Regenerating 100-Hectare Forest in Mt. Fuji

This is the 17^th year since we started our reforestation project on Mt. Fuji. The forest roads, which were closed for the winter, were finally opened in late April, and we immediately checked our project site. Knowing the harsh winter on Mt. Fuji, we could not help but be worried about the condition of our growing trees.

In late spring, Mt. Fuji is still covered with snow at the top. It is refreshing to see that the trees that we have planted have new buds. Violets and wild strawberry flowers are blooming, and insects are flying everywhere. Compared to the initial stages of the project, we can feel that the area is gradually being transformed into a habitat for different species of plants and animals. This would be impossible without the support and cooperation of many people. We are glad that little by little, our project site is turning into the rich and diverse forest that we have always aimed for.

However, aware of how it takes several decades before we have a fully restored forest, we do not want to be complacent. We need to constantly monitor our site to make sure that the trees that we have planted are all growing well. Meanwhile, we have to check that the individual nets that we have installed to protect the growing trees from deer damage still serve their purpose. Most of the time, the net comes off due to strong wind, snow, or if the planted tree falls. Without nets, exposed trees will be eaten by deer in no time. Even trees that have grown to a certain height may die.

We started doing volunteer activities on May 20 to reinstall nets for animal damage control. We have mobilized 90 volunteers who have reinstalled new nets. On that day, the volunteers helped guarantee the survival of 380 planted trees.

The following week, a total of 60 people, including volunteers and their family members, ages ranging from seven to 13 years old, participated in our activity. We believed that as we engaged the children in our activity, it somehow fostered a sense of valuing the forests in their hearts.

We are scheduled to work with eight companies and various organizations to protect nearly 2,000 trees until September of this year.

Prior to the start of the project, a council was formed, with members including the 30 companies, government agencies, research institutes, and other organizations. OISCA was assigned to be the secretariat responsible for running the council. The collaborative process among the members promotes synergy, which covers almost all angles. This resulted in the elimination of possible points of error. Moreover, the collaboration is fostering diversity in terms of local, technical, and innovative knowledge and skills.

Funding for the activities is mainly based on donations from companies. These companies also send their representatives and staff to volunteer for the project. From the donations, we purchase materials needed for the maintenance, subcontract foresters to guide and support volunteers during volunteering activities, and oversee the overall project operation. It would be difficult for us to implement all our activities without your great help.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your support. Thank you for your continued support.

Mt. Fuji is one of the sacred symbols of Japan. It always has an image of “snow-capped mountains” with pure snow on the top. In the past, it was considered as a mountain of faith wherein the general public was not allowed to enter. Before, it can only be viewed from afar. Now, everybody could freely access it, particularly hikers. After the climbing season, the mountain is now in its quiet period.

Personally, whenever I see Mt. Fuji in its dignified snow-covered form, I always am reminded of its sacredness. I felt the need to protect and conserve this beautiful mountain to be able to pass it on to the next generation.

In my previous report, I mentioned that local forestry workers supplement the work lacking in our volunteer activities. Before the winter season, from October to early December, local forestry workers replaced the fallen nets to protect the growing trees from deer damage.

In December, due to the low temperature and frozen grounds, it is tough for forestry workers to drive bamboo poles into the ground to support the nets. However, they worked diligently to protect the trees that we had planted.

This year, we were able to mobilize 74 people who helped reinstall more than 1,200 protection nets. Once repaired, the planted trees will be able to safely survive the harsh winters, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. Moreover, as we are tapping the services of forestry workers and providing them with jobs, we somehow contribute to the circulation of the local economy.

Please be assured that your support is being used to restore the forests of Mt. Fuji. As we involved local forestry workers, we support regional development, as well as the forestry industry.

Sixteen years have passed since the start of our activities, and we have somewhat left many footprints in the community. We hope that more people would be aware that regenerating forests, takes a lot of time, initiative, effort, and commitment. Moreover, Japan is a country full of forests, so it is important to promote further the importance of forestry management to be able to engage more people.

Thank you for your continued support.