Biological Diversity and New Forest Policies in Japan

Biological Diversity and New Forest Policies in Japan Case Study on Integration of Biological Diversity into National Forest Policies Fujiwara Takashi, Forestry and forest Products research Institute

Introduction to Japanese Forest • Variety of Forests Range from sub-tropical Forests to Alpine forest. • 67% of the Land is Covered with Forests of which 41% is Plantation. • In terms of forest cover rate, Japan is one of the most densely-forested counties in the world. However, due to high population, forest area per capita is relatively low.

Basic Forest Legislation in Japan and its resent revision Forest Law 1891 Forestry Basic Law 1964 Back Ground the Public Interest and Expectation Serious Situation of Economic Condition around Forestry International Policy Development for SFM 2000 New Forest and Forestry Basic Policy to Fulfill the Multi-Functional Role of Forests in a Sustainable way through “Sustainable Forest Management” 2001 Forest and Forestry Basic Law 2001 Revision of Forest Law

The Public Expectations • Trend of Public Expectations with regards to Forests • Source: Public opinion poll on forests and human life(Cabinet office) 1980 1986 1993 1999 Ranking Disaster prevention 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Headwater conservation Global warming mitigation Atmospheric purification Wild plants and animals Outdoor education Health and recreation Forest products Wood products

Factors affecting Forestry ProductionComparison between 1980 and 1999 Wholesale price index Price index of wood products Price of construction materials Labor cost for harvesting Price of sugi log Price of seedlings Price of Western Hemlock Price of Sugi stumpage

Forest and Forestry Law2001 • Chapter 1 -General Provisions • Chapter 2 -Forest and Forestry Basic Plan • Chapter 3 -Measures Relating to Performance of Multi-Functionality of Forests • Chapter 4 -Measures Relating to Sustainable and Sound Development of Forestry • Chapter 5 -Measures Relating to Stable Supply and Use of Forest Products • Chapter 6 -Administrative and Other Organizations • Chapter 7 -Forest Council

Biodiversity in the Basic Law (1) • Basic Idea • Policy target “the performance of multi-functionality of forests” including “conservation of the natural environment” • Basic Plan • The plan should • specify targets for the performance of multi-functionality, and • be harmonized with the basic plan of the environment

Biodiversity in the Basic Law (2) • Measures for Multi-functionality • Restriction of activities which may hinder the conservation of forests in order to ensure the conservation of forests • Promotion of the voluntary activities of private bodies for the greening and conservation of forests • International Collaboration and Contribution • The government should make conscious efforts to promote international collaboration for the development of criteria on forest improvement and conservation, and to promote international cooperation including technical and financial cooperation to developing regions.

Forest and Forestry Basic Plan • The Basic Plan is composed of four chapters: • I. – Basic Policies for Forest and Forestry-Related Measures, • II – Targets for Performance of Multi-Functionality of Forests and for Supply and Use of Forest Products, • III – Measures to be Formulated in Comprehensive and Systematic Manner Regarding Forests and Forestry and • IV – Necessary Matters for Comprehensive and Systematic Promotion of Forest and Forestry-Related Measures.

Biodiversity in the Basic Plan(1) Performance targets for multi-functionality of forest Forests are classified in three categories Targets are established for each category

Biodiversity in the Basic Plan(2) • “Regardless of the category of forest, all forests contribute to the conservation of biological diversity as they provide habitats for diverse animals and plants, making it essential to consider this aspect for all forests”

Biodiversity in the Basic Plan(3) • Performance Targets for “Forests for conservation of ecological, cultural, historical, recreational and spiritual values “ • About 20% of Japanese forests are under this category • 60% of this forests are under natural forest management

Biodiversity in the Basic Plan(4) • Required Government Measures • … • Dissemination of Forest management plan system → promotion of thinning/ planting • Forest monitoring featuring biological diversity • Examination of new way of sharing the social cost including water source tax… • …

Forest planning system in Japan Forest and Forestry Basic Plan Government The Basic Law Nationwide Forest Plan Minister of Ag., Forestry and Fisheries The Forest Law Private Forests National Forests Regional Forest Plan Prefectural Governor Regional Forest Plan for National Forest Director of Regional Forest Office Municipal Forest Plan Mayer Forest management plan Forest Owners

Forest Management Plan • A forest owner may formulate a forest management plan for a period of five years and request approval of the head of the municipality.(Article 11 of the Forest Law)

Forest Management Plan Set approval criteria Head of Municipality National Government and Prefectural Government 2 Formulate 5 year plan Request approval of appropriateness 1 Approval of the plan Accordance with -Criteria made by MAFF and -Municipal forest plan Direction of forest management Outline of the forest Cutting/restocking method etc 3 Offer incentives Subsidies Tax Forest owners

Implication to International Policy Development • Constraints in Forest-related Policy • Less direct financial profits/ Various interest parties/ Necessity of widely scattered management resources • Lessons from the Japanese Process • Consensus of multiple functions and value at highest policy level • Participation of interest parties in planning process • Introduction of incentives • Empowerment of local governments

Biological Diversity and New Forest Policies in Japan