A surprising ecological refuge lies in the heart of the industrial Marka district in Jordan’s capital, Amman. Located between a refugee camp and an airport, a mini forest of heat-resistant trees is helping manage soaring temperatures. Species like the Palestine buckthorn and Atlantic pistachio were chosen for this project due to their ability to thrive in arid landscapes.
Deema Assaf, a Jordanian architect, and her Japanese partner, Nochi Motoharu, are the visionaries behind this green initiative. For half a decade, they have been spearheading the creation of similar ecosystems throughout Amman, aiming to alleviate heat, enhance green cover, and resurrect endangered plant species native to the region.
Their endeavors are crucial considering the alarming global warming rates, especially in the Middle East, where the climate is naturally arid and temperatures are soaring beyond normal, reaching close to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in areas of Jordan.
The Climate Crisis in Amman
Amman has historically had a cooler climate compared to other regions of Jordan due to its high elevation at 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level. However, the relentless progression of global warming is rendering the city increasingly vulnerable.
Projections are grim, indicating that these higher temperatures are likely to become the new normal by mid-century. This alarming rise in temperatures is attributed to human-induced climate change.
To combat the suffocating heat and provide solace for residents, Assaf and Nochi have been converting unused urban spaces in Amman into shade-providing forests. These micro forests are still very new, with the oldest only being 4 1/2 years old. However, they have already begun exhibiting noticeable cooling effects.
In addition to their heat-mitigating qualities, micro forests are also acting as sanctuaries for endangered flora, reviving species that have seen their populations dwindle due to rapid urbanization and ecological neglect.
The Miyawaki Method
The challenge of cultivating forests in such a harsh climate led Assaf and Nochi to adopt the Miyawaki method, conceptualized by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. This technique involves planting indigenous trees densely, fostering competition among the saplings for sunlight and nutrients, which induces rapid growth. Within a decade, a fully-fledged forest could materialize. The Miyawaki method has garnered international acclaim and has been replicated globally.
Selecting the appropriate trees was an extremely difficult task for Assaf and Nochi. Extensive deforestation and a lack of native knowledge left them sifting through historical accounts to determine the most resilient species.
They succeeded in resurrecting various endangered species like the evergreen oak and wild pear, contributing to ecological diversity and balance in the region. These revitalized forests have also attracted diverse fauna, promoting biodiversity and improving the local climate and aesthetics.
Social Impact and Challenges
The residents of Marka have enthusiastically embraced these miniature forests, while local business owners have noticed improved air circulation and more delightful vistas. However, these small green pockets are not sufficient to counteract the overwhelming heat engulfing the city. Intensifying heat waves have compelled citizens to remain indoors, which has disrupted daily life. Jordan is especially vulnerable to rising temperatures due to its predominately desert terrain, with a scarce 1 percent forest cover.
The government and local environmental organizations are both skeptical and hopeful regarding the implementation of larger-scale afforestation projects. The major obstacles are securing water supplies and financial backing for maintenance. Despite these concerns, Jordan’s government is taking active measures to overcome these challenges, such as installing water-harvesting systems and reusing greywater to sustain new forests.
A Holistic Approach to Environmental Restoration
The creation of more low-maintenance Miyawaki forests is viewed as a viable solution to the burgeoning environmental crises. Although they may lack the complex ecosystems found in naturally matured forests, they evolve, act as robust wind barriers, and are less susceptible to wildfires.
Assaf and Motoharu’s forest may seem small, as it covers less than 0.5 percent of Amman’s total land area, but it could serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for more green initiatives and ecological preservation programs elsewhere in the world.
This project reflects a broader push in Jordan to adapt to a warmer planet. The overarching goal is not just to brace for rising temperatures, but to address collateral damages like flash floods and erratic rainfall patterns. These micro forests act as sponges, absorbing water and mitigating flood impacts, which shows the importance of these initiatives in achieving environmental equilibrium.
Hopes for a Greener Future
Assaf and Motoharu’s vision provides reason for hope and optimism in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges. These flourishing mini forests symbolize a bridge to an era of ecological restorations, where communities reconnect with their local ecologies and work together to revive the Earth’s dwindling green spaces.
The journey is fraught with challenges due to the relentless advancement of climate change and urban development. However, the success of these micro forests could inspire similar projects in other desert climate cities, along with new ecological restoration projects that could make a difference in the fight against climate change.