Effectiveness of the Miyawaki Afforestation: A Case Study of NACONS Miyawaki Projects in the Sangli-SMKC of Maharashtra

Deforestation caused by agriculture, urbanization, industrialization and mining activities has become a major global environmental issue. The world has lost almost half of its tree cover since 1960s and India is not an exception to this. The disastrous effects of vegetation loss are evident in the form of increased carbon emission, global warming, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, flash floods, droughts, frequent forest fires and loss of biodiversity. It would be too late to restrict this, if we do not act now. Considering the gravity and urgency of the situation, team NACONS, Sangli has taken steps to contribute in the global attempt to restore the lost green cover. Projects of indigenous tree planting around urban and rural areas are frequently undertaken. In the last few years, conventional plantation has been supplemented with modern forest creation techniques such as ‘Cluster Afforestation Method and Miyawaki Method’. Creation of such multiple ‘Micro-habitats’ is a small but significant step towards increasing the overall vegetation on earth. An attempt has been made through this research paper to analyses the Miyawaki afforestation technique with the help of detailed case study of Miyawaki Projects developed by NACONS (Nature Conservation Society) in Sangli, Miraj & Kupwad Municipal Corporation (SMKC) of Maharashtra. Team NACONS have created and developed tiny Miyawaki forest at two places of Sangli-SMKC viz. Miraj, and Kupwad. Miyawaki Afforestation Technique has been successfully implemented by NACONS in various places of Sangli SMKC. It has several merits as well as limitations. Fast & dense forest growth, native biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, community engagement and ecosystem services are the some major merits of the Miyawaki afforestation method. On the other hand, initial capital investment, appropriate selection of native species, monotonous nature and maintenance requirement for first three years are some concerned areas where work has to be done.