Initiative 
Living Things
Dedication 
Sanctuaries Natural Water Sanctuary Gifu Higashi-Shirakawa
This Sanctuary is located in the water-source conservation area of Kisogawa Plant operated by Suntory Products Ltd.
This page explains the initiatives of our Natural Water Sanctuary Gifu Higashi-Shirakawa.
- Agreement start date
- 2010
- Area
- About 631 ha
- Applicable plant
- Kisogawa Plant, Suntory Products Ltd.
From Plantation to a Bio-diverse Forest
Higashi-Shirakawa Village is renowned for its high-quality Hinoki cypress timber. As such, the village and local forestry cooperative carefully manage their well-maintained plantation forests to ensure timber production through meticulous care.
However, not all areas in the village’s plantations are suitable for cultivating Hinoki cypress or cedar. After conducting detailed vegetation surveys, plantation areas better suited for environmental restoration were identified, and efforts began to enhance both biodiversity and the water-source conservation capacity of these areas.
In areas where Hinoki cypress growth was poor, intensive thinning of these trees was carried out and broadleaf trees were planted. Now, the broadleaf trees are growing well, and the forest is gradually transforming into a thriving habitat for diverse plants and animals.
Restoring the Natural Abundance of a Riparian Forest
Until several decades ago, Japan’s national forest management policy prioritized the production of timber for construction and other uses. As a result, Japanese cedar and Hinoki cypress trees were planted even along the mountain streams in the village’s forestry area. In natural forests, however, streamside areas are colonized by plants that thrive in wet environments. Left as-is, these areas will become even less biodiverse and even more inhospitable to wildlife usually found near streams.
To address this, a detailed survey was conducted, and efforts were made to thin out the Japanese cedar and Hinoki cypress trees along the streams. At the same time, the growth of existing broadleaf trees was encouraged, and natural regeneration from wind-blown seeds was promoted.
As a result of these efforts, the areas are gradually reverting to a healthy and diverse riparian (riverbank) forest.
Creating Experiences That Connect Community Members with Their Forests
In our Natural Water Sanctuary Gifu Higashi-Shirakawa, local junior high school students participate in outdoor programs to learn about forests and groundwater. Through direct interaction with the forest, students learn how it nurtures water and how Hinoki cypress trees are cultivated.
Sanctuary Details
- Location
- Oppara National Forest, Oppara, Higashi-Shirakawa Village, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture
- Area
- About 381 ha
- Agreement date
- December 2010
- Agreement period
- 5 years (with plans for long-term renewal)
Under the Forestry Agency’s “Social Contribution Forest” agreement program
- Location
-
Higashi-Shirakawa Village, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture
① Kando – Shinsu Village Forest
② Oppara – Magarisaka Village Forest
- Area
- About 250 ha
- Agreement date
-
① March 2012
② December 2015
- Agreement period
- 30 years
① Through participation in the Gifu Corporate Forest project, a forest management agreement was signed with Higashi-Shirakawa Village and Gifu Prefecture.
② A separate forest management agreement was signed directly with Higashi-Shirakawa Village.
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