At Poda Kahani, we believe that every city deserves to breathe. With concrete spreading faster than trees, we’re taking a stand, by planting Miyawaki urban forests that integrates jungles in the cities, and restore balance back to our surroundings by promoting ideal eco-system for birds, insect, plants and many other species.
What is a Miyawaki Forest?
The Miyawaki Forest is a dense urban forest, strategically placed in the middle of the cities. The concept was pioneered by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. It is a revolutionary way to grow a self-sustaining, dense native forest in just a few years. Miyawaki forest grows 10x faster than a traditional forest planted by humans and left on its own. Miyawaki forest’s 10 year growth will be equilant to 100 years of normal forests.
Unlike traditional planting, this technique involves layering indigenous trees and plants close together, allowing them to grow naturally and rapidly, mimicking the structure of a real forest. There is no replantation if a plant dies, its all left to natural selection. There is practically no human interruption once the forest is planted.
Miyawaki forest grows 10x faster than a traditional forest planted by humans and left on its own. Miyawaki forest’s 10 year growth will be equilant to 100 years of normal forests.
Why Urban Forests Matter
In today’s fast-growing cities, green spaces are vanishing. Through the Miyawaki method, podakahani aims to reclaim unused urban spaces, from parks to empty lots and turn them into thriving ecosystems that:
Restore biodiversity
By using native species, these forests invite a wide variety of birds, insects, butterflies, and other life forms, rebalancing local ecosystems. Butterflies, bees and other pollinators are drawn to these jungles that also contain flowering plants, resulting in improved system for gardens development, flowering trees and urban agriculture.
Cool our cities
Studies show that areas around Miyawaki forests experience noticeable temperature drops, helping reduce the urban heat island effect. Evidence shows that there is difference of 2°C to 5°C in shades urban forests as compared to roads with asphalt.
Support wildlife
Each mini-forest becomes a sanctuary for pollinators and small creatures, forming safe spaces in densely populated areas. There is a long list of different species that make such Miyawaki forests their home. If you want to see all the birds, insects and mammals that will nest in your miyawaki forest, click here. Podakahani team has carefully compiled a list showcasing variety of species that resides in such forests and creates a well balanced eco-system.
Improve air and water
The roots improve water absorption, the leaves clean the air, and the forest overall enhances soil quality naturally.
Become self-sustaining
Within 2–3 years, these forests become fully self-sufficient, needing no maintenance or artificial watering. One of the main reasons, podakahani.org is strong advocate of such forests.
Our Mission: Forests in the Middle of Metropolitans
Poda Kahani is committed to planting Miyawaki forests right where they are needed most, within our cities. We are building partnerships with both private and government sectors to identify unused lands, rooftops, schools, and community spaces to bring nature back.
Whether it’s a corner of a school, a vacant urban plot, or a corporate office compound, Poda Kahani will lead the effort in designing, planting, and nurturing these urban forests, until they can thrive on their own. We need your help in this regard, If you have an empty piece of land, contact us and we will turn it into lush green forest. Because we believe green emits life and we all love life 🙂
Join podakahani.org
Every tree planted is a story of hope. Let’s rewrite our urban landscape with the language of leaves, shade, and songs of birds. Everybody can write their own kahani(story), ours is full of nature.
Partner with us to bring a forest to your neighborhood, school, or workplace.
Sponsor a patch, volunteer in a plantation drive, or invite us to collaborate.
Start your Miyawaki journey today.