In Dhaka, the decline of greenery over the past 30 years has been a concerning trend despite promises of restoration from officials. However, a positive shift has recently occurred with the establishment of two Miyawaki urban forests in quick succession by different entities. The Dhaka North City Corporation’s (DNCC) forest in Diabari, Uttara, spanning 2.6 acres with 53,400 trees, was swiftly followed by another forest in Sector 17, Uttara. This second forest, inaugurated on July 28, boasts 6,100 trees representing 93 native species. The project was a collaborative effort between Shakti Foundation, Mutual Trust Bank, and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk).
The simultaneous action taken by a public institution and a civil society organization supported by private funding signals a notable shift. However, this momentum does not necessarily indicate a policy change. To ensure replicability, the government must focus on implementing a robust monitoring system and enforceable protection measures for the newly planted forests. The proven effectiveness of the Miyawaki method and the documented ecological benefits highlight the urgent need for institutional commitment.
A study analyzing satellite imagery spanning three decades revealed a drastic decline in Dhaka’s vegetation cover, plummeting from 17 percent in 1989 to a mere 2 percent by 2020—an 88 percent reduction. The city lost 185 hectares of tree cover between 2010 and 2022 due to factors such as urban development, population growth, and infrastructure expansion. This loss of greenery has exacerbated the urban heat island effect, with built surfaces absorbing and retaining solar heat, leading to elevated city temperatures. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department confirmed a significant rise in average temperatures over the past 30 years, attributing roughly 13 percent of Bangladesh’s air pollution to brick kilns, affecting vulnerable groups like rickshaw pullers, construction workers, street vendors, public transport users, and schoolchildren.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a viable approach to addressing such environmental challenges. The Miyawaki method, characterized by dense, multi-layered forests of native species that become self-sustaining within a few years, has demonstrated impressive results, including reducing ambient air temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius, capturing airborne particulate matter, sequestering carbon, and supporting biodiversity. These forests also aid in water absorption, reducing the risk of urban flooding.
Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in India, such as the transformation of barren parks into native woodlands and the establishment of Miyawaki forests in schools, Bangladesh has begun implementing similar projects. For instance, the Prokolpo Sonapahar initiative in Mirsarai and the projects in Dhaka by DNCC and Shakti Foundation reflect a positive response to the environmental challenges demonstrated by civil society efforts.
The commitment in the BNP’s election manifesto to plant 250 million trees, implement a digital tree monitoring app, and establish a centralized measurement, reporting, and verification system aligns well with the Miyawaki method’s capabilities. However, a critical analysis revealed a lack of a credible plan to achieve the tree-planting target. The sustainability of initiatives like the Diabari forest hinges on the government’s willingness to enforce protective measures.
Schools in urban areas bear the immediate consequences of diminishing green cover, as evidenced by closures during heatwaves. Integrating Miyawaki forests into school environments not only addresses ecological concerns but also fosters a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship among students, as observed in other countries.
Bangladesh’s national commitments to increasing tree cover and urban afforestation align with projects like those undertaken by DNCC and Shakti Foundation. However, for a comprehensive national policy, mandatory green cover requirements, enforceable protection measures, and a school-based Miyawaki program generating reliable ecological data are essential.
The urgent need for these forests is well-documented, and ongoing projects in Dhaka demonstrate their effectiveness. What is now crucial is the establishment of an institutional framework to coordinate efforts, monitor outcomes, and scale successful initiatives.
