10.1 Basic Concepts on Improving Forest Resources
10.2 Targets for Improvement of Forest Resources
10.3 Measures to Reach the Targets
10.4 Issues Relevant to Attaining These Targets
10.1.1 Improvement of forest resources toward qualitative substantiality
10.1.2 Improvement of forest resources corresponding to multiple use
The creation of planted forests was once promoted for the purpose of restoring forest land devastated from over felling during and after the World War and from disasters, and to encourage a response to the increase in timber demand as a result of economic growth. Today, the establishment of planted forests has almost attained the goal, with some of these forests having reached maturity and being harvested. Moreover, to respond to rising public expectations toward the role performed by forests, from the viewpoint of recognizing forests as an ecosystem, it is necessary to promote the improvement of diverse forest resources.
Accordingly, it can be said that the improvement of Japan's forest resources has shifted from a stage of the establishment to a stage of quality improvement, including managing forests into good and reusable condition.
Under such circumstances, it is important to promote forest improvement from the following viewpoints:
a) forests expected to achieve high productivity: should be vigorously improved but remain in harmony with the performance of public functions. Appropriate tending and thinning should be implemented taking into consideration the importance of effective utilization and reutilization of timber resources;b) forests which place a high premium on functions for public benefit or forests where various timber production is possible: these should be developed into a multi-storied condition with rich diversification by appropriately combining human intervention and natural functions, such as the utilization of natural functions within planted forests;
c) forests where the function of the public benefit or production (such as timber) can be secured by promoting the utilization of primarily natural functions: should be appropriately preserved and controlled by such as improving scenic attractions if necessary.
Accordingly, when improving forest resources in the future, instead of the conventional classification and management concepts based on whether the forest is planted or not, forests should be classified by the degree of human intervention for tending and forest stratification, such as single or multi-storied forests, namely:
a) single-storied forests, forests tended and controlled in a positive manner as forests in a single-storied condition;b) multi-storied forests, forests tended and controlled in a positive manner as forests in a multi-storied condition;
c) natural forests, forests appropriately preserved and controlled by making the most of mainly natural functions.
Consequently, the improvement of forest resources in order to promote better quality will be developed.
Furthermore, in order to promote appropriate forest improvement in accordance with the functions and characteristics of each, it is necessary to clearly demonstrate the direction of improvement in a simple manner, and with the understanding and participation of the public.
In keeping with the increase in leisure time, the progress of ageing and introduction of the five-day school system, the needs of the public toward the utilization of forests for health, culture and educational purposes will become more diversified and advanced.
Therefore, forest resources should be developed so that nearby forest space can be utilized in various ways as a place for providing easily accessible forest, a place for forest bathing. a place for healthy activities, a place for cultivating spiritual affluence, a place where volunteers can participate in forestry activities, and a place for urban and rural exchange.
In such a case, since it is important to secure forests where constant utilization is possible and with wide public access, the improvement of forests, including establishment in forests of facilities, is to be promoted in harmony with neighbouring scenery, while forest roads and other facilities that promote forest utilization are being arranged over certain extensive areas.
On the other hand, in mountainous regions vitality has been dropping due to depopulation and ageing, so that there are some cases that have difficulties in maintaining and controlling forests in a sound manner. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce the vitality of urban cities to rural communities so that appropriate improvement of forests through their multiple use can be promoted taking into account the various needs of urban and rural people.
With such multiple use it is important to stimulate better public awareness of the importance of coexistence between nature and human beings, and better understanding that wood as a forest product is a resource which can be used sustainably because the forestry is based on the productivity of the forest ecosystem.
10.2.1 Targets for Improvement of Forest Functions
10.2.2 Targets for Improvement of Forest Resources
Every forest contributes to the lives of the public through its diverse functions. In this sense, it is necessary to carry out improvement so that all types of forests can play the functions demanded of them to the highest degree.
Accordingly, targets for improvement of desirable forest functions from the natural, social and economic viewpoint and targets for improvement of forest resources through forest management which is the foundation for performing forest functions are established as set out below.
Of the diverse functions of the forest, with respect to each function such as timber production, water conservation, disaster prevention in mountainous regions, conservation of our living environment and provision of space for activities on health and culture, the desirable aspects of forest resources and calculated results based on various factors such as the natural, social and economic conditions of forest areas subject to the improvement of each function, are shown in Table 5.
It should be noted that in addition to performing the functions mentioned above, all the forests also contribute to securing biodiversity as habitat for various fauna and flora, and play an important role of carbon dioxide sequestration.
