Silox India is a forward-thinking company committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. In a bold move to promote both ecological and educational development, the company has launched Arogyavan, a transformative Miyawaki forest at the Government High School in Kherdi, with a specific focus on medicinal plants. This initiative is designed to create a dense, fast-growing forest that not only enhances biodiversity but also provides valuable learning opportunities for students about the health benefits and sustainability of medicinal plants.

Strategically situated within the school grounds, Arogyavan serves as a living classroom, symbolizing the connection between nature and education. Silox India’s efforts go beyond environmental restoration, as the company seeks to inspire students and the broader community to embrace sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Through this groundbreaking project, Silox India is not only improving air quality and biodiversity but also fostering a deeper understanding of the critical role plants play in our health and the environment.

Plantation Date

Project Commencement: 1st January 2024

Project Completion: 10th January 2025

Event Location

Government High School, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Kherdi, Silvassa 396230

Forest Type: Arogyavan in Miyawaki Method 

Silox India has launched Arogyavan, a transformative Miyawaki forest at the Government High School in Kherdi. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and educational enrichment. The forest is dedicated to medicinal plants, carefully selected for their therapeutic properties, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the health benefits of these plants.

Informational boards placed throughout the forest provide valuable insights into each species, explaining their healing properties and role in promoting health and sustainability. This setup enhances the students’ understanding of nature while encouraging curiosity about the environment's impact on well-being. The project not only fosters environmental consciousness but also teaches the importance of preserving nature for future generations.

Arogyavan is more than just a plantation—it is a living classroom that inspires students to become environmental stewards. Through this initiative, Silox India continues to shape a greener, healthier future, enriching students' educational experiences and positively impacting the school and surrounding community.

Four Step Process of Planting a Miyawaki Forest:

1. Preparation and Analysis

• Site Analysis: Begin with a thorough analysis of the site, considering factors like soil type, water availability, and sunlight exposure. This analysis guides the selection of native plant species best suited for the location.
• Soil Preparation: Clear the area of weeds and debris. Loosen the soil by tilling and amend it with organic compost to enhance fertility and moisture retention.

2. Plant Selection and Planting

• Plant Selection: Choose native plant species that are fast-growing, drought-resistant, and indigenous to the region. Diversity is crucial to mimic natural forests and promote ecological balance.
• Planting Technique: Dig pits or trenches for planting saplings, ensuring each has enough space to grow. Plant at a high density, typically 3 to 5 times denser than traditional forests.

3. Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Initially, saplings need regular watering to establish their roots. Once established, they require less frequent watering, but regular monitoring remains essential.

4. Monitoring and Growth

• Regular Maintenance: Perform regular weeding, pruning, and pest control during the initial years. Miyawaki forests become self-sustainable as they mature but still require occasional maintenance.
• Monitoring: Keep track of the forest's growth and health, monitoring for signs of stress, disease, or pest infestations and taking timely action when needed.

Four Layers of a Miyawaki Forest

The Miyawaki method emphasizes creating a multi-layered forest that mimics natural forests to achieve rapid growth and high biodiversity. Here are the four layers typically found in a Miyawaki forest:

• Canopy Layer: This topmost layer consists of tall trees that provide the canopy. These trees are usually fast-growing species that can reach heights of 15 to 30 meters or more. They offer shade and protection to the layers below.
• Tree Layer: Beneath the Canopy layer is the tree layer, consisting of smaller trees and larger shrubs. These plants help fill in the gaps between the taller trees, contributing to the dense foliage that characterizes a mature forest.
• Shrub Layer: Below the canopy, the shrub layer includes smaller shrubs and bushes that provide additional structure and diversity to the forest. These plants play a vital role in attracting pollinators and providing habitat for various wildlife.
• Ground Layer: The lowest layer is the ground layer, comprising ground covers, ferns, and herbaceous plants. These plants help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil. They also contribute to the overall biodiversity by providing habitat for insects and microorganisms.

Each layer in a Miyawaki forest serves a unique purpose and contributes to the forest's resilience, biodiversity, and ecological functionality.

