Aerial view of the landscape of the Mumbai Collective

If you are an avid follower of Beforest or have taken the time to learn about our work at our forest-friendly collectives, you must have come across the happenings in the “wilderness zone” or “combined zone” of these landscapes. We are now 6 Collectives young, with the Mumbai Collecting budding with foundational activities like site analysis and surveys taking place. The 122-acre landscape, like our other collectives, will also be divided into “zones” as the collective starts gradually building. But what are these zones, and why is it important to zone the large chunk of land that contains several natural resources? Let’s find out.

What is Zoning?

“Zoning” simply means to allot spaces for specific uses. The zoning of a landscape involves organising different parts of a place for particular purposes commonly used in city planning. Special areas are created for homes, stores, factories, farms, or nature spots. This ensures everything fits well together and keeps the environment safe.

In eco-friendly planning or sustainable development projects such as Beforest Collectives, heavy consideration is given to natural ecosystems. Areas with unique plants and animals are found and protected. Resources are managed wisely, and practices that keep the whole area healthy are encouraged. Landscape zoning is like a smart plan to balance what people do with caring for nature. Zoning of Beforest Collectives also becomes a part of the internal by-laws that the community of a collective creates.

Why is Zoning Important in Sustainable Development Projects?

The merit of zoning, especially for landscapes as vast as mammoth as Beforest Collectives, lies in its ability to provide a structured framework for land use and guide development in a community or region. For the integrated development of permaculture farming, wildlife conservation, and landscape restoration fronts, here’s how zoning the 100+ acres of land helps. 

• Structured Development for Specific Functions – Zoning provides a framework for organised land use in communities, forming an essential part of the by-laws of a Collective. Various zones serve specific purposes, like residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational use, allowing efficient resource allocation as well.
• Customised Regulations – Different zones have specific regulations tailored to their unique characteristics and intended uses, aligning with community goals.
• Conflict Prevention – Zoning segregates incompatible land uses, minimising disruptions and ensuring smooth coexistence of various activities. It also prevents clashes between new and existing developments.
• Effective Land Management – Zoning is a crucial tool for balancing the interests of the stakeholders of a Collective, promoting order in development, and safeguarding community well-being and the environment.

What factors does zoning depend on?

• Function or intended purpose, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, conservation, or recreational use.
• Physical characteristics like topography, soil quality, water bodies, and vegetation.
• Environmental considerations to protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources, designating areas for conservation.
• Land use compatibility, separating incompatible activities, and preventing conflicts between land uses.
• Community needs and goals, including housing and infrastructure.
• Economic development that aligns with the community’s goals.
• Legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining consistency and adherence to local authoritative guidelines.
• Cultural and historical significance, protecting areas of cultural or historical importance, integrating with landscape identity.

Zoning of Beforest Collectives for Forest-friendly Development

Observing the 4 Returns Framework by Commonland for regenerating landscapes, all Beforest Collectives are broadly categorised into the following.

Nature Zone or Wilderness Zone

This zone focuses on the restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems. It aims to revive and sustain the area’s biodiversity, promoting the health of native flora and fauna. The Nature Zone involves activities such as reforestation, habitat restoration, and the protection of critical ecosystems. We at Beforest allocate at least 50% of the collective’s landscape as a minimal intervention wilderness zone to maintain ecosystem balance and promote human and wildlife harmony.

Combined Zone

It is designed to integrate both ecological restoration and sustainable land use practices, seeking a balance between human activities and the life of natural landscapes. This zone includes areas for responsible agriculture, agroforestry, polyculture farming, organic gardening, food forests, or other land uses that align with ecological restoration goals. It is the prime zone where we explore permaculture farming on a large scale.

Economic Zone

It is dedicated to sustainable economic activities that contribute to the overall well-being of the community and the landscape. Being a key factor in achieving ecological and economic viability for the community, this zone involves housing, common farm infrastructure, hospitality initiatives, processing units and other economic activities that support the restoration and community engagement efforts.

This approach to landscape zoning recognises the interconnectedness of ecological health, community well-being, and economic sustainability of our forest-friendly collectives.