What Are ‘Tiny Forests’? Green Patches That Can Help India's Concrete Jungles, And The Environment, Breathe Easier

Tiny forests, dense urban green spaces, enhance biodiversity, air quality, and well-being. They can be planted in limited spaces like parks or roadsides, with diverse native species & compact planting

With the rise in urbanisation and the intensifying climatic challenges, the importance of green spaces in urban settings has never been more crucial. Among the urban vegetation, tiny forests are gaining significant traction owing to the fact that they possess the potential to revamp highly polluted cities into sustainable and healthier environments. These mini forests not only serve the purpose of enhancing biodiversity in a region and environmental conservation, but substantially aid in improving the overall well-being of humans by providing cleaner air and richer environments. 

Government Initiative To Promote Tiny Forests 

In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, the Uttar Pradesh government mandated that companies grow micro forests. They instituted a policy for companies to turn 33% of the land they own into dense, tiny forests. Over the last few years, the government has successfully helped cultivate 19 hectares of mini forests across the regions of Kukrail, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Ghaziabad, and Varanasi. 

On top of this, the Central Pollution Control Board is focusing on establishing educational and residential institutes to help promote this technique even further. The Union government has also launched several schemes, such as the National Mission for Green India, Nagar Van Yojana, School Nursery Yojana, and Compensatory Afforestation Management, among others, to promote the plantation of mini forests with the help of local communities, educational institutions, and NGOs. 

Growing Tiny Forests In Urban And Metropolitan Settings 

One of the strengths of tiny forests is that they are very suitable for cities and metropolitan areas where green spaces are limited. They can be planted in parks, along roadsides, on the campuses of any institution, or even in small patches inside residential complexes. In addition, with the help of soil amendments, tiny forests can also be grown in barren and dry areas, helping transform the region into a biodiverse oasis. By employing these simple methods, communities, schools, and large institutions can create tiny forests. 

Selecting Plant Species

A tiny forest contains at least 30 different plant species, with a mix of trees and shrubs that are local to the area. In simpler terms, the greater the number of native species, the more diverse the wildlife supported by the forest will be. 

Size And Location Of Mini Forest 

There are several factors to be taken into account when picking a location for tiny forests. These include: 

The location should get sufficient sunlight. 

A water source in the vicinity. 

Location should be near the community that has taken the initiative, for maximum engagement and participation. 

Site Preparation For A Tiny Forest

Preparing the planting site is a crucial step. It involves the removal of invasive species and other growth hindrances, such as nutritionally deficient soil. Other site-preparation activities include loosening the soil and adding soil amendments, such as compost. 

Compact Planting: Tiny forests hugely depend on the number of plants installed per unit area or the density of plantings. They aim to have 2-3 plants per square metre. This approach saves the forest from invasive species and encourages quicker growth of the plants. 

Mulching: Mulching all around the plants helps retain soil moisture, especially in areas with arid conditions. It also enriches the soil with nutrients. 

Early Care Of Tiny Forest 

It is critical to remove weeds and regularly water the forest in its early stages (up to 1-2 years). This exercise helps trees and shrubs develop healthy roots. After some time, the forest becomes self-reliant and establishes its own ecosystem along with rain cycles. 

Approvals And Legal Obligations

Generally, there is no specific government approval required for growing tiny forests if the land belongs to a private owner, or is intended for public use, including a park or a community space. However, in areas belonging to the government, such as forests and agricultural lands, an application should be addressed to the authorities concerned, seeking permission. In some cases, especially in urban centres, municipal approval may be required. In large-scale mini-forest projects, it is advised that the local authorities in charge of environmental and land-use concerns be contacted, in compliance with the Indian Forest Act or other local biodiversity legislation.

Sponsorship Opportunities To Grow Tiny Forests 

Several NGOs and environmental organisations can offer technical and financial support to communities and schools for developing tiny forests in urban and metropolitan areas. Also, community-driven funding models can be effective, especially for smaller projects.  

Amid the chaotic rise of urbanisation, the emergence of tiny forests represents a pragmatic solution that helps improve environmental health, promote sustainable living, and maintain the overall well-being of a community. Their advantages go beyond being a sanctuary for biodiversity. They are a powerful tool to address immediate climate threats, and forge a path for humans to not only sustain life in the urban landscape but help it flourish. 

Author Sunith Reddy is the CEO of BeForest.

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