Sustainable forest management in Chizu

Positive impact generated

Context

Once thriving, Chizu’s forestry declined with falling timber prices and labor shortages. This project revives local forests through sustainable thinning, supporting a low-carbon society and community resilience.

The Ashizu area played a key role in forestry during the Showa period, sustaining local livelihoods. With timber prices dropping, management became unviable, leading to abandoned forests and degraded ecosystems. This project promotes sustainable thinning, improving photosynthesis and increasing CO₂ absorption while maintaining watershed and disaster prevention functions. Between 2008 and 2013, it achieved 3,616 tCO₂e of sequestration. Forest carbon credits now offer new revenue beyond timber, supporting ongoing management and addressing depopulation. By restoring forest value, the project ensures biodiversity, protects habitats, and strengthens socio-economic resilience.

Gallery

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Chizu 1 3x

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Chizu 2 3x

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Chizu 3 3x

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Chizu 4 3x

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Chizu 5 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The J-Credit system provides a certified framework for measuring the forest’s climate services, making them accessible to potential investors. Local communities are actively engaged in sustainable forest management, including projects linked to environmental education and sustainable tourism.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

Promote sustainable thinning to enhance CO₂ absorption, protect forest functions, create jobs for local managers, and contribute to building a resilient low-carbon society.

The project aims to restore abandoned cedar plantations by maintaining ecological balance, enhancing CO₂ absorption, and protecting water and soil functions. It seeks to diversify income streams through both timber and carbon credits, making forestry viable again. Another objective is to create safe, rewarding jobs that attract younger generations back to forestry, reversing labor shortages. By integrating environmental, social, and economic goals, the project ensures resilience against climate change while revitalizing local culture. Collaboration with universities nurtures knowledge transfer and builds appreciation for the value of forests and mountain villages.

The project focuses on timely thinning of artificial cedar forests, boosting growth and photosynthesis. This enhances CO₂ absorption while preventing soil erosion, floods, and mountain disasters. Harvested timber generates income, and carbon credit sales provide additional funding for sustainable forest management. The community-led model ensures broad participation, redefining forestry as a respected, profitable, and sustainable occupation. Partnerships with universities allow education and field training, fostering awareness of forest value among students. This combined ecological, social, and educational approach sustains biodiversity, empowers local residents, and repositions forestry as a driver of cultural and economic vitality.