Green Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation in Palakkad District of Kerala, India

Abstract

Trees and forested ecosystems play a significant role in in meeting global commitments on sustainable development as well as adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its impacts. Aggressive tree planting goals to achieve canopy cover growth targets are a common manifestation to overcome the climate change challenges. Miyawaki forest creation, a method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting trees per square meter which is intended for intensification of green cover to support local biodiversity. A food forest is essentially a planned and planted forest of food plants that provides a variety of food throughout the year. While both Miyawaki forest and food forest aim to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity, they differ in their design, purpose, and management practices. Hence a study on comparative analysis of food forests and Miyawaki forests was envisaged to highlight their respective benefits, challenges, and implementation strategies. The present investigation was undertaken on selected institutions of Palakkad district of Kerala namely Krishi Vigyan Kendra Palakkad where Miyawaki forest patch is created at its premises and V T Bhattathiripad College, Sreekrishnapuram where food forest is established. From this study it is understood that Miyawaki forest is reconnecting with the nature by harboring an array of native flora and fauna promoting biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration while food forest is reconnecting with nature by providing food source for pollinated server, as a habitat for many animals and it is very ecofriendly because don’t require any chemical pesticides. These techniques are highly effective in the establishment of urban forests as well as converting unproductive waste lands into ecological and socially beneficial productive lands.