Disaster Response Japan Project #14123

Restore 100 Hectares of the Miyagi Coastal Forest

by OISCA International

Project Report | Nov 11, 2014
OISCA`s Action to Great East Japan`s Earthquake and Tsunami

By Ma. Grazen Acerit | OISCA Japan Staff

Izumi Kazuko (center) helping in the monitoring

A total of 100 volunteers from the different parts of Japan were gathered for the monthly organized activity of maintaining both the nursery and tree planting site in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Izumi Kazuko (45) along with her colleagues travelled all the way from Osaka City to help in the monitoring and evaluation of the planted seedlings as well as in the whole day of uprooting the weeds in the 15 hectares project site.

Izumi Kazuko (center) and her colleagues help in monitoring the growth and survival of the planted black pine seedlings.

Almost four years since the earthquake and tsunami, the presence of volunteers like Izumi has a strong impact among the victims who are feared of being abandoned, ignored and forgotten. “It would be my 10^th time to volunteer in Tohoku Region since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Involving in OISCA project is my 3^rd time”, said by Izumi.

When asked why she keeps on coming back, Izumi answered that the video showing the houses and Sendai Airport engulfed by tsunami triggered her decision to volunteer in Tohoku. She is grateful that OISCA is organizing events that enable her to mingle and communicate with the local victims. It is ironic that despite the two days of arduous work, she felt energized.

Izumi also mentioned that as a woman, her capacity is very limited but working with the other volunteers could somehow help her contribute in rebuilding the lives of the local victims and for the immediate recovery of Tohoku Region.

Since OISCA will be covering another 15 hectares next year, Izumi is urging other volunteers to echo their experiences through social networks to encourage participation from other people. She also mentioned that there is a need to further promote the project so as to mobilize thousands of volunteers and be involved with the project.

With the other volunteers in the OISCA nursery.

Constant maintenance guarantees seedlings survival

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Aug 13, 2014
3 years of hard work is now gradually paying off!

By Ma. Grazen Acerit | OISCA Japan Staff

Dr. Kunihiro Seido during the project monitoring.

A two-day survey was conducted by the team of 25 members led by Dr. Kunihiro Seido, OISCA`s forest adviser and mobilized volunteers to closely monitor and evaluate the 75,000 black pine seedlings planted last May along the 15 hectares coastline of Natori City in Miyagi Prefecture.

Based on the collected data, the survival rate of the planted seedlings is 99.5% and has exceeded the 50% rate of the other coastal reforestation projects previously funded by the local government of Miyagi Prefecture. Pressured by the high probability of seedlings mortality and the limited availability of seeds due to the government`s control of its distribution; the seedlings are very valuable that we could not take the risk of letting them die from improper handling.

Tapping the services of the forestry professional workers and organizing trainings for the tsunami survivors to become professionals on the proper handling and planting of black pine seedlings contributed on the high survival rate. Since Japan`s four seasons hinders us from planting all year round, seeking the help of these professionals who are capable of planting the seedlings in a speedy and efficient manner is one of our best decisions.

We also attribute the high survival rate on the excellent condition of the seedlings; perfect timing of planting; and proper hauling and handling of seedlings during the tree planting activities. Prior to planting, the innovative way of soaking the roots of the seedling in polymer solution with liquid fertilizer is also proven to be effective.

Meanwhile, the representatives of Japan`s Forest Agency recognized the thorough and extra care shown by the total of 2,000 volunteers who have helped in the maintenance of the two nurseries and the planting site. The volunteers helped in weeding and putting of mulch using wood chips to cover the roots of every seedling. The wood chips are proven to be effective in conserving water moisture, neutralize the ground temperature and protect the seedlings from strong winds.

In preparation for the next tree planting next year to cover another 15 hectares, we are now growing black pine seedlings in the two nurseries. We intend to train and involve more tsunami survivors and seek the help of professional workers for the reforestation related activities. We are also working harder to further promote the project to encourage supporters and mobilize volunteers for the successful implementation of the project.

Volunteers during the survey.

Putting of wood chips to protect the seedlings.

Rice straw to protect the seedlings from drying.

Sowing of black pine seeds for the next season!

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May 28, 2014
Planting of 5,000 Black Pine Seedlings in Natori

By Ma. Grazen Acerit | OISCA Japan Staff

A portion of the covered 15 hectares planting site

Blessed with a good weather, a total of 350 locals were gathered and volunteered in the tree planting activities organized by OISCA International in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture on the 24^th of May. Since the project will be implemented for 10 years and an extension of another ten years, involvement of the locals is needed to encourage a sense of ownership and so as to promote project sustainability. Divided into 10 groups, the volunteers planted a total of 5,000 black pine seedlings in one hectare under the guidance and assistance of the professional planters.

Prior to the event, OISCA Natori Office has been organizing trainings to mold professionals who will be in charge in growing and maintaining the planting site. These professionals include the members of the Natori Coastal Forest Association Members (local farmers and tsunami survivors), Forest Owner`s Cooperative Association of Miyagi Chuo and members of the Sendai City Forestry Adviser Association.

Mr. Kochi Sasaki, project in charge in OISCA Natori Office mentioned the need of molding professionals to lessen the possibility of seedlings mortality. The poor soil condition and the exposure of the planting site to the harsh weather condition are some of the factors that hinder the survival of the seedlings. Moreover, the seedlings are very limited and therefore very valuable that they could not take the risk of high mortality because of improper handlings.

This year, in collaboration with the tsunami victims, local and national government of Japan, forest experts and public and private companies; a total of 75,000 black pine seedlings and 270 broad leaf species of seedlings were planted in the 15 hectares coastal area of Natori City.

Even the local kids joined in the event.

Rice straws to protect the seedlings from drying.

The actual tree planting activity.

The tsunami survivors inside the greenhouse

The local volunteers during the event.

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