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Ongoing projects in Japan


1. Nakahechi project
The first project was launched in January 2005 in Nakahechi, Wakayama Prefecture. The 50-hectare-project will plant approximately 180,000 trees in the deforested area and is scheduled for completion in 2015. This is the largest project in the prefecture's afforestation program ''Kigyo no Mori,'' and is a highly esteemed model for the revitalization of the local economy and community. At present, the total number of local residents, JT employees and their families who have participated in the planting and clearing of weeds has reached 1,270.

2. Kosuge project
The second project was launched in March 2006 in Kosuge, Yamanashi Prefecture. The 13-hectare-project aims to plant approximately 3,000 trees in an effort to regenerate the forest, and is scheduled for completion in 2011. With the aim to revive forest functions, including water conservation and maintaining a balance in the local ecosystem, broadleaf trees will be planted in place of thinned needle leaf trees. At present, the number of local residents, JT employees and their families who have participated in the planting and clearing of weeds has reached 910.

3. Nahari project
The third project, launched in November 2006 in Nahari, Kochi Prefecture, is a five-year plan focusing on the thinning of trees in a 160-hectare area. The project site is located in the basin of the Nahari River, where a type of coral which grows on the concrete barriers protecting the coastline was discovered at the river's mouth. This project aims to protect this unique coral and uphold the local ecosystem. At present, the number of local residents, JT employees and their families who have participated in the project is approximately 370.

4. Chizu project
The fourth project was launched in August 2007 in the Chizu area, Tottori Prefecture, which is an area that provides an important water source for local communities. The 23-hectare-project aims to plant 5,000 trees in an effort to regenerate forests and uphold the natural watershed the area provides, and is scheduled for completion in 2012. A viewing platform and small lodge will be produced by the thinned wood and other materials taken from the forest. At present, the number of local residents, JT employees and their families who have participated in the project is approximately 370.

5. Nakatsugawa project
The fifth project was launched in Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture in April 2008. Its primary focus is on two areas that have been designated as natural preserves, including a forest comprised of Japanese cypress trees and a mostly unused area formerly used for mulberry farming. The 12-hectare project aims to create a self-sustaining forest that will contribute a number of benefits to the local ecosystem through the pruning and planting of broadleaf trees. At present, the number of local residents, JT employees and their families who have participated in the project is approximately 270.

6. Shigetomi project
The sixth project was introduced in an area maintained by JT since the Showa period (mid-1950's to mid-1960's), and involves restoration and conservation efforts in a 100-hectare forest composed largely of lauraceous trees. The location also provides a historical site, with ''Ookuchi-suji-shirakane-zaka,'' a historical national road which divides the forest. Through the project, the company aims to ensure future ecosystems for wildlife in the area, and encourage the mutual appreciation of history and nature. In addition, beginning in December 2008, the company began providing paved roads and walkways in the area, and opened a viewing platform where visitors can view the nearby Sakurajima.

7. Yunomae project
The seventh project launches in a 118-hectare area of land in the Okukuma Kumamoto Prefectural Natural Park in April 2009, and is scheduled for completion in 2014. There are three irrigation reservoirs that support the cultivation of rice, leaf tobacco, strawberries and tomatoes in the town of Yunomae. In addition to the thinning of Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress trees, the project also involves the planting of deciduous fruit trees. Through the project, the company aims to ensure the future of sustainable resources and ecosystems for the local residents and wildlife indigenous to the area, and encourage the coexistence between the environment and industry.

Project name Areas Partners Appearance
before project
Project Summary Project period
Nakahechi 50ha Wakayama Prefecture
Tanabe City
Clear-cut area of cedar and cypress forest Tree planting and weeding
Restoration of broadleaf and needle leaf mixed forest
From
January 2005
(Ten Years)
Kosuge 13ha Kosuge-mura Needle leaf forest anchored by Karamatsu (Larix kaempferi) Tree planting, thinning, and weeding
Aims to changing water source forest to broadleaf and needle leaf mixed forest and establishment of environmental education
From
March 2006
(Five Years)
Nahari 160ha Kochi Prefecture
Nahari-cho Gobun forest owner's cooperative
Cypress forest Thinning, creation of access road
Aims to cultivate trees and protect ecosystems downstream of the site including a coral
From
November 2006
(Five Years)
Chizu 23ha Tottori Prefecture
Town of Chizu
Cypress forest damaged by typhoon Tree planting and thinning
Creation of access road and building storage unit
Aims to cultivate trees and restore broadleaf forest
From
August 2007
(Five Years)
Nakatsugawa 12ha Gifu Prefecture
Nakatsugawa
Cypress forest and area formerly used for mulberry farming Clearing underbrush, artificial pruning and tree planting
Aims to cultivate trees and conserve water source through restoration of broadleaf trees
From
April 2008
(Five Years)
Shigetomi 98ha -
(Forest owned by JT)
Area used for lauraceous tree farming Conserving broadleaf forest anchored by lauraceous trees, and providing pave road and platform for visitors -
Yunomae 118ha Kumamoto Prefecture
Town of Yunomae
Cedar and cypress forest Heavy thinning, tree planting, clearing of weeds and underbrush
Aims to conserve diversity of wildlife by introducing broadleaf and needle leaf trees to the forest
From
April 2009
(Five Years)

Ongoing projects in Japan



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