Establishment of the Miyawaki forest at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Villach

Abstract

The Miyawaki method offers a fast and effective nature-based solution for the restoration of ecosystems, especially in urban areas. Developed by Akira Miyawaki, the approach relies on dense planting of native species to create diverse, multi-layered forest ecosystems, resulting in a so-called Miyawaki Forest (MF). In April 2025, an MF was created on the campus of Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) in Villach as part of the Interreg IT-AT project BioBox to promote urban biodiversity, especially for pollinators and birds. Following soil analysis, an area of 91 m² was prepared by plowing and enrichment with straw and compost. Inspired by the species composition of local riparian forests along the Drava River, nearly 300 saplings of native trees and shrubs were planted in three vertical layers by 16 volunteers. The MF at CUAS will serve as an outdoor laboratory for the students to monitor soil, growth and biodiversity. Although they are still rare in Austria, MF — like the CUAS pilot project — demonstrate the potential of small-scale urban forests to increase biodiversity, improve ecosystem services and engage communities. The Miyawaki method offers significant long-term environmental benefits, including better air and soil quality, urban cooling and carbon sequestration.