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.

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

The Public Expectations Trend of Public Expectations with regards to Forests –Source: Public opinion poll on forests and human life (Cabinet office) Disaster prevention Headwater conservation Global warming mitigation Atmospheric purification Wild plants and animals Outdoor education Health and recreation Forest products Wood products Ranking

The Forest and Forestry Law 2001 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.

Biodiversity in the Basic Plan(1) Performance targets for multi-functionality of forest Forests are classified in three categories CategoriesMil. ha% Water/soil Ecological/ cultural/ Sustainable wood resources Total 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

Private Forests National Forests Forest planning system in Japan Nationwide Forest Plan Minister of Ag., Forestry and Fisheries 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 and Forestry Basic Plan Government The Basic Law The Forest Law

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

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

The 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(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… –…