Environment & Ecology
Context: Kuharianwali, a village in the Fazilka district of Punjab, has become a trendsetter in expanding forest cover. As of 2021, according to data from the Forest Research Institute, the district had just 1.34 per cent forest cover, one of the lowest in the state.
The district administration knew it had to do something to drastically change the picture. So, they launched a pilot project called “ MY VILLAGE, MY FOREST’ by applying ‘MIYAWAKI METHOD’ as a result the forest is now self-sustainable as plants have gained enough strength.
What is this Miyawaki method is all about?
- Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests in a short time.
- It has revolutionised the concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.
- This method includes planting trees (only native species) as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also support each other in growth and block sunlight reaching the ground, thereby preventing the growth of weed.
- The saplings become maintenance-free (self-sustainable) after the first three years.
Miyawaki Process:
- The native trees of the region are identified and divided into four layers — shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy.
- The quality of soil is analysed and biomass which would help enhance the perforation capacity, water retention capacity, and nutrients in it, is mixed with it.
- A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density — three to five sapling per square meter.
- The ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch.
Benefits of Miyawaki Method:
- Faster Process and Dense Forest: This method creates mini forests. They grow 10 times faster and become 30 times denser and 100 times more biodiverse than those planted through conventional methods.
- Faster Regeneration of Land: Miyawaki forests are designed to regenerate land in far less time. It takes over 70 years for a forest to recover on its own.
- Self-Sustainable: The saplings become self-sustainable after the first three years.
- Environmental Benefits: These mini forests help lower temperatures in concrete heat islands, reduce air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and create carbon sinks.
- Miyawaki method helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years, while through conventional methods it takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Q.1) The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
- Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
- Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
- Development of gardens genetically modified flora using
- Creation of mini forests in urban areas
