Kerala Raises Micro-Forests In The Japanese Way In 22 Tourist Spots

by Suchismita Pal
Kerala Raises Micro-Forests In The Japanese Way In 22 Tourist Spots

Kerala is adopting the Miyawaki model of Japan for an afforestation project in 22 tourism spots across 12 districts. The estimated cost of the project implementation is around ₹5.75 crores. The Miyawaki model, named after the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki involves growing thick micro-forests in a small patch of land by utilising only indigenous species. A normal forest usually takes around 100 years to grow by itself. But the Miyawaki model can help in the growth of same forests in just around one-fifth of the period. The authorities had taken up a portion of the ground of Thiruvananthapuram’s Kanakakunnu Palace in January 2019 for forest restoration. Vagamon In Kerala also got green checkpoints to curb plastic waste.

Land In Kanakakunnu Palace Afforested Using Miyawaki Technique

Authorities in Kerala had chosen a small part of the land at Thiruvananthapuram’s Kanakakunnu Palace for afforestation in January 2019 using the Japanese Miyawaki model. According to an Indian Express report, Hari Prabhakaran, the founder-director of the NGO Nature’s Green Guardian Foundation, has said, “Within just 12 months, we were able to see the biodiversity that we created on a five-cent land. For example, after the forest came up, we spotted many rare birds that hadn’t been seen in the area for a long time. Also, a lot of insects and worms.”

Kerala Micro-Forests Japanese
Picture Credits: Kerala Tourism

Vijayakumar, the Ernakulam district secretary of the tourism department said, “This is a model project which is informative as well as delightful to public and the tourists. We are bringing an ambience of a forest to our tourist spots. The people can also take inspiration from it and replicate it in their own private land.” Also, here’s a glimpse into Kerala’s Glorious Athirappilly Waterfalls.

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Kerala To Raise Forests In 22 Tourist Spots

After the successful experiment, Kerala is planning to raise similar micro-forests at 22 tourism spots in 12 districts. The ₹5.75 crore project aims to convert tourist spots in Kerala into eco-friendly spaces. Some of the tourist spots to be afforested with Miyawaki model include Kanjirapuzha dam garden, Alappuzha, Kozhikode’s Sarovaram bio-park, Munambam beach, among many others. Reportedly, Vijayakumar said, “We choose species that are indigenous and local to that area and plant them closely. With the help of nutrients from the fertiliser bed, they grow into mature trees within three years. By then, their roots would have become strong and would go beyond the fertiliser bed. All trees are grown at the same level in the same time period.”

Kerala Micro-Forests Japanese
Picture Credits: The Hindu

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Kerala already attracts a large number of tourists from all over to the world, thanks to its pristine backwaters, mountains, museums and more. After the afforestation of these areas, the state will be even more beautiful. Meanwhile, did you know that there is a farm in Kerala which is full of snakes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvgLlPRAB0Y