Sustainable Wood Use

Outline

1. Significance of sustainable wood use

2. Promotion of sustainable wood use in Japan

3. International developments/achievements related to sustainable wood use

1. Significance of sustainable wood use

While sustainably managed forests absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon during their growth, timber which is legally harvested from such forests can achieve long-term carbon storage when used for buildings and other purposes. In addition, since timber consume less energy in comparison with steal or concrete during its processing, substituting wood for other building materials leads to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Utilizing wood, a renewable resource, produced from sustainably managed forests can therefore significantly contribute to achieve decarbonation and circular economy. As such, expectation for a long-term use of wood, especially for building materials is rising. International agreements on prevention of global warming also recognize the benefits of increased carbon storage by Harvested Wood Products (HWP).

With a long history of utilizing wood in its culture, in Japan, we are enhancing the cycle of “Planting, Raising, Harvesting, Using, and Replanting” and promoting use of wood produced as such at home. We will also continue to communicate and share the importance and necessity of sustainable wood use internationally.

2. Promotion of sustainable wood use in Japan

Sorry, Japanese contents only. This section is under construction.

3. International developments/achievements related to sustainable wood use

Major outcomes of multilateral meetings

XV World Forestry Congress: Ministers issue call on sustainable wood (Seoul, Republic of Korea 2022) (external link)

The Fifth APEC Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Forestry (Chiang Mai, Thailand 2022)（PDF:298KB)

G7 Hiroshima Summitand related meetings (Japan, 2023) (external link)

G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué, Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers’ Communiqué and Sustainable Urban Development Ministers’Communiqué（PDF:342KB)

Side-event seminar of G7 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting

Opinion-exchange meeting “Constructing a Timber Future for Urban and Rural Settlement”

19th session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF19) (New York, United States 2024)（PDF:227KB,External link)

Japan's remarks for UNFF 19 High Level Segment Roundtable（PDF:95KB,External link)

Japan’s Voluntary National Contribution to the United Nations（PDF:513KB,External link)

UN Forum on Forests – 19th session (6 to 10 May 2024)(External link)

International initiatives

Joint program co-led by FAO-ITTO

Sustainable Wood for a Sustainable World（SW4SW） (external link)

The 30th FAO Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC30) Dialogue Day Event /
Japan-Australia Joint Workshop

Sustainable Wood for a Sustainable Future in the Asia Pacific region (PDF : 562KB)

The 27th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO27) Pre-World Forest Week
high level dialogue

Wood for Globe: Leading pathways to carbon neutrality and resilience (external link)
Outcome Statement of the High-Level Dialogue (PDF : 307KB)