I. Forests to be Supported by the Whole Public

1. Forest management and conservation urgently needed
‐ What is now required for promoting management and conservation of forests ‐　　

(Forests to protect our lives)
　 Forests are deeply connected with our lives and are the "Green Social Infrastructure" that is essential for the life of the people and stability of the nation's economy. The importance of the forests as sinks and reserves of CO₂ has been recognized in the context of the Kyoto Protocol, which is the international agreement for the mitigation of global warming.

　 It is stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol Target Achievement Plan (cabinet decision in April 2005) that 3.9 percent out of the 6 percent of Japan's emission reduction commitment should be achieved through forest carbon-sinks. As we are about to enter the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol in 2008, promoting the forest carbon-sink measures have become our urgent task.

　 The public has high expectations for forests to demonstrate their functions of preventing natural disasters such as floods and landslides. In order to promote the multifunctional roles of forests, including that of biodiversity conservation, it is necessary to further promote the efforts of management and conservation of forests.

(Forest management and conservation, and necessary support)
　 Since Japan's forestry activities have been stagnated due to a long-term slump of wood prices and increasing operational costs, it is necessary to obtain support from a whole society in order to promote the management and conservation of the forests.

2. Activities of each entity/nationals for management and conservation of Japan's forests
‐ Forest management from various perspectives ‐

(Cycling the forestry activities)
　 Japan's forests have sufficient capacity for wood production, since their growing stock has been increasing each year. In order to promote the management and conservation of the forests, it is necessary to have a smooth cycle of forestry activities whereby wood is used by consumers, and forestry practices after logging are carried out by revenues gained from wood sales.

(Participating directly in management and conservation of forest)
　 Forest volunteer activities are not only useful for promoting forest management activities but also for promoting understanding of forest and forestry. They also provide valuable opportunities of exchange and mutual understanding between mountain village people and city residents.

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