Permaculture instructor Andrew Millison journeys to Senegal to see a forest garden movement which is contributing to Africa’s Great Green Wall. Andrew accompanies the organization Planet Wild to visit the excellent work of Trees for the Future. This remarkable project holds the promise of combating desertification, providing livelihoods, and nurturing the environment. At its core, this initiative revolves around the creation of lush food forests that transform land into thriving ecosystems.
A Green Oasis, on a Quarter-Acre Plot
At the heart of this initiative lies small quarter-acre plots that encapsulates the project’s essence. These tiny pieces of land can provide everything a family needs, from building materials to food production, habitat, and temperature regulation. It is a microcosm of what is known as a permaculture multi-layered food forest.
Andrew talks about the the ambitious vision of the Great Green Wall of Africa, a colossal project aimed at planting a barrier of trees across the width of the continent, from Senegal to Djibouti. The primary goal is to halt the encroachment of the Sahara Desert. This project has failed in many places because the trees could not be looked after properly, due to the sheer size and scope of the project. These permaculture food forests offer a complementary solution to the problem.
The heart of this initiative lies in a four-year plan that guides the transformation process. It involves stages such as protection, diversification, and optimization, gradually establishing forest gardens that bear fruit.
The article emphasizes the substantial impact of these forest gardens on nutrition and economic stability. These ecosystems provide diverse and stable sources of food, reducing the vulnerability of families to crop failures. The success of this project has led to ambitious plans for expansion. The aim is to replicate this methodology in every district of Senegal and other African countries, turning the tide against desertification.
Andrew concludes by highlighting the collaboration with Planet Wild, a global community dedicated to environmental restoration. They join hands with Trees for the Future to support tree planting in Senegal and elsewhere, showcasing the power of collective action.
In essence, this initiative in Senegal stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against desertification and climate change. Through the creation of forest gardens and collaborative efforts, it not only restores the land but also provides sustainable livelihoods for communities. It’s a testament to the transformative power of nature-based solutions in an ever-changing world.
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💬 🔜 🌳 Comment on the video to plant a tree! – Planet Wild will plant one extra tree for everyone who leaves a comment on the video before the end of 2023.
Planet Wild is an amazing community that is restoring the Earth through the power of Youtube! I highly recommend to checkout their channel. Their rewilding videos are truly fascinating. They have done a video on this exact same subject here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_SzuUHXP1M
Miyawaki forests are named after the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. They represent an alternative approach to afforestation and biodiversity restoration. The method emphasizes the creation of dense, native forests, which can thrive in a variety of environments, including urban areas. Unlike traditional forestry methods, the Miyawaki technique focuses on planting a huge variety of native species close together, which accelerates growth and creates a self-sustaining ecosystem in a remarkably short period.
The origins of the Miyawaki method lie in Akira Miyawaki’s extensive research on natural vegetation. He observed that native forests are more resilient and adaptable to local conditions compared to single-species plantations. This led to his advocating for planting indigenous trees and shrubs in dense clusters, mimicking natural forest conditions. The result is a complex, multi-layered ecosystem that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
https://owgf.files.wordpress.com/2023/11/miyawaki-forest.png?w=1024One of the key benefits of Miyawaki forests is their rapid growth and development. These forests can grow up to 10 times faster than conventional plantations, creating a mature ecosystem in just 20-30 years. This speed is a significant advantage in urban environments where space and time are limited, and the need for green spaces is immediate.
Miyawaki forests also excel in carbon sequestration. Due to their high density and diversity, these forests can absorb more carbon dioxide compared to traditional forests. This makes them a valuable tool in the fight against climate change, especially in urban areas where carbon emissions are high. Additionally, these forests contribute to the improvement of air quality and reduce the heat island effect, making them beneficial for urban residents.
Another important aspect of the Miyawaki method is its adaptability. These forests can be established in various environments, from temperate to tropical regions. They can thrive on degraded land, making them ideal for restoring ecosystems that have been damaged by industrial activities or urbanization. This adaptability extends to the variety of plant species that can be used, allowing for a tailored approach to each specific location.
The implementation of Miyawaki forests also fosters community engagement and environmental awareness. Planting and maintaining these forests often involves local communities, schools, and organizations, providing educational opportunities and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment. This community involvement is crucial for the long-term success and preservation of these urban green spaces.
Miyawaki forests represent a potent and versatile tool for environmental restoration and urban greening. Their ability to create dense, diverse, and rapidly growing ecosystems offers a sustainable solution to environmental challenges, particularly in densely populated urban areas. As the world grapples with issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, the Miyawaki method provides a way forward in Greening our planet and Urban Areas.