One Tree for Everyone Nurtures the Future - Waternet Forest Project

water＊net corporation Impact Generated

water＊net corporation’s contribution accounts for 100% of the projects total positive impact.

Context

In Japan, 40% of forests are made up of man-made conifer plantations, often abandoned and unprofitable. In Tenkawa, where 97% of the land is covered by forest, the goal is to restore diverse mixed woodlands that are both resilient and productive.

In Tenkawa, the postwar expansion of sugi and hinoki plantations replaced much of the natural forest, causing biodiversity loss and an economic crisis as timber prices dropped. Today, many of these areas are abandoned or remain without regeneration. The project focuses on a former conifer plantation cleared six years ago, regenerating the land with native species. The inner bark of these trees provides the raw material for a traditional herbal remedy with a history of over 1,300 years. The initiative aims to restore sustainable production cycles, reduce dependence on external resources, and promote a forest model that combines profitability, cultural identity, and environmental protection.

Gallery

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Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The project is led by the Tenkawa forestry cooperative and the special district of Dorogawa, with the active participation of local residents. Some planting activities are entrusted to community members, creating seasonal job opportunities particularly for those working in tourism during low seasons. This restoration model brings communities and institutions together in a shared effort. Beyond reforestation, the goal is to reactivate the cork supply chain, reducing dependence on external raw materials and generating local income. The regenerated forest will not only provide a rich ecological habitat but also serve as an example of how woodlands can become economic and cultural resources, going beyond the mere production of timber.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The goal is to regenerate the forests of Tenkawa by planting Amur cork trees and other native species, creating a resilient woodland that combines environmental, cultural, and economic value.

The project aims to restore a mixed forest generating both ecological sustainability and new livelihood opportunities. By planting Amur cork trees, it seeks to guarantee a local supply of the key ingredient for a traditional remedy, supporting both the village’s cultural identity and its self-sufficiency. At the same time, reforesting with a variety of native species will strengthen biodiversity, enhance ecological resilience, and offer an alternative model to sugi and hinoki monocultures. The project aspires to become a benchmark for the coexistence of community, environment, and sustainable economic development.

Each year, 0.45 hectares at elevations of 900-1,300 meters are reforested with Amur cork trees and other native species. The project engages the local community, provides training, and involves forestry institutions directly. By using cork as a medicinal resource while conserving other species, it maintains a balanced ecosystem even after scheduled harvests. The initiative delivers multiple benefits: economic (new income and jobs), cultural (preserving local traditions), and environmental (enhanced CO₂ absorption, estimated at 1.2 t/ha/year). The project aims to be a replicable model for sustainable reforestation which integrates forest management, cultural heritage, and climate resilience.