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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Japan Greenery Research and Development Center

Creating a restoration model for Japanese coastal pine groves

Activity grant

Project Description

The pine groves that make up the 'white sand and green pine' areas of Japan's coastline are in danger of falling into decline due to pine wilt disease, invasive broad-leaved tree species, and neglect. This project aims to encourage local residents to get involved in taking care of pine groves again by creating models to showcase how keeping the trees well maintained raises the value of the groves as a natural resource and contributes to regional revitalization in a similar way to community woodlands. Specifically, this will involve proposing three types of restoration models over three years and creating 15 case study forests based on these models with trees being planted by students graduating elementary school and cared for by remaining students, as well as presenting findings at academic meetings.

Fields
Preservation of surface soil and forestsPreservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
Grant year
FY2007 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
July 2007 - June 2010
Grant amount
4,860,000 yen
Activity region
Tsuruoka, Sakata, and Yuza in Yamagata Prefecture; Hyuga in Miyazaki Prefecture; and Tokyo, Japan
An erosion control forest on the Shonai coast, one of the planned restoration sites, with Mount Chokai in the background

Overview of the Organization

Tadayuki Oroku, Managing Director
Representative
Tadayuki Oroku, Managing Director
Establishment
1978
Establishment purpose
The center was established by the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry, and Fisheries, the former Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in collaboration with relevant parties from finance, forestry, farming, landscaping, tree planting, and other industries, with the aim of advancing a comprehensive approach to environmental greening centered on the development of skills and technology, the cultivation of skilled human resources, the creation of green spaces, and information dissemination.
Main area of activity
Japan
Staff
17 full-time staff members
Annual operating budget
572.9 million yen in 2005, 576.31 million yen in 2006, 530.64 million yen in 2007
WEB site
http://jpgreen.or.jp/
Recent activities
Activities cover a wide range of areas including making recommendations and conducting comprehensive research relating to environmental greening, developing greening techniques, collecting and sharing information, and raising awareness of green ideals. In addition to cultivating tree surgeons and pine conservation specialists, it is currently advancing comprehensive environmental greening initiatives with an international scope aiming to tackle new problems facing the coexistence of humans and nature, such as global warming, and the need to protect biodiversity.