AN ASSESSMENT OF TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY, VOLUME AND ABOVE GROUND CARBON STOCK IN TREES OUTSIDE FORESTS (TOFS) (A CASE STUDY FROM POKHARA METROPOLITAN CITY, KASKI, NEPAL)

This study in Nepal evaluated Trees Outside Forests (TOFs), underscoring their diverse species composition and substantial carbon storage contributions. The research employed stratified random sampling across different TOF categories, revealing significant biomass distribution and carbon stocks, with notable species like Michelia champaca and Dalbergia sissoo showing high biomass and carbon densities. Diversity indices indicated highest diversity in scattered TOFs. The findings stress the importance of including TOFs in national and provincial inventories to enhance carbon management strategies and biodiversity conservation efforts, advocating for broader recognition and integration of TOFs in environmental policies and practices.