Sustainable forest management in Hokkaido

Positive impact generated

Context

Post-war afforestation expanded Japan’s forests, but timber price collapse left many unmanaged. This project unites four towns to restore forest health, boost CO₂ absorption, and support communities.

Covering 1,441 hectares, these plantations grew under post-war afforestation policies, raising forest stock fivefold. Yet, low timber prices undermined forestry, leaving forests abandoned and degraded. Launched in 2009, this was among the first forest projects registered under the J-VER scheme, precursor to J-Credit. Sustainable thinning enhances growth, photosynthesis, and CO₂ absorption, with 17,812 tCO₂ certified between 2009 and 2013. Carbon credits diversify income alongside timber sales, creating a more resilient forestry model that restores ecological and economic value.

Gallery

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Hokkaido 1 3x

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Hokkaido 2 3x

Tutela Ambientale Jcredit Giappone Hokkaido 3 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The initiative is coordinated by four Hokkaidō municipalities, supported by technical partners and public institutions. Its strength lies in joint governance, combining local action with institutional backing. Revenue from timber and carbon credits funds ongoing management, job creation, and reduced reliance on subsidies. Though biodiversity studies are limited, evidence shows improved vegetation and greater ecological resilience compared to neglected forests. Green Future Project promotes transparency and replicability, framing this as a model for sustainable forest governance.

Objectives and approach

Foster sustainable forest management in Hokkaidō through thinning, increasing CO₂ absorption, ensuring ecosystem services, and supporting local economies with diversified income.

The project aims to expand CO₂ sequestration, protect water and soil functions, and sustain biodiversity through active management. By diversifying revenue from timber and carbon credits, it reduces dependence on subsidies and builds long-term resilience. Employment creation and community involvement ensure forestry is recognized not just as an industry but as an environmental and social asset.

The approach combines regular thinning of plantations to enhance forest health with an income model balancing timber sales and carbon credits. Thinning improves tree growth, increases CO₂ uptake, and maintains forest functions like water recharge and disaster prevention. Joint management by four municipalities creates a replicable governance model where forestry is redefined as sustainable resource stewardship rather than extraction alone.