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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