Miyawaki Forest Zone

Forest cover is being reduced at an alarming rate. Century old trees are being brought down in few hours. This loss is irreversible. In countries like India that are highly vulnerable to climate breakdown, forests are an integral element towards mitigation.

Tree cover of almost 1.6 million hectares was lost between 2001 and 2018 in India - nearly four times the geographical area of Goa, according to a study released by the World Resources Institute.But there is a solution to bring back the lost green cover quickly. Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki for urban afforestation.

Under this technique various native species of plants are planted close to each other, which ensures their growth upwards is rapid by receiving sunlight from the top. The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.

The Management of The Madura College jointly with Rotary Club (West) have planted 5500 samples of 110 varieties. The Rotary Club (West) trust contributed 3.5 lakh for this forest and supported the institution for the soil test, regulating the land, procuring the samples and planting it.

The forest will be spread out on an area of one acre adjacent to TVS Block and act as green-lung for the region. It will help in promoting the local biodiversity to sustain by planting native species of flora which would also harbor the native fauna. Miyawaki forest is answer to cities which are turning to concrete jungles.

Small patch of forests in multiple locations within the city will act as carbon sink for the city. Student engagement is also an important aspect of this project as workshops will be conducted to train them on soil amendment and the Miyawaki method of plantation. The maintenance and monitoring of the forest will also be done by the students and college staff.