Credits: Taashii
Partner Organisation: Taashii
Location: Mexico
Taashii is emerging as a shining example of urban and community-led rewilding. Through their dedicated application of the Miyawaki Method—a scientifically grounded, densely planted native forest restoration technique that rapidly boosts biodiversity by mimicking natural forest layers—they are transforming urban spaces into thriving ecosystems; successfully transforming concrete-dominated spaces into vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystems.
By harnessing this rapid-growth approach, Taashii not only accelerates carbon capture and biodiversity recovery, but also sparks tangible change close to people’s daily lives: schoolyards, parks, and underused lots are now teeming with birds, pollinators, and native understory life. In less than two years, they have planted 3 forests in and around Mexico City.
Group planting a Pocket Forest. Credits: Taashii
Taashii uses a strong community-first ethos. Every planting begins by involving local volunteers—residents, students, municipal councils—so that each forest is as much a social experiment as an ecological one. This hands-on, participatory model ensures strong local stewardship, meaning these forests are tended for the critical first few years and then thrive independently.
In its short span, Taashii has had many compelling success stories: in the suburban neighborhood of Milpa Alta, southern Mexico City, a once-vacant lot was restored into a 200 m² mini-forest that now hosts over 15 native species of flora and fauna. In collaboration with schools, Taashii has also established “learning forests” where students monitor biodiversity and soil health—turning abstract concepts like carbon sequestration and native habitat into lived experiences. These initiatives not only magnify environmental impact, but also inspire a reconnection between communities and the ecosystems that sustain them.
Photo credits: Taashi
Despite its upsides, the Miyawaki Method does face critiques—particularly that it may not replicate the complexity of ancient climax forests and can overlook ecosystem-specific needs. Taashii navigates this thoughtfully by blending scientific rigour with local knowledge: ecologists help select native species adapted to Mexico’s climate and soil, while community members bring insights on seasonal water use and microclimate. This hybrid approach ensures each forest makes sense both ecologically and socially.
Photo credits: Taashi
Taashii’s work exemplifies a pragmatic yet visionary model for urban rewilding. In just a few years, dense native forests sprout up where there once was asphalt—enhancing carbon capture, increasing biodiversity, and empowering people to protect and grow those ecosystems. Each pocket forest stands as proof that rewilding isn’t some distant ideal—it’s a community-led movement reshaping our cities from the roots up. We are delighted to welcome them as our newest Alliance Partner!
Learn more about Taashii’s work on their website
Follow their progress on LinkedIn