Mini artificial forest launched
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IMPHAL, Jun 5 : Marking World Environment Day 2026, a massive tree plantation drive was jointly organised by the Sahitya Thoupang Lup and The Green Foundation at the letter's Demonstration Farm at Ukashoi, Manaingkhol, Imphal West.
The programme was held on the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future."
Members and volunteers of the Sahitya Thoupang Lup and The Green Foundation planted around 200 saplings of native varieties to kickstart the initiative. The primary objective of the drive was to establish an artificial mini-forest using the renowned Miyawaki forest technique.
Speaking at the event, Dr Khumukcham Ronald of The Green Foundation detailed the origins of the 'innovative method'.
He shared that the Miyawaki technique was pioneered by Late Dr Akira Miyawaki of Japan. Dr Miyawaki designed the model to mimic natural forests, drawing inspiration from the preserved ecosystems of small sacred groves and cultural shrines in Japan.
Dr Ronald emphasised that the Miyawaki model is highly effective for rapid ecological restoration.
While conventional afforestation models require 10 to 15 years to establish, a Miyawaki forest achieves maturity in just 3 to 5 years, growing ten times faster.
Explaining the methodology, Dr Ronald noted that the technique utilizes high-density plantation. Three different types of native species are planted within a single square metre. This specific spatial arrangement creates a robust, three-layered canopy structure: Major Canopy: Comprising tall native trees. Sub-Canopy: Comprising smaller trees. Low Vegetation: Comprising various native shrub species.
The ecological benefits of this model include rapid biodiversity enhancement, accelerated carbon sequestration, and overall ecosystem improvement in the targeted area, said Dr Ronald, acknowledging the Department of Forest, Government of Manipur, for supporting the initiative by providing the necessary planting materials.
U Himmatkumar, CEO of The Green Foundation, announced a joint resolution adopted by the members to take personal responsibility for monitoring and nurturing the site and ensure the successful growth of the nature-inspired mini-forest.
The programme was held on the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future."
Members and volunteers of the Sahitya Thoupang Lup and The Green Foundation planted around 200 saplings of native varieties to kickstart the initiative. The primary objective of the drive was to establish an artificial mini-forest using the renowned Miyawaki forest technique.
Speaking at the event, Dr Khumukcham Ronald of The Green Foundation detailed the origins of the 'innovative method'.
He shared that the Miyawaki technique was pioneered by Late Dr Akira Miyawaki of Japan. Dr Miyawaki designed the model to mimic natural forests, drawing inspiration from the preserved ecosystems of small sacred groves and cultural shrines in Japan.
Dr Ronald emphasised that the Miyawaki model is highly effective for rapid ecological restoration.
While conventional afforestation models require 10 to 15 years to establish, a Miyawaki forest achieves maturity in just 3 to 5 years, growing ten times faster.
Explaining the methodology, Dr Ronald noted that the technique utilizes high-density plantation. Three different types of native species are planted within a single square metre. This specific spatial arrangement creates a robust, three-layered canopy structure: Major Canopy: Comprising tall native trees. Sub-Canopy: Comprising smaller trees. Low Vegetation: Comprising various native shrub species.
The ecological benefits of this model include rapid biodiversity enhancement, accelerated carbon sequestration, and overall ecosystem improvement in the targeted area, said Dr Ronald, acknowledging the Department of Forest, Government of Manipur, for supporting the initiative by providing the necessary planting materials.
U Himmatkumar, CEO of The Green Foundation, announced a joint resolution adopted by the members to take personal responsibility for monitoring and nurturing the site and ensure the successful growth of the nature-inspired mini-forest.