V. Measures for the "Forest for the People" in the National Forests
1. The expected roles of National Forests
National forests, which cover nearly 30 percent of the forest area, play
a significant role in the public functions of forests such as conservation
of soil, nurturing of water resources, and conservation of natural environment,
and are national assets that are vital in the life of the people.
After listening to the opinions from people extensively, the Basic Management
Plan for National Forests was formulated. Based on the plan, activities
such as management for the maintenance and improvement of the public functions,
mitigation of global warming, forest environment education and forestation
by public participation including administration are being promoted.
2. Various activities for achieving "Forest for the People"
Approximately 90 percent of the national forests are protection forests,
and in order to realize a safe and secure life of people, the creation
of a safe national land that can withstand natural disasters is being promoted
through conservation project.
In July 2005, Shiretoko was inscribed on the World Heritage list. Most
of the terrestrial part is national forests. The greater part of Yakushima
Island and the whole area of Shirakami-Sanchi, which have been inscribed
on the World Heritage list, are also national forests, and those precious
forests are managed and conserved as protected forests. Furthermore, the
establishment of "Green Corridors" which are connecting several
protected forests is being promoted to conserve the biodiversity of species
there.
The prevention of mountain fires, the protection of alpine plants, and
the prevention of illegal dumping have been carried out in national forests.
Since 2005, July is named as the month of the cleaning campaign for the
"forests for the people" and those activities have been promoted.
Since fiscal year 2005, each regional forest office has commenced its Model
Project in which forest improvement and conservation activities are carried
out in cooperation with citizen's groups and local residents.
Since fiscal year 2004, National Forest Monitors were nominated from the
people interested in national forests, and the information on national
forests has been provided to them. In addition, efforts to promotion of
interactive dialog with the people are being made through the conference
of the National Forest Monitors.
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