In this session, we speak to Shubhendu Sharma, Founder of Afforestt. Afforestt does amazing work rewilding barren land in rural as well as urban areas, in different climatic zones, using different species through a process called the Miyawaki Method. Over the conversation, we discuss the fundamentals of the Miyawaki technique, the how tos of growing a forest, the benefits of picking native species, the ways and means of making forests and landscapes in the cities, as well as the challenges of growing and maintaining a dense forest. We also delve into the subject of mono-planting and understand how it impacts local biodiversity.

Here are some key takeaways from the session:

• Above ground, we perceive the forest as multiple trees, plants, and shrubs. But below ground, the forest grows as a single organism. ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben is a great read to understand how trees grow and communicate

• ‘Jungle Trees of Central India’ by Pradip Krishen is an excellent resource to learn about Indian native trees.

• One can visit the following native forests in India to find clues about and study the local indigenous species:

  • Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai

  • Kabini Forest in Bangalore

  • Srisailam Reserve in Hyderabad

  • Annamalai Forest in Tamil Nadu

  • Ridge Forest of the Aravalli Range in Delhi

  • Alwar Forest in Gurgaon and Haryana

  • Kanha and Tadoba National Parks in Central India

  • Jhilli Milli Forest in Kolkata

  • Jhalana Forest in Jaipur

  • Bathinda Forest in Punjab

  • Nepli Forest in Chandigarh

• Afforestt also has an open source DIY toolkit on How To Build Forests. You can find the methodology here.

Read more about growing urban forests using the Miyawaki method in our introductory blogpost.

In this IG Live, I delve into the factors involved in taking A Site Positive Approach. I speak about how design can contribute to the land it stands on as well as simple measures that can be taken to ensure the site is preserved and that resources are managed well during and after construction. Over the Live, I explain the importance of the water management systems at our houses in Goa, and the natural systems we have implemented such as a pond and bioswales. I also answer questions about site positivity in the rural and urban contexts, speak about the opportunities offered by certain materials and the feasibility of creating a positive impact. Tune in to watch the entire session.

To know more about taking a site positive approach, you can read our blogpost on the subject which looks at the strategies implemented at The House With Three Pavilions.

How does one build in a rural location with the objective to have minimal or zero-impact on the environment?

This question is the primary driver behind the site planning strategy for The House with Three Pavilions located in Goa, India.

The project site is located on the edge of rice paddy fields with a dense cluster of local forest trees on one side and a coconut grove in the middle. The following diagram illustrates some of the critical measures taken as part of the site planning strategy.

WHY IS AN ECOLOGICAL RESPONSE ADOPTED?

• As Goa gentrifies, rampant new construction threatens to rock the delicate balance between nature and man. This project is our attempt to showcase that the built form can tread lightly on the land with conscious design and measured planning. 

• The design focus is to leave a minimal or zero-impact on the functioning natural ecological cycles at the site that pre-date the new construction. 

• The site is geographically located along the path of the watershed from surrounding higher elevations that finally drains into the Arabian Sea. The design planning is oriented to support and improve the water movement through a comprehensive water management plan.

• The water management plan is implemented to address three primary concerns around the site - to recharge the depleted underground water table, to increase water availability for the paddy fields bordering the site, and to reduce the water load on the Municipal Draining system.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?

• During the survey, a natural depression was found at the center of the site with a perennial wetland hosting diverse flora and fauna. This existing depression was dug out (until the underground water level in the driest month) and integrated with the existing well on the site. Today, this natural wetland feature is preserved and developed into a seasonal waterbody which also forms the focal point for the landscape created using a native planting strategy.

• All the roof rain water runoff is captured and along with the site surface runoff, it is directed into the central seasonal pond for rain water harvesting. The edges of the pond were formalized with mortar-less retaining walls built in local laterite rubble. This was done to reduce the erosion of the pond edges and to retain the water as a permanent feature in the landscape

• The pond was further connected to a newly planned system of bioswales that spread the collected runoff water over a larger site surface area increasing the rate and extent of percolation on the site. This keeps the level of our underground water table high throughout the year and the soil moist, reducing the garden irrigation requirement in the dry season.

• The bioswales use no cement in their construction and can absorb water through the walls and the base. The construction of the bioswales and the pond without cement, also allows for the water to remain clean without any toxicity of the cement leaching into the landscape.

HOW DOES THIS CREATE A POSITIVE IMPACT?

• The water management was a critical part of this project and offsets the load on the rudimentary public storm water systems found in the Goan villages especially during the heavy monsoons.

• As a result of our efforts, the underground water levels have been improved hence negating the impact of the house construction on the environment. We have been able to prevent any additional flooding at the neighboring fields or any other low-lying area in the village. 

• The project also prioritises the enhancement of the site’s resources and biodiversity. In doing so, it also creates a positive impact on its surroundings by protecting the agrarian viability which is constantly threatened by new construction and increased human activity. Our success can be measured by the number of birds, reptiles, butterflies and insects that can be found on the site today. We have uncovered peacock eggs, cuckoo eggs and baby parrots on our site. It is a win to see that the animals continue to find the site a safe space even as they come in close contact with the human life around, making this truly a space for all seasons and species.

(Water Management Plan in consultation with Pallavi Latkar and team at Grassroots Research Mumbai.)

