Current status of forest and wildlife
The Rich Mountain Forests are necessary for All Living Things, Including Humans, To Survive.
Carefully maintained by our ancestors, Japan’s remote mountain forests are nutrient-rich water sources which have sustained large animal wildlife, protected against landslides, and supported the life and industry for all living things on land, river, and sea.
However, After The War Mountain Forests Were Ravaged, Leaving Only Man-Made Forests Planted With Coniferous Trees.
As a result of the post-war national policy “expanding reforestation measures,” vast areas of mountain forests were cut down.
Single coniferous trees such as cedar, cypress, and larch were planted on these sites for forestry purposes, but due to continued struggles in the forestry industry, many of these planted forests were left unattended and fell into disrepair.
History of Japan’s Forests
The 1950s
In order to rebuild housing after the war, Japan promoted the reforestation of conifers, such as cedar and cypress trees, on approximately 10 million hectares of land. This led to cutting down a large amount of the virgin forests in mountain areas.
The 1960s
Aiming to become an industrial power, Japan deregulated lumber imports in order to expand exports, and the domestic forestry industry was ruined.
Current situation
With the demand for lumber decreasing dramatically due to lifestyle changes and other factors, the number of forestry workers has greatly declined and the forestry industry has become unviable. As a result, many of the planted forests have been neglected and the trees themselves, which are ready to be harvested, are significantly damaged.
Devastated mountain forests, devoid of life, continue to decay.
Decaying man-made forests with no habitat for life other than cedar.
Forests that are not maintained through thinning or pruning become dark, and no undergrowth grows on the forest floor. Each tree remains thin, and its roots do not spread out widely. The biodiversity within the forest is low, and there is no food available for large wild animals.
Kumamori's Activities To Protect Water Sources, Forests And The Wildlife
We have organize many activities to protect the forest and coexist with all living things.
