A Qualitative Study of Urban Mini-forest Initiation Within the Context of Canada’s Changing Climate

This qualitative research, employing thematic analysis, provides insights into the factors that lead individuals to establish urban mini-forests using the Miyawaki method and whether they consider the impacts of climate change. Findings revealed that prior environmental experience, concerns about biodiversity loss, anticipation of outcomes, opportunities for community engagement, and community empowerment were common factors. For some, opportunities for reconciliation with Indigenous People were identified as a fundamental factor in initiating their project. The rapid increase in biodiversity, the transformative experience of forest stewardship, and the ability to develop forests throughout the community were compelling attributes of the mini-forest. The anticipated ecosystem services that mitigate various impacts of climate change, particularly concerning protection from extreme heat, were identified as factors, as was the opportunity to inspire future climate action. Additionally, participants had considered at least one climate impact affecting the long-term resilience of the mini-forests they planted, and for some, this was a motivating factor.

Author dc:creator

• Fourt, Deanna

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Coulter, Liese

• School of environment and sustainability

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-20527

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28964