What is a micro forest
Micro forests are a concept developed in Japan in the 1970s by Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist and plant ecologist, concerned with biodiversity loss particularly in the urban environment.
A micro forest is densely planted with a diverse range of indigenous species in a compact space about the size of a tennis court. Plants grow up to 10 times faster than a conventional forest and after an initial period of around two years, the micro forest space becomes largely self-sustaining. Micro forests improve health and wellbeing, cool and remove pollutants from our air, retain water in our soils, and provide vital habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife in our city.
The environmental benefits of
micro forests
Cools and cleans the air
Water retention
Increase resilience to climate change effects
Increase pollinators
Micro forests cool the air temperature on hot days, providing a relief from nearby hard infrastructure which absorbs and retains heat. Forests help remove pollutants and particles from the air to create a healthier environment for everyone
Absorbs water into the soil and roots from the micro forest aerate the soil so water can penetrate deeper than grassy areas. Water is then available in the hotter, drier months to maintain a cooler, green envrionment
Micro forests have a variety of indigenous and native plants that are well suited to the local environment. Plant species selected can withstand higher temperatures and lower rainfall. A diverse range of species increases resilience to stressful climate events and disease and creates ecologically complex habitats within our city
Insects and small native bird populations are in huge decline, particularly in urban areas. Micro forests provide a food, shelter and nesting source for birds, butterflies, bees, insects and skinks, helping to regenerate nature
Resources & links
1
Victorian Biodiversity
Plan 2037
Biodiversity 2037 presents a long-term vision for Victoria’s biodiversity supported by two overarching goals:
- Victorians value nature
- Victoria's natural environment is healthy
The long-term health of Victoria’s natural environment relies not only on a clear future vision, but on financial resources and a collective effort across society
2
Australia State of the Environment report 2021
Every 5 years, the National SoE reports provide information about environmental and heritage conditions, trends and pressures.
​
Under the biodiversity assessment, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation continue to be the biggest threats to loss of biodiversity
3
Australia has signed onto a global agreement to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030.
​
One of the targets requires large and transnational companies and financial institutions to monitor, assess, and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity through their operations, supply and value chains and portfolios
