The forests of the Himalayas provide critical ecosystem services. They as a natural carbon sink; replenish local groundwater; filter water going downstream; they even protect entire regions from floods.
These forests are home to incredible biodiversity - including many, many species that are endemic to the Himalayas. In fact, the Himalayas are one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
There'e more. Forests contribute to overall well-being, while being critical for food security and nutrition in remote areas. People who live around green areas are 3 times more likely to stay physically active.
Over the past year, we have experimented with the effectiveness of the Miyawaki method for the Himalayas. This is a scientifically validated method of simulating forest growth as observed in the wild – the dense, random arrangement of mixed, native species.
Conventional planting methods have a success rate of 20% to 30% at best. A Miyawaki forest is based on ecological principles and considered a success only if there is a survival rate of 80% to 90%.
Neither do traditional afforestation techniques account for what goes under the soil. The Miyawaki method focuses on strengthening root networks and underground communication between trees.
So, we work along with district governments in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand to increase forest cover under native mixed-species forests. We co-create forests with local communities. We work with youth to help make them eco-leaders in their communities.
In August 2017, we planted the first Himalayan Miyawaki forest. Today, it’s already towering over our founder, Sheeba Sen (seen here). Till date, we’ve planted over 15,000 saplings in the district of Champawat. As we continue on our journey to reforest our Himalayan home.
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