Table 5: Targets for improvement of forest functions (Unit: 10,000 ha)
|
Function |
Desirable aspects of forest resources from the viewpoint of performing those functions |
Areas subject to improvement |
|
Timber production |
Forests with soil suitable for the propagation of trees, with appropriate density, a large portion of growth consisting of timber with good quality, and forestry infrastructure such as forest roads, etc. are being appropriately improved. |
1,490 |
|
Water conservation |
Forest with a well-developed crumbled structure, porous soil. a well-developed root system, a high crown density. such as multi-storied and vigorous growth, and necessary forest conservation facilities, such as those for promoting infiltration. |
1,467 |
|
Disaster prevention in mountainous regions |
Forest with a deep and well-developed root system, where littered leaves are always supplied, where undergrowth vegetation is well developed due to an abundant supply of sunlight, and necessary forest conservation facilities, such as those for preventing erosion and landslides. |
589 |
|
Conservation of our living environment |
Forests with a high interception capacity, where tree height is high, lower branches are grown closely together to provide good shelter, trees have a high resistance to various damage, high absorption capacity and resistance against pollutants is exhibited, consisting of tree species with rich foliage. |
432 |
|
Cultural and recreational activities |
Forests consisting of various tree species are arranged at appropriate intervals. Forests create a prime natural beauty in harmony with lakes, valleys and so on. Forests consisting of various tree species provide a change in shade and colour. Forests create a natural spectacle as historical sites by incorporating historic and scenic locations. Forests with stable appearance of forest type mainly for local tree species. At the same time, forests with facilities suitable for recreational, cultural and educational activities arc being improved. And forests with primeval natural environments with habitats for academically valuable fauna and flora |
582 |
(Notes)
1. Areas subject to improvement include forest areas needed especially for the displaying highly of each function by relatively evaluating and calculating the degree of its function based on certain evaluating factors from the social demands on a forest of which the degree is high.2. Of areas subject to the improvement of health and cultural functions, numerical figures in parentheses show important forest areas from the viewpoint of maintenance and provision of habitat and creating a wildlife environment, and inclusive.
3. The total number of areas subject to improvement of each function overlap, and thus do not coincide with the total forest area shown in Table 6.
It is important that improving forest resources should be carried out in a steady manner from the long term viewpoint, taking into account the nature of forest such as the long growing period and that the harvesting time of timber is not always clear.
Consequently, if the state in which the diverse functions of the forest can be comprehensively and sufficiently fulfilled and area, growing stock and growth can be sufficiently secured and maintained by classification of managed single-storied forests, managed multi-storied forests and natural forests, which are regarded as "the directional state of forest resources". The state of forest resources in 2005, 2015 and 2025 is established as the "Target State of forest resources" as shown in Table 6.
Table 6: Targets for improvement of forest resources
|
|
Classification |
Year 1995 |
Target state of forest resources |
Ultimate state of forest resources |
||
|
Year 2005 |
Year 2015 |
Year 2025 |
||||
|
Area ('000 ha) |
Managed single-storied forest |
10,430 |
10,410 |
10,110 |
9,570 |
8,880 |
|
Managed multi-storied forest |
680 |
1,610 |
2,740 |
4,040 |
5,320 |
|
|
Natural forest |
14,090 |
13,200 |
12,370 |
11,610 |
11,020 |
|
|
Total |
25,200 |
25,220 |
25,220 |
25,220 |
25,220 |
|
|
Growing Stock |
Total growing stock (1,000,000 m3) |
3,483 |
3,970 |
3,970 |
4,440 |
4,630 |
|
Growing stock per ha (m³) |
138 |
157 |
157 |
176 |
184 |
|
|
Growth |
Total growth (1,000,000 m3 annually) |
91 |
84 |
84 |
74 |
79 |
|
Growth per ha (m3 annually) |
3.6 |
3.3 |
3.3 |
2.9 |
3.1 |
|
Notes
1. Shows the condition as of March 31 in each year based on 1995.2. The area for the target state of forest resources is based on the targeted area of forests in 2005 by the "Third National Land Use Plan (nationwide plan)".
