Forest Power’ is one of Forest Impact programs, aimed at establishing Miyawaki forests within schools in Portugal's Alentejo and Great Lisbon, whilst creating a blueprint model to be applied in other regions. The intention is to revolutionize education and community well-being through the transformative power of nature.
Within the next 12 months, we will identify 8-10 school premises and locations for Miyawaki forest establishment (at least 200m2 each), aligning our efforts with community needs and ecological conditions, and promoting ecosystem health and biodiversity. In collaboration with educators, we will develop interactive environmental education programs, instilling forest conservation and sustainability in the hearts of young learners. We'll also equip local communities with forest management skills through engaging workshops and training, fostering a sense of guardianship.
Intended impact:
- Create or restore between 1,600 and 2,000 m2 of land through Miyawaki forest planting.
- Promote new skills and responsible environmental stewardship in schools and communities, nurturing a new generation of eco-conscious citizens and leaders.
- Foster a positive learning environment in schools, with reduced stress and enhanced mental well-being of students and educators provided by the new forests.
- Enhance sense of ownership and pride of families and residents through involvement in decision-making and forest-related activities.
- Amplification of impact through a blueprint model, designed for scalability and adoption by other schools and regions.
We already piloted this model in 4 locations, established partnerships with local governments and academia, and have emerging conversations for 6 possible locations to implement ‘Forest Power’.
What's the problem?
Deforestation and forest degradation are important drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss - 420 million hectares of forest were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020 (1). Halting deforestation and restoring ecosystems is one of the most efficient ways to bring down CO2 levels according to IPCC (2).
In Portugal, communities in Alentejo and Great Lisbon have been witnessing the degradation of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity due to desertification (influenced by drop in precipitation and poor agricultural practices) and urban expansion. This reduction in natural and green wild environments has an impact in air pollution and temperature, availability of commons spaces, and overall well-being of citizens.
In schools, the general lack of green spaces deprives students of the benefits of nature, such as reduced blood pressure, stress and anxiety, and improved cognition and well-being (3), hindering their development and educational experiences. In addition, environmental awareness and sustainability have taken a backseat for decades, failing to nurture in students a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment. This inhibits the emergence of eco-conscious citizens and leaders who are committed to address pressing environmental global challenges.
By planting fast-growing forests in schools and urban spaces, Forest Impact will restore ecosystems, mitigate impacts of climate change, empower communities and nurture the next generation of citizens and leaders.
(1) Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FAO)
(2) Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023 (IPCC)
(3) Nature is really good medicine. Science can explain why. 2023 (National Geographic)
How does this solution address the problem?
(Re)forestation programs are usually focused on areas affected by natural or human disturbances. At Forest Impact, we focus on small urban areas to bring nature closer to urban dwellers, improving air quality, microclimate and population well-being. We design Miyawaki forests, which grow 10 times faster and become 30 times denser than traditional forests, quickly sequestering carbon and increasing biodiversity. We also ensure there is involvement from the local community from the planning to maintenance stages (not just planting trees), so it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility in conservation.
Our "Forest Power" program is unique in other ways:
Holistic Approach: integrates Miyawaki forests into school premises, harmoniously blending education and nature. This approach improves learning spaces and enhances mental well-being, creating a positive and nurturing environment.
Future-Focused Education: infuses dynamic environmental education programs into school curricula, equipping young minds with the knowledge and values needed to address pressing global challenges and forming a new generation of eco-conscious citizens and leaders.
Community Engagement: actively involves students’ families, residents, and local communities in all forest-related activities, instilling a strong sense of ownership and pride in the green spaces created.
Long-Term Viability: secures the financial sustainability of forest maintenance in the long term through strategic partnerships and community support.
Scalable Model: Our robust framework is designed with scalability in mind, allowing successful adoption by other schools and regions, amplifying the positive impact on education and community well-being, and enabling a wider network of green havens.