The mini forests and forests of the planet, threatened by droughts, fires, and deforestation, find hope in innovative initiatives that combine “scientific knowledge and ancestral wisdom“.
From Germany to Brazil, reforestation projects led by experts, indigenous communities, and committed citizens demonstrate that ecological restoration is possible even in small spaces.
The Miyawaki method: miniature forests with global impact
Mini forests to tackle climate change[/caption>
Stefan Scharfe, a 27-year-old German forestry scientist, promotes the creation of mini forests based on the method developed by the Japanese sociologist Kira Miyawaki in the 1980s.
These dense and biodiverse ecosystems are planted in small urban plots. “They are rich in wild species and resilient,” explains Scharfe, who in 2021 raised 14,000 euros through crowdfunding for his first project in Brandenburg. There, 3,000 native plants compete for light, accelerating their growth.
The key is to mimic natural processes: “We provide the system with what it would normally have after decades, such as nutrients and humus, so that it develops on its own,” he explains. A 3D scanner monitors the progress: in areas prepared with this method, the plants are 20% more vigorous.
Brazil: the fight for the Atlantic Forest
In southeastern Brazil, Miriam Prochnov and Digo Goldschaffer have been defending the Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem devastated by logging, for half a century.
Their organization, Premavi, has planted 9 million trees since 1987. “Reforesting is a way to compensate for what our ancestors destroyed,” says Carolina, their daughter, while showing a nursery with 200 species, including endangered ones like the Brazilwood.
A study revealed that a 16-hectare reforested forest by them absorbs 180 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the emissions of a car after traveling 900,000 km.
Despite threats from agribusiness groups, their work continues: “When we reforest, the water returns,” testifies Sidney Prochnov, a collaborating farmer.
The benefit of mini forests
The Cogis: indigenous wisdom to heal forests
The visit of the Mamos of the Cogis tribe (Colombia) to German forests offers a different perspective. After 18 years of training in darkness, these spiritual leaders perceive energies and invisible balances for Western science.
In Brandenburg, they identified a crucial “mother tree” for the ecosystem and reinterpreted the beetle plague: “It is a natural process that eliminates non-native species, such as firs,” translated Lucas Buholz, organizer of their European tour.
Their message resonates with researchers like Carsten Mann: “We need to integrate global visions, not just scientific data.”
Green cities: the healing forest of Helford
In Helford (Germany), a barren parking lot was transformed into a mini forest thanks to 21,000 euros raised by journalist Corina Lás. Stefan Scharfe and his team planted 4,500 shrubs and trees using Miyawaki techniques.
“One square meter of this forest hosts 18 times more biodiversity than a natural forest,” highlights Scharfe. Additionally, it reduces the local temperature by up to 3°C and filters pollutants.
The project involved patients, children, and politicians, demonstrating that these micro-ecosystems are viable “green lungs” even in cities.
Poland: the first mini forest and its expansion
Success is replicated: in Poland, Stefan collaborated on the country’s first mini forest. “We want natural islands that stop erosion and store water,” explains Agnieszka Czarnecka, the project’s driving force.
After a year, 90% of the trees grew successfully, attracting governmental interest. Olgierd Geblewicz, regional prime minister, sees