3. The following management plans are implemented in order to tend to single-storied forests, multi-storied forests and natural forests.
a) When managing single-storied forests, a certain group of trees are clear-felled, then established and maintained forest consisting of a unitary crown layer by human intervention#¹ (managed single-storied forest management)b) When managing multi-storied forests, management by selective cutting#2 of trees to maintain an the forest consisting of multiple crown layers#3 (including forests which temporary become single-storied forests in relation to operations) (managed multi-storied forest management)
c) When managing natural forest, management mainly involves making the most of natural functions for the purpose of establishment and maintenance (Natural forest management). This management includes prohibition of felling for conservation of national land, natural environment and species.
i) "Human intervention" is general term for managing operations such as planting, assistance in regeneration (such as surface scarification for regeneration with natural species and brush cutting), bud pruning, weeding, clearing and thinning.ii) "Selective cutting" refers to repeated cutting of mature trees in a forest (selective felling) in a planned manner periodically, i.e. every few years to several decades.
iii) "Multiple crown layers" are mapped according to variation of tree height due to the difference in age and species.
10.3.1 Guidelines for Promoting Forest Improvement
10.3.2 Forest Management
10.3.3 Improvement of Forests Widely Accessible to the Public
10.3.4 Construction of Forest Roads, etc.
Targets for the improvement of forest functions and targets for improvement of forest resources from the long-term point of view are clarified by this plan. Therefore, in order to attain these targets, the following sections present the guidelines for promoting forest improvement to stimulate the performance of functions, forest management which forms the foundation of improvement, the content of forest improvement in areas widely opened to the public, and the improvement of forest roads which are indispensable to all of these.
In Japan, a densely populated and mountainous nation where economic and cultural activities have been developed, there are many examples where the functions to be played exist together in one forest. Consequently, it is necessary to promote substantiality of each function by making adjustments between each function according to the natural conditions and local needs of individual forests and also by carrying out appropriate forest improvements. In such a case, to attain the targets stipulated for each function in Table 5: "Targets for Improvement of Forest Functions", it is necessary to promote more effective improvement of forest resources by taking into consideration the structure of present forest resources, and by clarifying the guideline for the near future for forest improvement programmes in a manner easily understood.
Accordingly, by taking into consideration the similarity of management and today's rise in expectations toward the role played by forests, "water and soil conservation", "coexistence between forests and human beings" and "cyclic utilization of resources"4 are regarded as viewpoints to be stressed when demonstrating the concept or matters needing attention for each improvement.
4"Cyclic utilization of resources" means forest resources are sustainably and effectively utilized for timber by smoothly rotating timber re-production cycle throughout a series of forest operations such as telling, planting and tending.
For improving forest resources in the future, by taking these into consideration, appropriate forest management according to the local characteristics and improvement of forest roads, etc. necessary for management are to be promoted. At the same time, through the improvement of forest conservation facilities, etc. if necessary, the forest resources will be led to desirable conditions.
10.3.1.1 Forest Improvement Emphasizing "Conservation of Water and Soil"
Land subject to forest improvement, which emphasizes "water and soil conservation", is approximately 12.6 million ha.
In order to create a base of national land resistant to disasters and to secure a stable supply of good quality water, forest improvement emphasizes "water and soil conservation" and attaches importance to functions for the prevention of disasters in mountainous regions and water yield. Consequently, while promoting appropriate tending and thinning, there will also be efforts to promote development of undergrowth and vigorous growth of trees considering the conservation of tree roots and topsoil; (1) in order to secure a sound water cycle, considering the characteristics of watersheds, planting on unstocked land, felling and regeneration through the range of forest spread and mosaic arrangement of forests, the reduction of any one felling area, extension of felling age, and improvement of forests in a multi-storied condition are to be promoted; (2) in order to secure a safe and comfortable foundation of life and national land, improvement of multi-storied forests in areas susceptible to disasters in mountainous regions and sites near dams is to be promoted in order to stabilize the forest floor.
10.3.1.2 Forest Improvements Emphasizing "Coexistence Between Forests and Human Being"
Land subject to forest improvement which emphasizes "coexistence between forests and human being" is approximately 5.6 million ha.
From the viewpoint of the conservation of biological diversity considering the importance of forests as an ecosystem, and promoting coexistence between forests and human beings through and providing widely accessible forests, forest improvement attaches an importance on the "coexistence between forests and human beings" in order to perform the functions of the conservation of living environment, health and culture. Therefore, while paying attention to the combination of protection, improvement and appropriate utilization: (1) in order to maintain and recover biological diversity in a forest ecosystem, by taking into consideration the breeding and feeding sites of wild animals, withered trees, overturned trees, areas adjacent to water, etc., appropriate protection of primeval forests and forests with academically valuable wildlife, and conservation of the surrounding forest is to be promoted in a positive manner. If necessary, restoration by human intervention and monitoring of vegetation, etc. is to be implemented.