Trees Planted

Advantages Of Miyawaki Forest

Miyawaki forests offer a range of significant advantages, making them a popular choice for environmental restoration. Here are some key benefits:

Fast Growth: Miyawaki forests grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests, making them ideal for quick ecological restoration. In just a few years, these forests can become dense, green ecosystems that contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental balance.

Higher Biodiversity: By planting a variety of native species, Miyawaki forests create habitats for numerous plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance while supporting the restoration of natural ecosystems.

Improved Air Quality: These dense forests act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby significantly improving air quality in both urban and rural areas.

Microclimate Regulation: Miyawaki forests help combat the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding area, making the environment more pleasant and reducing the need for artificial cooling.

Water Conservation: The dense canopy of these forests helps in retaining soil moisture and reducing water evaporation, contributing to water cycle maintenance and the conservation of local water resources.

Minimal Maintenance: Once established, Miyawaki forests require minimal care and maintenance, making them a sustainable and cost-effective solution for long-term ecological restoration.

Reduced Soil Erosion: The strong root systems of Miyawaki forests prevent soil erosion, particularly in areas prone to flooding or water run-off, thus protecting the land.

Space Efficiency: Miyawaki forests maximize space efficiency by creating dense, fast-growing greenery even in small areas. They enhance biodiversity, air quality, and carbon absorption in limited spaces.

Restoration of Ecosystems: Miyawaki forests rejuvenate degraded land by fostering native vegetation, supporting biodiversity, and restoring natural ecological balance effectively.

Aesthetic Value: These forests contribute to environmental sustainability while adding aesthetic value, creating peaceful, green spaces for local communities to enjoy.

Local Community Demands: By providing a refreshing green space, these forests meet the demands of local communities for better air quality, cooler environments, and areas for recreation and education.

Activities During Plantation Drive 

Silox India organized a meaningful plantation drive at the Government High School in Kherdi to establish Arogyavan, a medicinal garden created using the Miyawaki method. The initiative focused on planting a variety of native medicinal plants, carefully selected for their health benefits and ecological significance. Silox employees, school staff, and students actively participated in the plantation process, gaining hands-on experience in preparing the soil, planting the saplings, and watering them to ensure their growth.

The event began with an introduction that highlighted the importance of medicinal plants, followed by an interactive session where students learned about the significance of each species in promoting sustainability and health. In addition to transforming the school grounds into a vibrant green space, the drive offered an educational experience, inspiring students to appreciate nature’s value and their role in environmental preservation. Arogyavan stands as a testament to Silox India’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being, creating a lasting impact on the school and the local community.

Tree Plantation Purpose

SDG Goals Achieved 

Silox India’s Arogyavan plantation drive at Kherdi High School using the Miyawaki method aligns with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a lasting impact on both the environment and the local community.

1. SDG 1: No Poverty: The project has generated local employment opportunities for planting, maintaining, and caring for the medicinal garden. As the plants grow, they can also provide valuable resources, offering potential income opportunities for the community.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Arogyavan promotes a holistic approach to health by incorporating medicinal plants that serve as natural remedies. This enhances the community’s access to plant-based solutions for health, complementing their nutritional needs.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Arogyavan plays a crucial role in promoting physical and mental health by providing students with a green space filled with medicinal plants. The improved air quality and the presence of natural healing properties contribute to a healthier environment for all.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education: The plantation serves as a living classroom, offering hands-on learning about medicinal plants, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Informational boards throughout the space help enhance students’ understanding of plant species, their health benefits, and their role in nature.

5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Arogyavan contributes to water conservation by promoting healthy soil and preventing erosion, aiding in groundwater recharge, and supporting sustainable water practices within the community.

6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The project has created jobs for local workers involved in the planting, maintenance, and care of the garden. Arogyavan stimulates the local economy and supports sustainable livelihoods as the forest matures.

7. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Arogyavan is inclusive, accessible to all students, including marginalized communities. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to educational and environmental resources.

8. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Arogyavan contributes to creating a sustainable community by improving local ecosystems, enhancing air quality, and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among students and the broader community.

9. SDG 13: Climate Action: The Miyawaki method used in Arogyavan supports climate action by contributing to carbon sequestration and increasing climate resilience through dense, fast-growing trees that help mitigate climate change.

10. SDG 15: Life on Land: The plantation supports biodiversity by restoring the local ecosystem with native medicinal plants. Arogyavan provides habitats for local flora and fauna, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the surrounding land.

11. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Arogyavan was made possible through collaboration with Grow Billion Trees, strengthening partnerships that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. This partnership underscores the shared commitment to long-term sustainability and environmental goals.

Through Arogyavan, Silox India continues to advance global sustainability efforts, ensuring a greener, healthier, and more inclusive future for the Kherdi High School community and beyond.

ESG Goals Achieved by Silox India at Kherdi High School Arogyavan

Silox India’s Arogyavan project at the Government High School in Kherdi has made significant strides in achieving key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and community development.

Environmental Goals (E)

By implementing the Miyawaki method, Arogyavan enhances biodiversity, restoring local ecosystems and fostering a healthy balance of native medicinal plants. This initiative contributes to climate resilience by reducing carbon footprints and improving air quality. Arogyavan also promotes the conservation of natural resources through the Miyawaki technique, which requires less water, encourages sustainable land use, and helps mitigate the effects of urban heat islands.

Social Goals (S)

The Arogyavan project fosters environmental awareness among students by offering hands-on learning experiences. The medicinal garden serves as an educational tool, teaching students about the benefits of plant-based health and sustainability, empowering them with valuable knowledge for future generations. With a focus on medicinal plants, Arogyavan promotes both physical and mental well-being by providing a peaceful, green space where students can connect with nature. The garden’s medicinal plants offer educational insights into traditional healing practices, enriching students’ understanding of natural wellness.

Governance Goals (G)

Silox India's partnership with Grow Billion Trees highlights their focus on responsible governance, emphasizing their dedication to sustainable environmental practices. This collaboration supports their broader vision of making a positive impact on both the environment and surrounding communities. Through their Arogyavan initiative, Silox India has effectively advanced its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Arogyavan has been pivotal in environmental restoration efforts, community education, and creating a sustainable future, reinforcing the company’s commitment to ethical business practices and community welfare.

Comittment by Grow Billion Trees

Grow Billion Trees is committed to driving sustainable plantation efforts, ensuring every initiative aligns with key environmental objectives and promotes long-term ecological balance. We focus on selecting native tree species that are well-adapted to local ecosystems, ensuring a higher survival rate and stronger environmental impact.

To maintain plant health and longevity, Grow Billion Trees emphasizes continuous maintenance and regular monitoring of the plantations. This approach helps ensure that each tree thrives, contributing effectively to both biodiversity and climate resilience.

Transparency is a core principle in our operations. Clients receive comprehensive reports, including geo-tagging of planted trees, survival rate updates, and ongoing progress reports. This level of openness allows clients to track the direct impact of their contributions, reinforcing trust and accountability.

Through our dedication to sustainable practices, Grow Billion Trees ensures that every plantation project leaves a lasting positive footprint on both the environment and the local communities it serves.

Summary of Plantation Activity

Silox India’s Arogyavan plantation at the Government High School in Kherdi, Silvassa, marks a pioneering effort to blend environmental sustainability with educational enrichment. Utilizing the Miyawaki method, this initiative has cultivated a diverse array of native medicinal plants, transforming the school grounds into a flourishing green sanctuary. The primary goal of this project is to empower students with knowledge of the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants, fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection with nature while promoting health and sustainability.

Beyond its educational impact, Arogyavan serves to enhance local biodiversity, improve air quality, and create a peaceful, restorative environment that nurtures both the physical and mental well-being of the students. Through this forward-thinking initiative, Silox India is making a significant contribution to the creation of a greener, healthier future, benefiting not only the school but also the broader community, with lasting positive effects for generations to come.