Green Deserts
Green Deserts: Landscapes that appear green and lush on the surface but lack biodiversity and ecological health.
In cities across the world ‘green spaces’ are characterized by manicured grass lawns and orderly parks, and are often hailed as ‘urban oases'.
These landscapes are deceptive. They are what we call green deserts, expanses that, lack biodiversity, ecological value and more often respite from extreme weather patterns.
Did you know?
Manicured lawns were originally a symbol of status of the “aristocracy and gentry”. They would deforest larger parts of their land into grass instead of using it to produce food. Green deserts symbolize a uniformity that prioritizes a single species of grass over a rich variety of plant life.
However, the approach fails to provide sustenance or habitat for wildlife, undermining the ecosystems they are supposed to support as they require excessive water, fertilizers, and pesticides. These kind of resources, while maintaining the lawns’ pristine appearance, contribute to environmental pollution and water scarcity.
The ecological sterility of these spaces can change! What if we incorporate native trees, plants and wildflowers into these spaces? Native species that are well-adapted to local climates, require less water and maintenance and play a crucial role in reviving urban biodiversity creating habitats for humans and biodiversity to flourish.
From London, UK to Karachi, Pakistan: we have been implementing these changes in 53 cities around the world transforming pockets of green deserts into wild, native sanctuaries.
Some success stories: “Forest of Thanks” (the biggest Miyawaki forest in Europe) was planted in 2019 with 30,000 trees over 1 hectare in Parsloes Park (Barking & Dagenham) and our “Berkeley School Forests”, in San Francisco, USA saw the transformation of unused lawns into Outdoor Classrooms for over 2000 students.
These are just a few pocket forests that offer glimpses into the potential of more diversity in our cities as they support a wide range of insects and birds, making them thriving urban micro-ecosystems.
London, UK
Forest of Thanks
A symbol of resilience, hope, and healing for the local community.
SUGi partnered with the Borough of Barking and Dagenham to build the largest Miyawaki Forest in the UK - designated as a national priority for urban regeneration.
An ambitious coalition of civic and community leaders have come together to support the creation of a Forest of Thanks - a forest for all the front liners and regular citizens who fought COVID-19.
This visible affirmation and enduring legacy was planted in Parsloes Park, Dagenham in the fall of 2020.
Berkeley, CA, USA
MLK Middle School
Outdoor Classrooms for East Bay Students.
SUGi partners with schools across the globe to plant ultra-dense, biodiverse forests closer to the classroom. Berkeley, California will be home to the first three Miyawaki School Forests in the United States.
Students at MLK Middle School will not only benefit from the direct health effects of urban forests, but learning in nature improves a child’s behaviour, helps them build stronger relationships, reduces stress and anger, and heightens curiosity.
Even seeing nature from a school building fosters creative thinking and expands the imagination. Today’s kids spend a whopping 44 hours a week in front of a screen and less than 10 minutes a day playing outside. Access to nature is not equal; it’s too often dictated by where you live, your race and income level. These forests will be a big leap forward in resetting the balance.
