Actions
We aim to restore the natural forests of the remote mountains and
reclaim the forests that are root of fresh water which are created by bears
Due to the post-war national afforestation policies, the ecosystems of remote mountains suffered extensive destruction.
To restore these forests, our efforts include taking care of neglected artificial forests and planting fruit-bearing broadleaf trees, promoting the creation of forests where large wild animals can thrive, including bears.
The restoration cannot succeed without the contribution of a diverse range of creatures, including bears.
Specific Initiatives
Transforming neglected artificial forests in the remote mountains into habitats for large wild animals, with the working with local citizens
Purchasing artificial forests in bear habitats to restore them into natural forests
Using Kumamori's forest regeneration activities as a model, we are approaching the government to restore forests
Examples of past initiatives
Restoration afforestation project by collaboration with locals to create forests suitable for wildlife,
in Tanto, Hyogo Prefecture
Through the mediation of the Industrial Promotion Section Chief and the local youth group, a meeting between Kumamori and Mayor Okuda was arranged in Tanto Town, Hyogo Prefecture. This meeting helped the prefecture gain an understanding of the campaign to convert Okiyama into broadleaf forests. The district chief of Okouchi expressed a desire for similar initiatives in their area, leading to the implementation of a tree-planting event where fruit-bearing trees were planted with the slogan “A forest where animals can return and locals can feel secure.” This event was a collaboration between urban citizens and locals, marking the third such collaborative effort following initiatives in Mifune Town and Asago Town.
The conversion of artificial forests into natural forests
in Haga, Hyogo Prefecture
In 2004, Hyogo Prefecture experienced an abnormal year with ten typhoons striking the region. The tourism apple farms managed by the Hara district suffered a significant blow, with 90% of its apples falling due to the typhoons. The remaining 10% of apples were consumed nightly by several bears, resulting in zero profit for the year. Initially, local residents harbored resentment towards the bears and considered culling them. However, upon observing that the surrounding mountains, filled with artificial cedar forests, lacked natural food sources for wildlife, Executive Director Shigeharu Kobayashi and others at Kumamori came to realize that the bears were actually victims themselves.
With cooperation from urban supporters and organizations like Kumamori, they embarked on a ten-year project to gradually restore one hectare of community forest each year back into broadleaf forests. This effort began to restore the natural habitat for bears and other wildlife. For Kumamori headquarters, Haga Town became the fourth local municipality to collaborate with on such initiatives.
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.
