The Miyawaki technique: Afforestation solution for mitigating Urban Heat Island effects by increasing native Green cover

Abstract

In recent times, speedy growth in urbanization has been the significant anthropogenic activity across the globe leading to climatic changes. Urban Heat Island (UHI) is being experienced in developing cities due to loss in green cover and increased concretization. It is predicted that with high rise-high density development, the magnitude of Urban Heat Island will further intensify. The Miyawaki technique of afforestation is coming up as a new method in improving the green cover, especially in urban context. It is an afforestation method first developed by a plant ecology expert from Japan, Dr. Akira Miyawaki, which results in forests that have better carbon-dioxide absorption ability, higher reduction of dust and noise, denser green cover in much lesser time and area as compared to monoculture (traditional) plantations. The aim of this paper is to study the Miyawaki technique, its potentiality and usefulness in increasing the native green cover in urban context. The objective of this research is to promote conscious urban growth with the focus being on growing sufficient urban green cover to curb the ill effects of urbanization on environment.