In Perth’s quiet suburb of Padbury, Western Australia, Environmental Researcher Grey Coupland is giving rise to a green transformation, one school at a time, by planting Miyawaki forests.
The Miyawaki concept traces back to the 1970s, when Japanese Botanist Akira Miyawaki witnessed the decline of forests across Japan.
Yet amidst this ecological distress, he noticed resilient pockets of primary forest surrounding temples and shrines. Inspired by these natural wonders, he crafted the Miyawaki method, planting mini forests across Japan and Southeast Asia.
It was this concept that ignited Grey Coupland’s imagination.
On the UNESCO Green Citizens program, Grey recalls the moment she came across the concept, realising the potential to immerse children in nature through hands-on environmental stewardship.
Equipped with a PHD in Ecology, Grey pitched the idea to a local school principal, and the UNESCO Green Citizens project Miyawaki forests for urban schools was born.
Green Education.
Environment Education.
Source: unesco.org