Disaster Response Japan Project #14123

Restore 100 Hectares of the Miyagi Coastal Forest

by OISCA International

Project Report | 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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Mar 10, 2014
Double your donations today to support the community of Miyagi!

By Ma. Grazen Acerit | OISCA Japan Staff

Hitoshi-"Thanks for helping us regain confidence"

Today, we'd like to share a story out of many lives you have changed - through supporting our project.

Hitoshi used to live a comfortable life from growing vegetables in his own farm located several meters away from the shoreline of Natori City in Miyagi. Unfortunately, the March 11 catastrophe did a major change in his life as his house and main source of income (agricultural machineries and greenhouses) were not spared by the raging eight meter high tsunami.

The high salt concentration of his farm prohibited him from growing vegetables with that of good quality. Because of this, he has to borrow money and invest on renting a piece of land away from the coast to grow broccolis, spinach and cauliflowers. However, despite this decision, his income is still dwindling because the quality of his vegetables are not the same as what he used to grow.In spite of growing it inside the greenhouse, his vegetables are still susceptible from salt damage, strong winds and windblown sands from the sea coast. These are some of the problems that he and the rest of the survivors are facing after the tsunami uprooted and wiped out the coastal vegetation, including the 300 year old black pine trees.

Hitoshi and the rest of the tsunami survivors felt the need to restore the coastal forests for the immediate recovery of their community. Although still suffering from the aftermath of the tsunami,he and the other survivors are working in collaboration with OISCA International, the local and national government of Japan, forest experts and funding agencies.

OISCA International`s experience in collaborative projects become very useful in the implementation of the Coastal Forest Restoration Project in Natori City. Hitoshi is one of the beneficiaries of the scheme of providing an immediate source of income among the tsunami survivors by subcontracting them to grow and raised black pine seedlings needed for the immediate recovery of the 100 hectare coastal land in Natori City.

Unlike the traditional dole out approach in helping the survivors, this scheme encourages a sense of ownership and guarantees a sustainable and long term involvement of the tsunami victims like Hitoshi as they are actively involve in the decision making and actual project implementation.

In honor of the 3rd anniversary of East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, GlobalGiving is hosting a matching campaign for projects that work for recovery in Tohoku area. Starting today, your donations will be matched 100% by GlobalGiving until matchign funds last. To donate, click on "give now" button below.

Thank you for your support for this project, and thank you for tranforming the lives like Hitoshi!

Kiyoshi - "Thankful to be a part of restoration"

Higeo&his wife-"Thankful for bringing us together"

"Thankful for giving us hope to see black pines"

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