Furthermore, from a large regional point of view, implementation for securing forest continuity, such as making corridors for wildlife, etc. is being maintained; (2) in order to conserve and create a comfortable forest environment and forest scenery, according to forest conditions and utilizing characteristics, planting of tree species with a high intercepting capacity that are resistant towards various types of damage, implementation of intense thinning or pruning, planting of flower trees and introduction of broad leaf trees. etc. which display changes in colour are to be promoted. At the same time, diversification of forest structures is to be promoted.
Especially, improvements of forests which located in suburbs and villages as a familiar nature and forest which making great scenery are to be positively promoted.
10.3.1.3 Forest Improvement Emphasizing "Cyclic Utilization of Resources"
Land subject to forest improvement which emphasizes "cyclic utilization of resources" is approximately 7 million ha.
From the viewpoint of supplying timber which is vital to the public and less of a burden on the environment in a stable and effective manner, forest improvement which emphasizes "cyclic utilization of resources" attaches an importance to the performance of the production function of timber and NWFP. Therefore, while securing sound forests through the promotion of tending and thinning, effective improvement through formation of groups for management and mechanization is to be promoted. Furthermore, Japan is endeavouring to increase growing stock for sequestration of carbon dioxide. At the same time, it is attempting sustainable and effective utilization of forests as a timber resource.
Forest management refers to a series of operations conducted within forests such as planting, tending, thinning, felling and logging and is the basis of improvement of forest resources for attaining multiple objectives. Forest management is also formulated in various ways according to differences in forest condition, management purpose and felling method and so on.
Corresponding to new forest classifications in this plan, forest management is classified into managed single-storied forest management, managed multi-storied forest management and natural forest management. Furthermore, in implementing this management, attention is given to guideline for promoting forest improvement.
10.3.2.1 Managed single-storied forest management
Managed single-storied forest management is carried out on forests with expectation of high productivity considering natural conditions such as topography, soil conditions and vegetation and forests suitable for planting necessary for playing functions for public benefit. The land subject to this management is 8.88 million ha.
Of this, from the viewpoint of playing public functions, in the future, the introduction of managed single-storied forest through new planting, such as the establishment of forests for water conservation, is 0.59 million ha. This will be achieved within approximately 40 years.
As for natural conditions and performing of functions for the public benefit, when implementing felling and regeneration, it is important to consider the range of forest spread and mosaic arrangement of forests.
10.3.2.2 Managed multi-storied forest management
Managed multi-storied forest management is carried out on forests with a high demand for fulfilling functions for the public benefit or timber production, and which are suitable for implementation of this management by taking into consideration improvement of forest roads, etc. The land subject to such management is 5.32 million ha.
Of this, the introduction of tended multi-storied forests in the future is expected to be 4.64 million ha, and will be achieved within approximately 40 years.
10.3.2.3 Natural forest management
Natural forest management is carried out on forests where the functions for public benefit or timber production function can be secured by utilizing mainly natural functions. The land subject to this type of management is 11.02 million ha.
One third (1/3) of this is to have restrictions on telling, and is to be reserved for conservation of national land, conservation of natural environment and conservation of species, etc.
Since the public need for providing accessible forest is expected to rise further, forest improvement is to be promoted so that within 20 years there is approximately twice as much forest open to the public, managed appropriately and facilitated with trails etc. as today (0.67 million ha as of the end of the fiscal year 1994).
Referring to improvement of facilities that contribute to forest utilization open to the public, sufficient consideration must be taken in order to facilitate structuring and arrangements to secure the safety of various users, such as senior citizens, the disabled and children, according to needs of users and local characteristics, such as natural conditions.
Furthermore, although the trails desirable for forest bathing and other activities differ depending on the forest conditions and type of utilization by considering comfort, stillness, sheltering effect and former examples, it is expected that approximately 50 to 100 m/ha of trails may be considered as an indicative standard at an average scale of forest.
Forest roads are indispensable to the development of effective forestry management and the appropriate maintenance and control of forests. It is necessary to promote the improvement of forest roads because they play an important role in the promotion of comprehensive utilization of forests, improvement of our living environment in rural communities, and encouragement of local industries.
Based on this viewpoint, taking into consideration labour force conditions and systems of forestry technologies, the establishment of improvement targets for forest roads in order to carry out rational forestry management and forest control suitable to the development of careful forest management is given in Table 7.
Table 7: Target for Improvement of forest roads (Unit: 1,000 km)
|
|
Present state (end fiscal 1994) |
Improvement target |
|
Improvement of forest roads |
122 |
278 |
So that forest resources improvement can meet the diverse demands to the forests, the establishment of forest roads will be entirely completed within approximately 40 years.
