.
Around 50 MetLife Nepal associates planted 500 fruit, nut, and native trees along the Highway F026 and Shankharapur Road corridor. The effort promotes a shift from monoculture farming to a more sustainable agroforestry system. Tree species such as Timur, Walnut, and Peach were selected to support both environmental restoration and long-term income opportunities for local communities.
Patap Village, located in the Himalayan foothills, has been vulnerable to environmental risks such as soil erosion, floods, and landslides. This initiative aims to address these challenges by restoring biodiversity, stabilizing land, and strengthening community resilience through a combination of reforestation and agriculture.
The Field Institute will continue working with the community to ensure proper maintenance and long-term monitoring of the plantation. Reflecting on the initiative, Mr. Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, General Manager of MetLife Nepal, said, “This project represents MetLife’s purpose in action. With the invaluable support of MetLife Foundation and our trusted partners, we are proud to stand with communities to restore ecosystems, build livelihoods, and create lasting environmental resilience for future generations.”
