a. The technique for creating microforests was pioneered by [Akiro Miyawaki](https://daily.jstor.org/the-miyawaki-method-a-better-way-to-build-forests/), a Japanese botanist and ecologist who was [inspired by Japan’s sacred forests](https://www.creatingtomorrowsforests.co.uk/blog/the-miyawaki-method-for-creating-forests) to develop his own [method](https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture/Arbres-Bois-de-Rapport-Reforestation/forets-preservation-restoration/Akira%20Miyawaki%20methode/Restauring%20native%20forests%20by%20native%20trees.pdf) of forest building. Up until his death in 2021, Miyawaki was still planting forests. Over his lifetime, he planted thousands of tiny forests of more than 40 million trees.
b. Miyawaki forests are the most common type of microforest. After the soil at the site is made healthy, layers of forest plants native to the location are planted at a density 20 to 30 times higher than a typical forest. Microforests are monitored for the first several years of growth to make sure they are healthy. As they compete for space, they grow an estimated 10 times faster than normal forests. Eventually, the microforests are left on their own to thrive and host insects, animals, and carbon storage.