Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: The Print
Context: The Embassy of Israel in India has joined the ‘Million Miyawaki’ project, aimed at improving air quality in Indian cities through mass afforestation in urban spaces. In collaboration with the Million Miyawaki Foundation, the embassy will plant a million trees in Delhi-NCR, creating forest-like Miyawaki plantations with up to 30 locally sourced species (as part of Earth Day celebrations)
About Miyawaki Method:
It is inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, and boosts greenery in compact spaces. It fosters multi-layered forests with quick growth, mimicking natural biodiversity. Though they lack some natural forest attributes like medicinal properties, they serve as effective carbon sinks and mitigate ecological damage from activities like mining.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day, originating in 1970 after widespread protests against environmental degradation is now observed globally on April 22nd. Coordinated by EARTHDAY.ORG, formerly Earth Day Network, its aim is to mobilize a massive environmental movement for transformative change.
Notably, the Paris Agreement, a landmark climate accord, was signed on Earth Day in 2016. It underscores a collective responsibility, as outlined in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to achieve a balance between economic, social, and environmental needs for present and future generations. Other important environmental days include World Water Day on March 22nd, World Biodiversity Day on May 22nd, and World Environment Day on June 5th. Additionally, Earth Hour, an initiative by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), occurs annually on the last Saturday of March, urging individuals worldwide to switch off lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.
