The other day, we visited a forest cooperative in Kokisu-cho, Suzuka City.
They are looking for ways to improve and utilize their forests, and we visited them to discuss the construction of a project to revitalize their forests, including proposals.
We visited them for a meeting to discuss the construction of a project to revitalize the forests, including proposals.
When considering the conservation and utilization of forests, it is very important first of all to create an environment in which local people understand the significance of being involved with forests and want to be actively involved.
I also spoke about why forest maintenance is necessary in understanding forests.
Why is forest maintenance necessary?
Forest maintenance is essential for maintaining forest health and protecting the ecosystem. Unmaintained forests threaten forest health and diversity through dead trees and the introduction of inappropriate species. Forests also play an important role in our lives. For example, they conserve water sources, absorb carbon dioxide and supply oxygen, prevent soil erosion, and serve as recreational areas. To maintain these roles, healthy management and maintenance of forests is necessary.
Why do we need sustainable care?
Without sustained care, forest health will slowly decline. Forests are constantly changing, including tree growth, seed dispersal, and animal habitat patterns. Sustained care allows the forest to respond appropriately to these changes and ensure that the forest remains healthy. A healthy forest also contributes to our living environment and to climate change mitigation.
What are the benefits of forest maintenance?
Forests are an important resource for the community, and many benefits can be gained through their conservation and utilization. Well-maintained forests are more valuable as a tourism resource and help to revitalize the local economy. In addition, timber and plants obtained from forests can be sold as local products. Furthermore, the beautiful scenery and rich nature of forests can enhance the attractiveness of the region and attract new residents and businesses.
The participants understood the basic structure of the forests mentioned above, and discussed what is important for the local people to be involved with the mountains for a long time to come.
We also talked about consensus building, which is important before forest maintenance, and provided the following information.
Community-wide sharing meeting: The first step is to hold a meeting to explain the project to the community. Together with the Kokisu Forest Association, we will have an opportunity to explain the current status of the forest, its future potential, and the importance of working there. This step can be held at a local school or public place to encourage wide participation.
Forest Inventory: After the briefing, work with each property owner to identify the boundaries of the mountain and create a forest inventory. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is the first step to ensuring that each property owner has an accurate understanding of his or her mountain.
Forest Utilization Workshop: Next, a workshop is held where each property owner shares how they would like to utilize their mountain. At this stage, past successes and new possibilities are shared, such as the development of shikimi-forests and the sale of cedar and cypress timber.
Start of actual work: After the workshop, specific work will begin. First, based on the shared ideas and suggestions, we will conduct the initial phase of work, such as shikimi-forest maintenance and forest cleanup. This phase will also provide an opportunity to invite forest experts to learn about appropriate methods and safety measures.
Regular meetings: As the work progresses, regular meetings will be held to share progress and adjust the plan if necessary.
Utilization of Local Resources (cont.): In addition to activities such as selling shikimi, cedar, and cypress lumber within the community, local restaurants and cafes could offer shikimi-based dishes. Forest-related events and workshops can also be held to attract tourists and people from outside the community, thereby stimulating the local economy.
Provide educational programs: Consider offering forest education programs in collaboration with elementary and junior high schools. Students will have the opportunity to interact with nature and learn about the importance of forests. This can also serve as a way to inform family and friends about the importance of forests and raise the interest of the community as a whole.
Regular Evaluation and Feedback: As the project progresses, it is important to regularly evaluate results, identify areas for reflection, and develop improvement strategies. This includes being open to feedback from project participants and community members, and being flexible in adjusting the direction in which the project progresses.
LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUITY: Finally, to make this project permanent, a long-term management structure must be established and passed on to the next generation. This can be accomplished through a combination of union leadership, community participation, and, where possible, local government support.
Forests are an important resource not only for us, but also for future generations. Passing on healthy forests to the next generation is part of our responsibility to our children. Taking an interest in forest maintenance means creating a legacy for the future and contributing to a sustainable future for our planet.
It is important to gradually advance the maintenance of even a single mountain through various ideas and interactions. It is important to position the mountain as a common property that many people are involved in, and to build a system that is suited to the land while respecting the opinions of various people.