Three Concepts Behind the "more trees" Initiative

SakamotoThe future activities of more trees will involve advancing forest creation in collaboration with NGOs and government bodies, and through this forest creation,carbon offsetswill be promoted. "Carbon offset" means to offset the CO2 emitted by oneself through afforestation or clean energy. Ultimately, more trees aims to become a platform in integration with NGOs and government bodies.

The Three Concepts of more trees

(1) Let's create forests together
(2) Let's create forests enjoyably
(3) Let's create proper forests

Especially regarding (3) "Let's create proper forests," it's not just about planting trees, but also includes accountability for whether they are planted correctly and are growing well to absorb CO2.
Furthermore, in afforestation projects, while considering the "Kyoto Mechanism - Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)," which has the strictest standards globally, more trees will establish its own guidelines. To this end, a "more trees Council" will be established to rigorously review the activities.

Four Categories of "more trees" Forest Creation

more trees plants trees and creates forests.
To achieve this, we have selected four categories for forest creation activities.

(1) We will regenerate forests in Japan
As you know, Japan has many forests, but the amount of CO2 they absorb is decreasing due to a lack of proper maintenance, such as thinning. By intervening, we aim to revitalize artificial forests and shed light on the declining forestry industry.

(2) We will regenerate tropical forests, primarily in Southeast Asia and the Amazon

(3) We will green deserts in areas like Inner Mongolia, which affect Japan through issues such as yellow sand.

(4) We will regenerate mangrove forests, known as "forests of the sea."

The First "more trees Forest" Decided for Yusuhara Town, Kochi Prefecture!

Current Japanese forests often involve "discarded thinning," where trees are cut and left as they are. The transportation costs and labor costs for thinned wood are simply not profitable.
Therefore, more trees will conduct "carbon offsets" through thinning and utilization, creating rich and healthy forests.

Kochi Prefecture has the highest percentage of forest cover in Japan. more trees will participate in the "Collaborative Forest Creation Project" led by the prefecture. The chosen location for the first "more trees Forest" is a mountainous town with the Yusuhara River, one of the headwaters of the Shimanto River. This area has many artificial forests that require thinning.

In 2008, we plan to begin thinning 20 hectares of the first "more trees Forest."

From left: Governor of Kochi Prefecture, Mr. Daijiro Hashimoto; Mr. Ryuichi Sakamoto; Mayor of Yusuhara Town, Mr. Takeyoshi Nakagoshi. A signing ceremony was held on stage among the three.

Three Experts on the more trees Council

The more trees Council rigorously reviews aspects such as whether the saplings planted are suitable for the local environment, if they are native species, and if the planted trees benefit the local community, considering the fundamental role of forests.

Dr. Noriyuki Kobayashi (Professor, Graduate School of Nihon University)
"I have been involved in forestry management in Southeast Asia for a long time, am knowledgeable about afforestation CDM, and teach environmental law at university. Since the environment is connected to all aspects of life, I am interested in issues concerning the natural environment and global warming.
Forests absorb CO2, but it is crucial to cultivate artificial forests, like those in Japan, healthily through proper care.
I decided to participate because I agree with the purpose of more trees and want to contribute."

Mr. Naoki Matsuo (Representative, Climate Experts)
"I work as a consultant for global warming at Climate Experts. Before the Kyoto Conference, I was a researcher, and after rules were established in Kyoto, I felt the need for action and started my consulting work.
Afforestation CDM projects are not widely implemented in impoverished regions worldwide. I want to realize such projects by leveraging our expertise, and I aim to establish schemes where funds can flow into these projects, making carbon offsets a reality."

Mr. Hiroshi Hibi (Representative, Conservation International Japan)
"I was involved in environmental and developing country issues at the United Nations Development Programme and subsequently founded Conservation International Japan. It is an organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity.
The natural world, which sustains us, is built upon essential elements for our survival such as oxygen, water, and trees, as well as the coexistence of various living organisms. We too benefit from this. Biodiversity is about how we can protect this environment while coexisting."