II. Forest Management and Conservation
1. Trend in forests in Japan
(Mitigation of Global Warming and action plan by forest carbon-sink)
The rate of the temperature rise of the whole globe in the 20th Century
was 0.7 degrees Celsius. In such circumstances, the Kyoto Protocol, which
stipulates the reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions of the developed
countries entered into force in February 2005. Under the Protocol, Japan
will perform its reduction target by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions
by 6 percent from the base year.
It is important to promote the forest carbon-sink measures through gaining
the understanding and cooperation among the public. The Kyoto Protocol
Target Achievement Plan states that achieving the sinks target requires
the united efforts of the governmental organizations, and the cooperation
and strenuous efforts of all entities, and that the environment tax is
an issue that requires a serious and comprehensive examination.
(Trend in forest management and conservation)
Thinning is an essential practice to maintain the health and vitality of
the forests. On the basis of this concept, in fiscal year 2005 Forestry
Agency began executing 3-year program for Promotion of Thinning, which
aims to promote steady thinning and the utilization of thinned wood.
It is important for the forests requisite for public functions to be
designated as protection forests, in order to manage and conserve the forests
appropriately for securing their prioritized functions. It is important
to promote systematic designations, to bring quality improvement of protection
forests and to promote a sustainable fulfillment of their functions.
As for damages caused by forest wildlife, the browsing damages by deer
have become serious in recent years. It is important to promote the installation
of guard fence, the population management in wide-area and the establishment
of broad-leaved forests, while linking up with wildlife preserving measures
integrally and comprehensively.
2.Trend in world forests and activities of Japan
Areas of deforestation and forest degradation, especially in the tropical
regions, are still increasing. Since there are various social and economical
problems behind the deforestation and degradation, developed countries
and developing countries need to address these issues collectively and
cooperatively.
For the promotion of sustainable forest management globally, Japan is
providing various supports through its official development assistance.
Moreover, efforts in the fields of technical assistance and capacity building
as well as reforestation are being made not only at the governmental level
but also at the private sector level.
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