Miyawaki Or Traditional Afforestation for Rapid Reforestation?

Due to the increased need to mitigate climate change and restore ecological balance, around the globe, reforestation is being strategically implemented. However, all approaches to reforestation are not universal. Two of the most talked about methods today are the Miyawaki method and traditional afforestation. Although both methods focus on restoring green cover and biodiversity, they are different in technique, results, and suitability. This raises an important question: which method suffices for rapid reforestation?

The Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki developed ‘The Miyawaki’ method in 1970s which is based on dense native multi-species plantation. Unlike conventional methods that involve sparse monoculture planting, the Miyawaki approach practices small scale urban or peri-urban polyculture dendrology, involving sowing a diverse mixture of indigenous trees and shrubs. Usually, 3-5 saplings are planted per square meter, maximising natural vertical growth competition among species. This is how forests ecosystems are structured and layered. According to studies, these micro-forests can reach maturity in just 20 to 30 years, as opposed to the 100 years or more typically required for natural forests. In India alone, over 3,000 Miyawaki forests have been planted in the past decade, reflecting the method’s rising popularity in urban reforestation initiatives. They start functioning like mature native forests, efficiently sequestering carbon, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and regulating climate.

In contrast, Traditional techniques are more systematic and comprehensive. These are commonly adopted in rural or extensive geographical areas. It is the practice of planting trees in rows and at intervals which is usually much greater than customary. For example, commercial species like eucalyptus or teak may be planted. Though sometimes effective for aiding recovery in forested regions, it has limited ecological value in contrast to native forest systems. Additionally, value is often slower along with supported biodiversity. It may require maintenance like weeding, watering, grazing protection for prolonged periods, and the majority of these cases don’t evolve into self-sustaining ecosystems.

When it comes to rapid reforestation, the Miyawaki method clearly has advantages, especially in terms of speed, density, and biodiversity. It is particularly well-suited for urban environments where space is limited and the need for quick green cover is high. A 2022 report by the Urban Forests Collective found that Miyawaki forests could absorb up to 600% more carbon dioxide and support 18 times more biodiversity than traditional monoculture plantations within a 20-year period. However, it may not be as cost-effective or scalable for vast, degraded lands that need afforestation on hundreds or thousands of hectares. Traditional techniques, while slower and often less biodiverse, can cover larger tracts of land and contribute to carbon sequestration on a broader scale, especially when combined with ecological restoration principles.

Ultimately, both methods have their place in the larger environmental strategy. The Miyawaki method works best for rapid, small-scale, biodiversity-rich interventions, particularly in urban and peri-urban spaces. Traditional afforestation, when done thoughtfully with native species and ecological considerations, remains crucial for large-scale forest landscape restoration. The real opportunity lies in integrating both approaches, using each where it is most effective, to accelerate our global efforts in reforestation and ecological recovery.