Miyawaki forests.

With the diminishing forest cover all around the world, thanks to the indiscriminate clearing of large swathes of forest by mankind - in pursuit of livelihood - the extreme effects of climate changes have begun to be felt. Miyawaki forests have become increasingly popular, though it can never be a substitute to lush, natural forests. Let's try to understand this Japanese phenomenon.

The Miyawaki way

* Akira Miyawaki was a Japanese botanist who popularised the 'potted seedling method' or the Miyawaki technique.

* The Miyawaki way is an afforestation method where native species are chosen to create dense, multilayered forests that can self sustain after two years. It can be created in small patches of land, making it an attractive option.

* Miyawaki technique has 30 times more capacity to absorb CO2 than monoculture.

The Process

* The area where a Miyawaki forest is to be created is surveyed for soil texture, carbon content, pH and natural vegetation.

* Plant species that would have existed without human impact are chosen as the native species of the land.

* Nearest natural forests are visited to shortlist the native species and discover ways in which plant species might interact and support each other.

* Consists of four layers viz., Canopies, Trees, Sub-trees and Shrubs.

Criticism against the technique

Experts warn that Miyawaki can in no way be a replacement for the natural forests. In coastal areas like Madras, where the only dense forests are mangroves, native trees are the ones that sprawl rather than growing straight up. Also, there could be high costs in raising trees in a degraded land.

Questions left unanswered

* Could the Miyawaki technique be used even in areas where there is a natural absence of dense forest growth?

* Does dense planting allow large trees like teak to fully mature and produce natural canopies?

* What kind of animals benefit from these dense plantations?

Footprints across the globe

In India, multiple states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala and Telangana have adopted the technique. In the Mediterranean ecosystems, the system was used starting from 2000. Pakistan, China and Japan have rapidly adopted the technique.

What attracts?

The forest sequesters carbon, supports wildlife, recharges ground water and improves air quality. It helps fight the urban heat island effect, the condition where an urban area is warmer than its surrounding rural areas.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Kittu and his delightful capers!

LIC agents in the area - a couple named Seema and Dilkush - came and made friends with us.

Seena had dropped by to help Lekha in grooming.

Leela chittamma has insisted that we stay with her when we visit Kochi next week for the medical reviews.