In a vibrant celebration of World Environment Day, the Young Indians (Yi) Mangaluru Chapter took a bold step for urban ecology by launching Mangaluru’s first Miyawaki Forest at NorthernSky Greenfield Meadows, Surathkal. This green initiative, led by Yi’s Climate Change vertical, reflects a rising wave of youth-led climate action.
The Miyawaki method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, enables dense, fast-growing forests using native species. Such forests grow 10 times faster, are 30 times denser, and play a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, cooling city temperatures, and capturing carbon.
1900 sq. metres of land was generously contributed by NorthernSky Properties, and saplings were sourced from the Karnataka Forest Department, showcasing a strong public-private partnership. The inauguration was graced by Anthony Mariappa, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, who also joined the plantation drive.
Yi Chair CA Salome Lobo Periera welcomed the gathering, while Sharon D’Souza, Chair of the Climate Change Vertical, outlined the project’s goal: to empower youth for sustainable futures. Former chair Athmika Amin emphasized that many more urban forests are in the pipeline, with NorthernSky as a key ally.
Mariappa highlighted the need for community afforestation to counterbalance deforestation caused by urbanisation. The presence of Ayushmaan Amin, Deepak Chetty, Navya, Prathibha, and Shinny reflected NorthernSky’s full support. A memento was presented to Mariappa, inducting him as an honorary Yi member.
Durgadas Shetty, co-chair, concluded the event with heartfelt thanks to all collaborators for turning this green dream into reality.
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