THE MIYAWAKI METHOD
Who was Akira Miyawaki?
With our association's name, we commemorate the recently deceased botanist and plant ecologist Professor Akira Miyawaki.
As early as the 1970s, Miyawaki was committed to the restoration and protection of natural forest ecosystems, which he saw as a key to maintaining the earth's natural balance. Over the course of his research, he developed, among other things, a reforestation method that is now known worldwide as the "Miyawaki method".
Until his death, he helped people in over 1,700 projects around the world to plant site-adapted and climate-resilient forests. He was directly involved in the planting of over 40 million trees. Through his tireless efforts, Miyawaki has inspired countless people. His actions show us what we can achieve as individuals when we are passionate about a cause.
What particularly impressed us, apart from the ingenious planting method, was the social level of reforestation. We are now carrying this idea forward and planting as many forests as possible together with children and other volunteers under the name "MIYA e.V.". Let's see if we can reach 40 million trees one day!
A Tiny Forest according to Miyawaki...
... is much more than "just" a tiny forest! It is a green, dense oasis that can be created on an area of just 200 square metres. Many different species of trees and shrubs grow in this urban wilderness, providing a habitat for numerous butterflies, birds and pollinating insects and creating a stable and resilient ecosystem in a very short space of time. Tiny Forests also offer people of all ages small places to meet, enjoy, learn and grow together.
And this is what a Tiny Forest does
1
The high diversity of native plants provides a diverse habitat for flora and fauna
2
Tiny Forests cool, provide a good microclimate and protect against extreme heat.
3
Due to the dense, multi-layered vegetation, but also due to the roots and the promotion of the topsoil, Tiny Forests store CO2 twice as fast as traditionally afforested areas.
4
Trees filter pollutants such as nitrogen and sulphur oxides from the air and remove fine dust particles.
5
Like a sponge, the forest islands absorb water, store it and act as retention areas during heavy rainfall.
6
We inoculate the soil with microorganisms and mycorhizal fungi to increase the microbiological activity of our forest.
7
Terra Preta is a nutrient substrate that is modelled on indigenous cultures in the Amazon region and consists of microbiologically activated biochar, clay and rock flour and compost.
How does it work?
About the method
1. Area search
You need an area of at least 100 square metres.
2. Soil analysis
We analyse the soil and derive a precise recommendation for how to regenerate the soil.
3. Tree species selection
Together we will find out which trees and shrubs are native to your location. In this way, we put together a plant community that is specially adapted to the local conditions.
4. Soil preparation
With the help of an excavator or many helpers, the soil is enriched with locally available biomass such as straw, compost or terra preta. The aim is to build up a well-aerated, nutrient-rich and biologically active soil that can hold water well and in which the plants can root well.
5: Participatory planting campaign
On planting day, people come together to plant the forest. No matter where you come from or how old you are, everyone is welcome at our projects! Because preserving our nature can bring us closer together again.
6. Maintenance
The grove needs to be maintained for 2-3 years. The low maintenance effort includes work such as watering and removing weeds. After that, the Tiny Forest requires no further care.
