Rotary International District 3141 plants dense, fast-growing forests of native trees on small plots across Mumbai, a city with only about 0.2 trees per person. More than 50,000 trees have been planted in six years.
Project Objective
Increase Tree Cover in the Urban Areas of India
Project Description
We at Rotary International Dist 3141 are in the process of putting up Rotary Urban Forests in the city of Mumbai. These are dense forests (20x density) with a fast growth (10x) rate where native trees are planted. Mumbai has an absolute skewed ratio of trees per capita just 0.20 tree per citizen. With very little open space, dense forest is the way to go. Besides, the method will also ensure faster growth, which is needed. With multiple locations, the entire eco system will get a boost and natural habitat for birds, butterflies and bees would be created leading to automatic pollination.
Implementation Plan
Approach Govt & Semi Govt Institutions and also private complexes that have open spaces as small as 50 sqm that they would want to plant trees on.
Outcomes
In last 6 years, over 50000 trees have been planted in and around the city.
Sustainability
The irrigation is provided by drip irrigation method to ensure water is not wasted. Also ensures lesser manual intervention after plantation. Typically, survival rate of 75% is seen in Mumbai.
Partnerships
My Green Society and Keshav Srushti
4-7-8-17 Report Card: Rotary Urban Forests, Mumbai, India
- Four-Way Test passed
- 4 of 4
- Areas of Focus
- 1 of 7
- Pillars of Positive Peace
- 2 of 8
- UN SDGs
- 4 of 17
Four-Way Test
- Pass Is it the truth? Reports concrete results: more than 50,000 trees planted in six years with about 75% survival.
- Pass Is it fair to all concerned? Works with public institutions and private complexes alike, on any open space as small as 50 sq m.
- Pass Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Brings Rotarians, institutions, residents and partner groups together around city greening.
- Pass Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods and new habitat benefit the whole city.
Rotary Areas of Focus
- Supporting Environment: More than 50,000 native trees planted in dense urban forests that create habitat for birds, butterflies and bees.
Pillars of Positive Peace
- Well-Functioning Government: Works with government and semi-government institutions to open up land for forests.
- Good Relations with Neighbors: Partners with housing complexes, institutions and local groups across Mumbai.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities: Adds green space and shade to one of the world's densest cities.
- SDG 13 Climate Action: Dense native forests store carbon and cool urban heat.
- SDG 15 Life on Land: Restores native trees and habitat for pollinators and birds.
- SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals: Partners with My Green Society and Keshav Srushti.
Easy upgrades
- Invite nearby schools to plant and study the forests to add Supporting Education and SDG 4.
- Publish yearly tree survival and growth data to add Free Flow of Information.
- Hire local residents to care for the forests to add Growing Local Economies and SDG 8.
Rated with the 4-7-8-17 framework, and reviewed by the 100 Projects in 100 Countries team.
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