Introduction

Urbanization is rapidly consuming natural spaces, with over 55% of the world’s population living in urban areas. This is expected to rise to 68% by 2050 according to the United Nations. As cities expand, integrating green spaces into the urban fabric is crucial for sustainability. Urban dense forests, a solution rooted in the Miyawaki method, offer an effective way to combat pollution, reduce temperatures, and promote biodiversity in cities. With India leading the global race in urbanization—adding about 25 million urban dwellers every five years—dense forests are becoming vital for sustainable urban planning. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of urban dense forests, the technical aspects of the Miyawaki method, and why cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad are already leveraging these ecosystems.

What Are Urban Dense Forests?

Urban dense forests are highly compact, biodiverse areas that replicate natural forests by planting native tree species close together. Unlike traditional parks, these forests are low-maintenance and grow 10 times faster using scientifically-proven reforestation techniques, such as the Miyawaki method. With India adding about 10 million trees annually to combat urban pollution, the concept of dense forests is now being implemented across major cities. For example, in Mumbai, a pilot Miyawaki forest project planted 4,000 trees in just 2,000 square meters. Within three years, it grew into a dense forest, improving air quality, absorbing pollutants, and reducing the urban heat island effect. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, projects like these are essential to India's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.

The Benefits of Urban Dense Forests

Urban dense forests are more than just environmental assets. They play a crucial role in combating climate change, enhancing city resilience, and improving the well-being of urban populations.

1. Air Purification and Carbon Sequestration

The ability of trees to absorb carbon dioxide is well-documented, but urban dense forests take this further. Studies by NASA indicate that dense forests can absorb 30 times more CO2 than conventional urban parks, making them vital for reducing air pollution in cities like Delhi, where air quality often falls below safety standards. In Hyderabad, a recent Miyawaki forest initiative sequestered 300 metric tons of carbon within five years, significantly lowering local carbon emissions. This reinforces the impact of small, densely planted forests in urban areas, contributing to India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 20-30% by 2024.

2. Cooling Effect

Cities often suffer from the heat island effect, where urban temperatures are significantly higher due to concrete surfaces and lack of greenery. Dense forests provide natural shade and reduce surface temperatures through evapotranspiration. Research shows that urban forests can reduce temperatures by up to 5°C, making them an effective tool for mitigating the effects of climate change. For example, in Ahmedabad, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, a Miyawaki forest near the Sabarmati Riverfront helped reduce the local heat by 2°C within two years, offering cooler environments for residents and decreasing energy consumption.

3. Biodiversity Boost

Urban forests are designed to host a variety of plant and animal species, which helps restore local ecosystems. The Miyawaki method’s focus on planting native species ensures that these forests thrive with minimal external inputs. For example, in Chennai, a Miyawaki forest consisting of over 50 native species now hosts more than 70 types of birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, these forests act as natural habitats for endangered species in urban areas. Mumbai's Aarey Colony, an urban dense forest, has become a refuge for rare butterflies and birds, showcasing how dense forests can reverse habitat loss in concrete jungles.

4. Noise Reduction

Dense forests provide a natural buffer to urban noise pollution, which is a growing issue in heavily populated cities like Bangalore. Research from the Indian Institute of Science shows that well-maintained green spaces can reduce noise levels by up to 10 decibels, improving the quality of life in nearby areas. In Bengaluru’s Whitefield area, the creation of a dense forest has led to a significant reduction in traffic noise, which was once a constant complaint among residents.

How the Miyawaki Method Revolutionizes Urban Green Spaces

The Miyawaki method, named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, has been instrumental in transforming urban landscapes across India. This technique mimics natural forests by planting native species in layers, including shrubs, sub-trees, and canopy trees.

Key Features of the Miyawaki Method:

• Native Species Selection: Only species that are local to the region are used. This ensures that the trees can thrive with minimal water and care. For example, in Jaipur, a Miyawaki forest was planted with Neem, Peepal, and Kachnar trees, which are drought-resistant and ideal for Rajasthan’s arid climate.
• Layered Planting: Trees are planted close together to recreate natural forest ecosystems. This dense planting helps prevent weeds and ensures rapid growth. Miyawaki forests grow 10 times faster than traditional methods, reaching maturity within 3 to 5 years.
• Minimal Maintenance: After the first three years, these forests become self-sustaining ecosystems, requiring little to no external inputs.

One of the remarkable Miyawaki forests in India is located in Manesar, Haryana where over 50,000 trees were planted on barren land.. This project has attracted attention as an example of large-scale reforestation in urban and semi-urban areas.

Urban Dense Forests: A Long-term Investment in Sustainable Cities

Urban dense forests are not only beneficial for the environment, but also have significant social and economic impacts. 1. Enhancing Property Values Green spaces increase property values by making neighborhoods more attractive. According to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), properties near green spaces in India can see their values rise by up to 20%. In cities like Hyderabad, urban dense forests have been linked to an increase in real estate demand, particularly for residential areas close to forest patches. 2. Flood Management Urban dense forests can help cities manage flood risks by absorbing excess rainwater. In Chennai, which is prone to severe flooding during the monsoon, Miyawaki forests have improved rainwater absorption and reduced surface runoff by up to 30%. This helps relieve pressure on stormwater drainage systems and mitigates the risk of urban flooding. 3. Social and Psychological Benefits Numerous studies confirm that exposure to green spaces improves mental health, reduces stress, and fosters social cohesion. In densely populated cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, Miyawaki forests have become places where communities gather for leisure and recreation. A study by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that residents living near green spaces had a 25% lower risk of depression.

Conclusion: The Future of Urban Sustainability

Urban dense forests are a critical solution for creating sustainable, resilient cities. As India continues to urbanize at a rapid pace, cities must prioritize integrating dense forests into urban planning to combat pollution, reduce heat, and promote biodiversity.

The Miyawaki method offers a scalable solution for transforming even the smallest urban spaces into thriving ecosystems. In the coming years, these dense forests will play a pivotal role in achieving India's climate goals and improving the quality of life for millions of urban residents.

Call to Action: Interested in transforming your city? Learn how you can support or start a Miyawaki urban forest project in your area and contribute to a greener, healthier planet.