As we continue to experience extreme weather events that signal increasing environmental decline and escalating social unrest around the world, I am constantly searching for symbols of hope and optimism and to find tangible ways to make positive lifestyle choices that contribute to a more meaningful and sustainable future.
That's why the concept of mini urban forests, proportionate to urban landscapes, is emerging as a silver lining within the global challenges we face.
Mini forests are transforming dusty highway shoulders, parking lots, schoolyards and abandoned spaces worldwide. They have been planted across Europe, in Africa, throughout Asia and in South America, and the Middle East. India has hundreds, and Japan, where it all began, has thousands.
According to representatives from Green Communities Canada, “good things take root when a community comes together to plant a mini forest.”
In 2023, the GCC, in collaboration with Canadian Geographic and environmental organizations such as Wilder Climate Solutions and Network of Nature, launched a pilot project. This initiative included the construction of six mini forests in cities across Canada, including one in Guelph and one at the Toronto Zoo. This year they have plans to plant 30 more forests containing 10,000 trees.
These miniature ecosystems, championed by the visionary Akira Miyawaki, a pioneering Japanese botanist, embody the power of local initiatives in addressing global challenges. Miyawaki's approach is based on densely planting native trees and shrubs that create a competitive environment that accelerates the establishment of mature forests. Mini forests offer a multitude of benefits within compact urban spaces and provide an alternative to horticultural practices, which often involve planting single not necessarily native trees, spaced several meters apart and often surrounded by turf.
Mini forests act as green lungs, purifying the air and providing a breath of fresh air in urban environments plagued by pollution. They serve as biodiversity hotspots, offering refuge for diverse plant and animal species and restoring ecological balance. They mitigate the urban heat island effect, providing shade and enhancing the livability of densely populated areas. They offer mental and emotional health benefits by providing urban havens for relaxation, contemplation and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Health experts agree that people who have a connection to nature are happier, healthier and more mindful.
In essence, mini forests exemplify the transformative potential of small-scale actions in addressing global environmental challenges. By planting these miniature ecosystems or supporting those who do, individuals can make tangible contributions to creating healthier, more sustainable communities. In a world longing for symbols of hope, mini forests stand as perceptible examples of resilience and renewal. So, if you're wondering how to contribute to a greener, more resilient future, consider starting with a mini forest — or supporting those who do.
John Wilson is a Director of Greys for Green in New Tecumseth. He believes that a greater understanding and appreciation of nature is what’s needed to inspire everyone to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Contact Greys for Green at [email protected] or follow them on social media.
