Terrace forests offer a creative urban solution: converting underutilised flat rooftops and terraces into mini-forests using the Miyawaki technique. This dense planting model, originally developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, uses native species in layered arrangements resulting in forests up to 30 times denser and 10 times faster growing than traditional plantations.

Spaces as small as 100–300 sq ft can host 200–300 saplings, forming a lush micro-ecosystem within 2–3 years. These forests moderate temperature, improve air quality, support biodiversity (from birds to pollinators), and even act as natural farms for herbs or fruit trees. Dengue‑free air temperature drops of several °C have been recorded in homes adjacent to such green patches.

Cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru now feature rooftop garden‑forests and vertical forest buildings where trees grow alongside apartments a trend merging environmental instinct with architectural vision. The Mumbai elevated forest trail also demonstrates community‑driven greenery thriving within urban constraints.

To start your own terrace forest: secure a sturdy rooftop, choose locally adapted native species, plant densely per Miyawaki guidelines, and maintain it for at least two years. Communities or societies can partner with NGOs like Afforestt or Green Yatra for technical support.