At Grounded, our core mission is sustainability and it really breaks our heart when we read stories on the deforestation of the amazon or deforestation in Asia for Palm oil production. Recently, we came across this article on a brilliant organization, Afforestt and its efforts to create urban forests. Afforestt is based in Bangalore, founded by Shubhendu Sharma and has done consulting work in several countries. They follow a method for afforestation pioneered by a Japanese botanist, Dr. Akira Miyawaki. We got so into the idea that we did a bit more research and have put together a short summary of our findings below.

Research done by Maryam Sheikh, Junior Architect at Grounded.

Edited by Roshini Ganesh, Communications at Grounded.

THE MIYAWAKI METHOD OF AFFORESTATION

The Miyawaki method is a global – local practice of afforestation pioneered by a Japanese botanist, Dr Akira Miyawaki. Dedicated to the protection and regeneration of forests, it places emphasis on the value and contribution of native species to the environment as well as the social fabric that thrives around it. It educates us on how real forests are made up of multi-layered native trees, and that such forests stay firm when subjected to natural disasters.

With increased and widespread deforestation and forest wildfires, it becomes paramount that efficient solutions also flood the world. Disasters such as the Australian bushfires and the unprecedented Amazon rainforest fires have jolted the world awake and into action mode. Yet for those who truly care about climate action, we have systems that have long been working towards protecting the environment without the need of an emergency to spring into action.

The Miyawaki method makes strides by enabling the creation of micro, mini and mega forests using the same core principles. It gives us layered and more variegated habitats that are dependent on local flora and fauna. It is important to note that it is this consideration of native species that sets this method apart, and not the way of placement. 

The following are the steps to realize this ingenious method:

1. First, the soil is prepared by adding a combination of materials that allow for perforation and water retention. Naturally available resources such as rice husk, wheat husk, peanut shells, and corn cobs perforate the soil and make room for the plant roots to grow quickly. Water retainers like coco peat and sugarcane stalk increase the soil’s water retention capacity. To complete the preparation, nourishing mixtures like manure and vermicompost are added to the composition to create a nutrient rich environment for the saplings.

2. Next, the land is surveyed to identify native species that are best suited for plantation together. Not everything that grows in a space belongs there - it is therefore important to look through the historical records of that region in order to understand what is really native. The local plant species are categorized into 4 layers:

   1. Shrubs – those that grow up to 6 feet (1.8m)

   2. Sub-trees – that grow up to 25 feet (7.6m)

   3. Trees – that grow up to 40 feet (12 m)

   4. Canopy trees – that grow above 40 feet

The saplings are introduced at a stage when they have grown to a height of 24-32 inches (0.6-0.8m) above the ground.

3. The design and arrangement of the forest belt is the next step. The more staggered the species are, the better it is for the forest. These various indigenous trees are planted close to each other with an average of 3-5 saplings accommodated in every square meter. Contrary to most myths, the saplings will not fight for nutrition, but learn to survive in a co-dependent manner. The plants work in harmony to create strong root networks underground that allow them to interact with each other and share nutrition between species. This also reduces the depletion of soil nutrition, and erosion over time.

4. Once the saplings are planted, the soil needs to be layered with a thick layer of mulch that acts as a soil insulator to ensure the moisture within remains intact and does not evaporate. To safeguard the upcoming forest saplings against weeds, the land requires maintenance for the first 2 years, after which the mantra becomes– “No management is the best management”.

The density of these tight-as-a-fist forests creates a diverse natural habitat above ground that invites varied biodiversity over time. It also creates a steady nexus of root clusters below ground that stay strong and hold ground when faced with natural calamities like storms, floods, tsunamis as well as man-made adversities like deforestation.

The Miyawaki method was first brought to India in 2009 and has been adopted by Afforest – a social enterprise founded by a humble engineer and environment saviour, Shubendu Sharma.

His sincere effort to spread the technique has already touched ground in 50 cities across the globe empowering people with information on how to grow a forest, starting with their own backyards. His studies illustrate the exponential benefits of growing a multi-layered forest vs a monoculture forest to create a habitat that is 100 times more bio diverse, is 100% natural, allows for 30 times more groundwater recharge and soil conservation, among many others.

Many homegrown organisations like Afforest, Thuvakkam (Chennai), and SayTrees (Bengaluru) use the Miyawaki method in afforestation throughout India. Afforest has planted 4.5 lakhs trees across their 108 projects; ninety of these sites are located in India. Say Trees engages with citizens and corporates, and has helped plant 70,000 trees in Bengaluru from 2008.

Adjacent to the Manyata Tech Park, five mini forests have been planted by a team of 15 citizens, spread across 7850 sq m. All of these have been created by the residents of Manyata Residency nearby in close collaboration with Say Trees.

Other organisations such as the Sugi Project take the concept of re-wilding urban land door to door and empower everyday citizens to invest in nature and restore biodiversity. Their ongoing project at Maruvan with Afforest takes the Miyawaki idea many steps forward, envisioning a nursery, a tree seed bank, and a forest on presently arid desert terrain. These forests create a natural native green lung, bring alive degraded land, offset the carbon footprint, and build community.

Afforestation through the Miyawaki method enlivens the land as well as the very idea of plantation. It arms us with the ability to make the dream of living near a forest, a reality – provided we create one. It gives us the opportunity to take responsibility for better natural systems, to create space for biodiversity, and to create hope.