Miti Alliance: Social Enterprise leading the Miyawaki “Magical Forest” Initiative in Kenya

Locally, there’s a registered social enterprise known as Miti Alliance.

Their work is focused on Environmental Education through empowering and equipping the current and next generation of conservationists.

What is a Miyawaki “Magical Forest”?

This is a technique of quick afforestation that was introduced by Akira Miyawaki, a Botanist from Japan. It enables greening of spaces through establishment of pocket forests in small spaces.

In using the Miyawaki Technique, the forest is 30 times denser compared to natural forests – in as much time of growth.

This is the essence of a Miyawaki Forest – a “magical forest” that grows up to ten times faster than traditional forests, thanks to a planting method focused on native species.

How to Set Up a Magical Forest

Creating a Miyawaki Forest involves a few essential steps.

• Select a plot and prepare it by loosening the soil to improve aeration and drainage.
• Adding organic materials like compost or biochar (charred organic matter) helps enrich the soil, boosting fertility and water retention.
• Next, gather a mix of native tree and shrub species. The Miyawaki method emphasizes layering, so choose a variety of species to create ground cover, shrubs, smaller trees, and larger canopy trees.
• Plant them closely together – yes, much denser than a typical forest.
• This approach mimics nature’s way of letting different species grow and compete, which encourages faster and healthier growth.
• Finally, ensure regular watering and maintenance for the first two to three years until the forest becomes self-sustaining.

After this period, the forest should thrive independently, creating a natural ecosystem that requires minimal upkeep.

Ideal Indigenous Tree Varieties

Choosing the right native species is crucial, as they’re adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient.

Here’s a look at some top indigenous trees suited to the diverse ecosystems of Mt. Kenya and the Rift Valley:

Mt. Kenya Region:

• African Juniper (Juniperus procera): Known for its durability, this evergreen provides essential wood and medicinal uses.
• East African Olive (Olea europaea): A hardy tree that supports local wildlife and offers shade and fruit.
• Bamboo (Yushania alpina): Excellent for erosion control on Mt. Kenya’s steep slopes, bamboo also provides nesting spaces for birds.

Rift Valley Region:

• Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea): Known for its golden bark, this tree attracts pollinators and provides shade in semi-arid areas.
• Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata): Valued for its aromatic wood, sandalwood supports biodiversity and adds a unique layer to the forest’s structure.
• Croton (Croton megalocarpus): Thrives in various climates and provides nectar for bees and birds.

This careful selection not only ensures a resilient forest but also supports local wildlife, creating a thriving ecosystem.

Biodiversity and Environmental Benefits

Miyawaki Forests are much more than just tree plantations; they are biodiversity hotspots.

By planting densely and focusing on native species, these forests quickly become havens for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.

Pollinators, in turn, help neighbouring farms by enhancing crop yields, supporting food security, and benefiting the local economy.

The dense canopy creates a natural microclimate, which cools the surrounding area and promotes water retention in the soil.

In regions like the Rift Valley, this can be transformative, providing much-needed moisture to combat drought conditions and prevent soil erosion.

Miyawaki Forests also capture large amounts of carbon, making them effective tools in the fight against climate change.

One Forest at a Time

As Miyawaki Forests continue to rise in places like Mt. Kenya and the Rift Valley, they’re proving to be powerful allies in conservation.

These magical forests are more than green spaces – they’re essential to creating sustainable, biodiverse ecosystems that support both nature and local communities.

It is time to embrace this model. Kenya is not only restoring its landscapes but also setting an example for global conservation efforts.

Where in Kenya can I learn about Miyawaki Forests?

Miti Alliance offers a School’s Program that focuses on empowering and equipping school-going children with knowledge, skills and understanding of climate change issues with a bias to planting and growing trees, specifically fruit and indigenous trees.

In addition, they provide consultancy and management services for tree-growing projects and actively advocate for conservation and regeneration of the environment through various media channels.

The enterprise also manages an indigenous tree nursery and 2 training centres to teach about tree growing, conservation and sustainability.

To learn more, reach Miti Alliance on email address [email protected] or mobile number +254  114 351 397.