Regenerating 100-Hectare Forest in Mt. Fuji

Warmest greetings to all of our GlobalGiving supporters!

Thank you always for your unwavering support of the “Regenerating 100-Hectare Forest in Mt. Fuji” Project.

 With many of you standing behind us, extensive work has been done. In this report, we will introduce two components of our work that we deem vital for a wide-reaching impact of our project: mobilizing local forestry workers and providing environmental education to children.

Mobilizing local forestry workers – a pursuit of revitalizing forest industry

Woodlands cover approximately two-thirds of Japanese territory, earning it a name as “a country of forests”. However, to fulfil Japan’s 2050 “Net Zero” agenda, it is necessary to ensure that forests absorb a maximum amount of CO2. Facilitating forests’ lifecycle by cutting down trees that have reached their usage period, utilizing the wood and reafforesting the cutdown areas amplifies the CO2 absorption effect beyond what is expected by trees’ natural cycle. Such enormous work, however, is only possible with the efforts of professional forestry workers.

Involving forestry workers and relying on guidance they provide to volunteers, we get to carry out the necessary forest management, such as thinning, protecting young trees from animal damage, etc. Moreover, delegating forest management to local professionals provides them with employment opportunities, further contributing to revitalization of local forest industry.

While people living in cities rarely have a chance to interact with forestry professionals, we bridge this gap through involving volunteers from urban areas in our forestry activities. This also helps spread an important message that Japan’s forests, including those around Mt. Fuji, are being protected thanks to the dedication of local professionals. We are committed to further disseminating this message and support Japan’s forestry through our work.

Educating young minds – nurturing hearts connected to nature

Located in Yamanashi prefecture, Mt. Fuji sometimes remains unvisited by local residents and kids. As part of our Mt. Fuji forest restoration activities, we host annual environmental education programs for local elementary school students. Our goal is to help them feel connected to Mt. Fuji and learn about the environmental issues surrounding it.

This June, we hosted an event where the kids could create potpourri from tree branches and leaves while enjoying the sounds of forest. They also tried themselves in thinning of the trees under the guidance from local forestry workers. Learning about and having exposure to the on-site work, they became really thrilled and connected to the forest.

Seeing kids light up in nature, we get even more determined to continue our efforts so that future generations can inherit the country’s abundant woodlands.

P.S. We spotted a deer while driving through Mt. Fuji. While they usually run away once spotted, this one responded with a stare.
We are normally busy protecting our planted trees from deer, but this time, its cuteness took over. Looking like a fawn with adorable eyes and a little white heart on its backside – it was just too cute.