Why in the News?
Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.
About Miyawaki Technique
- The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forests in limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
- Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
- It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
- It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.
Significant Features:
- Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
- Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
- Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
- Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.
PYQ:[2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the: (a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas (b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora (c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas (d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces |
