Chapter III Promotion of forest management and conservation for diverse and healthy forests

1. Forest management and conservation for diverse and healthy forests – For Fostering Beautiful Forests-

With two-thirds of its total area covered by forests, Japan is a lush, green country. However, some planted forests established by our forefathers have not been properly managed, via thinning and other forestry practices, due to the declining profitability of forestry industry.

Forest management and conservation is now promoted in order to develop healthy forests. In recent years, forestry practices including thinning have been accelerated as a means to mitigate global warming while developing broad-leaf and mixed forests is pursued in order to further diversify Japan’s forests.

To cope with the nationwide issue of Japanese Cedar pollinosis, Japanese Cedar forests should be converted to varieties which produce less pollen. It is necessary to establish a system to substantially increase the sapling supply of these varieties with less pollen.

There has been an increasing number of citizens who wish to participate in volunteer activities for forest management and conservation. Corporations are also making contributions to forest management and conservation as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

Prefectural governments have stepped up introducing an independent tax system for forest management and conservation. By FY 2007, 23 Prefectures have instituted a new tax system while 7 more are planning to do so after 2008.

### 2. Land Conservation for security and safety

☐ Forests that are especially expected to fulfill public interest functions such as water resource conservation and disaster prevention are designated as protection forests and managed to secure the expected functions.

Large-scale mountain disasters have become more common due to growing frequency of localized heavy rains over the past few years. Construction of effective and efficient forest conservation facilities as well as information sharing on disasters must be pursued for regional safety improvement.

Pine forest damages by pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) have been spreading to both high latitude and altitude areas where this disease was not observed before. Preventive measures in these areas are essential.

The oak platypodid beetle (Platypus quercivorus) has caused the mass mortality of deciduous oaks (Quercus crispula, etc.) on the mainland along the Sea of Japan. Development of effective pest control measures is under way to prevent the further expansion of the damaged areas.

☐ Forest damage by deer and other wild animals has been spreading to new areas with the expansion of habitats. It is important to take measures such as developing broad-leaf forests to accommodate wild animal habitats and installing facilities such as guard fences to prevent damage.

### 3. Forests in the world

There is a grave concern that deforestation and forest degradation in the world would worsen environmental problems such as global warming, loss of biodiversity and desertification.

For this reason, it is important to actively promote cooperation for forestation and forest conservation in collaboration with international communities.

Criteria and indicators initiatives for sustainable forest management are under way in many regions in the world. Japan is a member of the Montreal Process dealing with temperate forests other than in Europe, and has been the secretariat of the Process since the beginning of 2007, contributing to facilitating sustainable forest management worldwide.

Combating illegal logging is critical for attaining sustainable forest management. Japan has been actively promoting measures against illegal logging and associated trade through participation in international talks and cooperative actions.