With increasing urbanization, integrating nature into development projects is more necessary than ever. With this in mind, the Medine Smart City is committed to implementing the Tiny Forest concept. This innovative urban reforestation model, focused on dense plantings of native species, is part of Medine’s overall landscaping strategy. The goal? To restore local ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and provide residents with an environment where nature plays a central role.
The Tiny Forest concept aims to create miniature forests in urban areas by densely planting a wide variety of endemic and native trees, shrubs, and plants in small areas.
This is an ideal approach for revitalizing local flora and maximizing the ecological impact of a limited space, while improving air quality and regulating temperatures by creating naturally shaded areas.
In this region where the climate is dry, these mini-forests will also provide benefits in terms of water retention and environmental resilience. This will provide a concrete response to current climate challenges, while creating a unique living environment for the residents of the Medine Smart City.
A tangible ecological impact
The integration of miniature forests into the Medina Smart City is part of a broader strategy aimed at creating an environment where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously.
The green spaces and wooded areas are carefully designed to adapt to local conditions, with particular emphasis on the use of drought-tolerant native plants adapted to the region’s hot and dry climates. Thus, these dense plantings not only contribute to enhancing biodiversity but also to the harmonious integration of nature within the city.
Furthermore, these selected local species allow the miniature forests to develop naturally, with minimal human intervention: their ability to thrive with minimal maintenance thus guarantees sustainability and self-sufficiency. The application of mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and reduce weed growth.
And these miniature forests not only beautify residents’ living environment and promote biodiversity: they also serve as a veritable green lung for the city, playing a fundamental role in combating urban heat islands – with a direct impact on residents’ quality of life. Enjoy a breath of fresh air in the heart of the Smart City of Medine!
3 questions for Oliver Vaulbert, Head of Landscaping at Medine
Why did you adopt the Tiny Forest concept for the Medine Smart City?
We made this choice for several key reasons: mini-forests promote biodiversity, contribute to the fight against climate change, raise awareness of the importance of environmental education, and improve individual well-being. It’s a way to strengthen our ecosystems while enriching the urban environment.
Why are native species essential to this project?
These selected species are perfectly adapted to the region’s climate, allowing us to minimize watering and maintenance, and provide a natural habitat for local wildlife. This allows us to improve the environment for residents while embodying an environmentally friendly urban development model.
What concrete benefits do you expect?
This Tiny Forest model combines both ecological and social benefits while perfectly integrating with our vision of sustainable development. In the medium and long term, we hope that these forests will serve as ecological corridors to facilitate the movement of local wildlife – such as endemic birds and insects – by providing them with a secure habitat in which to move and reproduce.
