1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
- To create a dense urban forest by planting 60,000 saplings of evergreen species, according to environmentally-sensitive decisions, prioritising native species with a varied representation (tree, sub-tree, canopy and shrub) (Ref. 1, 2)
- To increase urban greenery due to the lack of space for nature in the city (Ref. 1)
- To reclaim the land previously used for solid waste dump (Ref 1, 4)
- To improve the quality of soil (Ref 1)
- To improve the air quality of the area (Ref 2)
- To attract local biodiversity and engage people with nature (Ref 2)
- To improve the aesthetic appeal of the whole area (Ref 2)
- To increase urban greenery due to the lack of space for nature in the city (Ref. 1)
- To reclaim the land previously used for solid waste dump (Ref 1, 4)
- To improve the quality of soil (Ref 1)
- To improve the air quality of the area (Ref 2)
- To attract local biodiversity and engage people with nature (Ref 2)
- To improve the aesthetic appeal of the whole area (Ref 2)
Quantitative targets
- 60, 000 saplings (40,000 trees in the first phase, followed by 20,000 in the second phase of plantation) (Ref 1, 2, 3)
- A goal of 60+ plant species were shortlisted, which included (Ref 1): 17 % of the trees offering a wide canopy; 43 % of the plantation comprised the tree category; 30 % sub-trees and; 10 % shrubs.
- A goal of 60+ plant species were shortlisted, which included (Ref 1): 17 % of the trees offering a wide canopy; 43 % of the plantation comprised the tree category; 30 % sub-trees and; 10 % shrubs.
Monitoring indicators defined
-Trees height (Ref 1)
-Numbers and types of bird species, butterfly and insect species, and snake species (Ref 1)
-Numbers and types of bird species, butterfly and insect species, and snake species (Ref 1)
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The implementation activity involved clearing the site of the previously dumped material, preparing the soil and planting the samplings. First, the site was cleared of cloth, plastic, and construction debris that accumulated over time (Ref 1). Next, to ensure the quality of the soil, biological, physical and chemical soil testing was carried out. Based on this, nutritional value was also derived. To fulfil the nutritional requirements of the soil, a mixture of coco peat, compost, soil, perforate and water retainer was used (Ref 1).
Regarding forestation, in order to make environmentally-sensitive decisions, a forest survey was conducted from neighbouring areas to identify the local native to the species. Based on this forest survey, about 60+ native species were identified for plantation. To ensure a multi-layered evergreen forest, these were divided into four categories: tree, sub-tree, canopy, and shrub. The species included - amla (Indian gooseberry), lemon, neem, jamun, mangoes, the flame of the forest, teak, Indian almond, black catechu and others (Ref 1).
The project also included monitoring local biodiversity (Ref 1); specifically, 35 bird species, 15 butterfly and insect species, including bees, millipedes, centipedes, snails, 12 snake species, 1 Golden Jackal were identified (Ref 1).
To ensure a regular water supply for the plantation, treated water from a nearby sewage treatment plant (STP) was used for this project (Ref 1).
Lastly, the project is considered to have generated a source of employment for hundreds of local people in rural regions of Palghar district (Maharashtra) (Ref. 2).
Regarding forestation, in order to make environmentally-sensitive decisions, a forest survey was conducted from neighbouring areas to identify the local native to the species. Based on this forest survey, about 60+ native species were identified for plantation. To ensure a multi-layered evergreen forest, these were divided into four categories: tree, sub-tree, canopy, and shrub. The species included - amla (Indian gooseberry), lemon, neem, jamun, mangoes, the flame of the forest, teak, Indian almond, black catechu and others (Ref 1).
The project also included monitoring local biodiversity (Ref 1); specifically, 35 bird species, 15 butterfly and insect species, including bees, millipedes, centipedes, snails, 12 snake species, 1 Golden Jackal were identified (Ref 1).
To ensure a regular water supply for the plantation, treated water from a nearby sewage treatment plant (STP) was used for this project (Ref 1).
Lastly, the project is considered to have generated a source of employment for hundreds of local people in rural regions of Palghar district (Maharashtra) (Ref. 2).
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
The Nisarg Udhyan Miyawaki forest has transformed a neglected part of Kopar Khairane urban space and is now started to attract attention from local people (Ref. 2). The Miyawaki forest technique allowed for the quick transition of the space from a wasteland to a 3-acre mini-forest, with a fast growth and a dense green cover (Ref. 1, 3), with a 95% growth success rate (Ref. 4).
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
A similar project was developed previously in Nagpur, where a Miyawaki forest was planted in a dump yard, which was the inspiration for the project in Nisarg Udyan (Ref. 1).
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
There are plans to develop Miyawaki forests in Delhi, Nagpur, Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Delhi NCR and others (Ref. 1).
