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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

The Society to Conserve Beeches & Waters of ZAO

Building a nature observation trail

Activity grant

Project Description

To provide a structure from which visitors can observe nature, the Society to Conserve Beeches & Waters of ZAO will construct a 2-kilometer long trail (2 meters wide) in the Zao forest. The 13.7-hectare forest has been the target of silviculture and other conservation activities by the Zao National Trust. The new trail is part of an effort to engage the general public in nature observation, foster a stronger understanding of the natural world, and establish the area as a place of relaxation.

Grant year
FY2013 Activity Grants
Grant term
2 years
October 2013 - September 2015
Grant amount
1,600,000 yen
Activity region
Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
A tree planting festival held in 2013

Overview of the Organization

Emiko Shirauchi, Chief Director
Representative
Emiko Shirauchi, Chief Director
Establishment
1986
Establishment purpose
Pre-war, the South Zao region was covered by a dense beech forest. During the war, the trees were used for military materials, and the area turned to wasteland as deforestation continued during the post-war era. This association was established in 1986 with the objective of restoring the wasteland back to a beech forest.
Main activity areas
Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture
Staff
57 full members
Annual operating budget
1.83 million yen in 2011, 1.17 million yen in 2012, 1.01 million yen in 2013
WEB site
http://www.zao.org
Recent activities
  • Develop the National Trust movement
  • Plant seedling trees raised in the rice fields of trust areas
  • Weed trust areas
  • Forestry work (pruning, thinning)
  • Organize events and festivals for the general public, such as fruit picking and tree planting