Transforming deserts into oases: how Justdiggit is greening Africa

Posted on 12/03/2024

A simple but very effective solution for greening African landscapes: digging shallow water basins to collect rainwater, preventing erosion of the fertile soil

@justdiggit/Instagram

The non-profit organization Justdiggit has introduced a clever approach to transform African lands affected by desertification, fostering plant growth and combating erosion phenomena.

Founded by Peter Westerveld and Dennis Karpes, based in Amsterdam with offices in Nairobi, Justdiggit aims to “regreen the African landscapes in the next 10 years, together with millions of farmers.” In Northern Africa, desertification has led to the transformation of fertile farmlands into eroded lands and barren deserts, threatening food security and environmental balance.

Many initiatives have attempted to tackle the issue by planting trees and adopting indigenous land management practices. However, Justdiggit has unveiled a seemingly simple yet highly effective solution.

How justdiggit’s solution works

Justdiggit’s method involves creating “Earth’s smiles,” which are semi-circular shallow water basins, about 5 meters wide and 2.5 meters long. These holes are dug along slopes, allowing water to flow along their natural path.

The upper edge of the hole is rounded and located on the upstream side, while the excavated soil is piled around the lower edge. This creates a depression that collects rainwater, slowing its flow and preventing the erosion of fertile soil.

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Justdiggit explains that although the water does not remain long in the hole, the basins slow down and capture rainwater, allowing the soil to reestablish its water balance. This increased availability of water encourages plant growth, helping to reverse the process of desertification.

Plants, in turn, improve growth conditions by creating a virtuous circle of regreening. In numerous videos published on social media, Justdiggit shows the progress made by digging the holes and transforming previously barren areas into land now covered with lush vegetation.

The result demonstrates the potential of this ingeniously simple solution in restoring plant life and combating desertification. Justdiggit’s approach offers tangible proof that even the most elementary solutions can have a significant impact in addressing (and overcoming) complex challenges like desertification.

Source: Justdiggit

Greening Manhattan: The Rise of Tiny Forests in Urban Landscapes

Rebecca Manzi

Posted on 12/03/2024

The Manhattan Healing Forest will see the planting of 1,000 native plants on an area of just 2,700 square meters to stabilize the soil through roots and absorb excess water

@SUGi

In the heart of Manhattan, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root that could transform the way we think about urban greening. The Manhattan Healing Forest, a pioneering project slated for the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, signals a bold step forward in the global trend of integrating tiny forests composed of native plants for environmental benefits. Spearheaded by the non-profit organization iDig2Learn, this endeavor is not just about planting trees; it’s a testament to the power of nature in tackling pressing environmental challenges.

The global trend of tiny forests

Tiny forests, dense plantings of native trees and shrubs, have been gaining traction worldwide as an effective strategy for enhancing biodiversity, combating climate change, and addressing urban environmental issues. The Manhattan Healing Forest project stands as a monumental example of this movement’s arrival in Manhattan. By planting 1,000 native trees and shrubs over a mere 3,229 square meters, the initiative aims to create a lush, self-sustaining ecosystem in the midst of the urban jungle.

Christina Delfico, founder of iDig2Learn, emphasizes the significance of this approach in addressing environmental adversities like flooding and storm surges.

“We’re an island. Think about the floods, the storm surges, and the best treatment is planting a tree. The roots will stabilize the ground. With good soil, there won’t be any floods. The concrete jungle needs pocket forests.”

The forests become self-sustaining within a few years

The foundation of the Manhattan Healing Forest is the Miyawaki method, a planting technique developed by Japanese botanist and plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki. This method, which led Miyawaki to receive the prestigious Blue Planet Prize in 2006 for his efforts in restoring forest ecosystems, involves the close planting of native trees and shrubs in soil enriched with compost and mulch. As a result, Miyawaki-style forests quickly become self-sustaining and mature within decades.

These forests not only provide habitats for insects and wildlife, absorb carbon, and purify the air but also promote biodiversity and combat climate change. The Manhattan Healing Forest, to be located in Southpoint Park on previously unused land, embodies these principles. Its planting, scheduled for April 6th, will engage community volunteers, marking an innovative step in sustainable urban design.

By establishing the Manhattan Healing Forest, Manhattan joins cities around the world in adopting the concept of tiny forests to promote environmental health and urban well-being. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nature in urban settings, offering a model for future green projects.

Manhattan Embraces the Tiny Forest Movement

@SUGi

Source: Manhattan Healing Forest