Miyawaki jungles: a concrete solution

Urban spaces are now synonymous with ‘Concrete jungles’. The term ‘Concrete jungle’ reflects declining green covers. Due to ever-increasing infrastructure development, concrete has replaced greenery in urban spaces.

However, it is not possible to stop these constructions. However, the negative impact it has had on urban spaces can be curbed through urban forests.

Akira Miyawaki, Japan’s well-known botanist and forest specialist, devised some strategies that can be useful in the future. The forest designed by his conceptual understanding is known as Miyawaki forests wherein, small plots of land are converted into small jungles.

What is Miyawaki?
The interesting fact about the Miyawaki methodology is that it can be followed by planting just two to four trees within a square meter of land. The method involves planting dozens of native species in a single area which eventually results in the forest becoming self-sufficient after the initial three years. It also ensures that the plant growth remains 10 times better and 30 times denser than other plantation methods.

The Miyawaki method also helps to lower the atmospheric temperature and reduce air and noise pollution. Apart from this, it attracts local insects and birds and functions as a carbon sink.