Participating in the Mt. Fuji Reforestation Project

We benefit from nature (ecosystem 'service') in terms of our food, clothing (natural materials), wood and fossil fuels, not to mention the absorption of carbon dioxide by forests and oceans as well as climate management.
The ecosystem 'service' is based on biodiversity^*1. As one of our biodiversity preservation activities, Nikon is supporting the Mt. Fuji Reforestation Project, sending employees and their families as volunteers. The participants can get a greater understanding of the preservation of biodiversity through this cooperative project.

• *1Biodiversity is the abundance and balance of a variety of species and their habitat. The term 'biodiversity' is used in a broad sense and includes a variety of genes.

In Japan, 67% of the land is occupied by forests. Now, devastation of artificially planted forests that make up 40% of forests in Japan has become a big problem. The Mt. Fuji Reforestation Project targets an artificial forest that has suffered from large-scale damage due to disease and harmful insects since 2002. A single-species forest is superior in productivity and economics; however, all living things in such a forest may face high risks of extermination due to disease, harmful insects and environmental change (abnormal weather conditions) because there is no biodiversity. The Project aims to thin out the artificial forest in rows and plant various broadleaf trees that grow naturally around Mt. Fuji. Mixed planting of broadleaf and coniferous trees that resist environmental changes will be promoted steadily and quickly ("natural renewal^*2").

• *2Natural reforestation based on seeds falling or scattering from surrounding trees, and then beginning to sprout and grow.

Photo: OISCA Japan

The Mt. Fuji Reforestation Project was planned by the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement-International (OISCA. Chairman: Mr. Toshihiro Nakano). The Yamanashi Prefectural government, several companies, local citizens and environmental conservation groups are participating in the project. Through the cooperation of these various groups, purposes and methods can be unified, making it possible to reforest a large area of damaged forest more quickly and to evoke greater public interest and contributions in the near future. Study meetings and debriefing sessions after the monitoring studies are regularly held to promote a greater understanding of the project.