Forest roads should be constructed by adoption of standards and structures suited to each purpose. At the same time, construction methods and route plans should be sensitive to conservation of natural environment, especially to ensuring high public benefit. Maintenance and control is to be continuously ensured.
Furthermore, in order to secure appropriate forest management, in addition to improvement of forest roads, the preparation of branch roads is to be promoted. Particularly in the case of managed multi-storied forest management, operations such as tending and thinning should be done at an appropriate time and in a careful, accurate and continuous manner and carrying these out makes it necessary to improve principal branch roads and integrate them with forest roads to ensure continuous utilization.
Approximately 30 m/ha may be considered as an indicative standard for principal branch roads needed by general forestry management. However, exact need differs according to the conditions of individual forests and the actual state of the region.
10.4.1 Promotion of Quality Improvement of Forests
10.4.2 Promotion of Multiple Use of Forests
10.4.3 Securing Self-reliance of Forestry Management
10.4.4 Securing Forestry Labour Force
10.4.5 Establishment of Stable Timber Supply System and Enhancement of Its Utilization
10.4.6 Promotion of Development for Rural Communities
10.4.7 Improvement of Forest-related Data
10.4.8 Promotion of Research and Development, Extension and Education
10.4.9 Promotion of International Forestry and Forestry Cooperation
In order to fulfil this plan under the extremely difficult conditions surrounding forests and forestry, it is necessary to develop comprehensive measures for a number of issues. Key elements are promoting forest improvement to meet local characteristics; obtaining the understanding and participation of the public in forests and forestry; and treating each watershed from its upper reaches to its down stream as a basic unit without division between private forests and national forests.
In such a case, even though the roles played by the national and local governments are great, the efforts of the forestry and wood industries on their own behalf are also important, and the wide range of mutual linkage with people concerned is also necessary.
In order to carry out effective and stable forestry management while promoting functions for public benefit, it is necessary for forest management to combine human interventions and natural functions appropriately and to make the most of the attributes of each coniferous and broad-leaved tree which correspond to public needs. Consequently, it is necessary to promote forest quality improvement through further clarification of concrete ways of improvement and of securing the wide support of local people and the public in general by promoting extension and mainstream application of the guidelines for promoting forest improvement and management methods that enhance the diverse functions of the forest including through forest planning system etc. .
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of conserving watersheds and disaster prevention, it is necessary to provide a proper response, such as advice on management of forests where maintenance and control is not carried out appropriately. Forest improvement conducted by public organizations is also necessary to promote those kinds of forests.
In order to respond to the public need for recreation, culture and education, and to promote multiple use of forests, it is necessary to improve by stages forests that are to be always open to the public. At the same time, it is essential to promote utilisation of national and public forests and forest improvement by public organizations as well as to take steps to prevent forest fires which the increase in users may lead to.
In addition to this, the following should be improved, if necessary: the collection and distribution of information on multiple use; supporting systems such as training and utilization of forest instructors; control and operation systems for facilities used in forest utilization.
In order to appropriately manage and control forests, the establishment of self-reliant forestry management is indispensable. Maintenance and control of forests owned by absentee landowners therefore becomes an important issue.
Accordingly, it is important to promote effective operations by expanding management scale and preventing subdivision of forest ownership and management through the acquisition of forest land and promoting unified management such as by commissioning of forest management jointly for several forests.
Furthermore, in order to secure self-reliance of forestry management, in addition to production of non-wood forest products such as mushrooms and edible wild plants, it is necessary to promote diverse management such as the expansion of business targets to include forest recreation or processing and sales of woodwork. In such a case, it is important to nurture forestry management bodies to become model forest owners in the community, from the technical and management aspects, by carrying out management themselves and to be able to shoulder local forestry production.
In order to secure a forestry labour force, it is necessary to promote improvement of employment situations such as clarification of employment relationships, securing employment and working conditions at the same level as other industries. It is necessary to improve employment control systems and to rationalize business at forestry sectors which employ forestry workers in an integrated and comprehensive manner. At the same time, it is necessary to prepare its supporting system.
Furthermore, it is necessary to promote introduction and development of high-performance forestry machinery which can be effective even in conditions of difficult topography and which can contribute to effective implementation of forest management, to decrease of industrial accidents, and training its operator.
In such a case, it is essential for forestry to become an attractive working place. Consequently, it is necessary to improve the forestry structure such as improvement of the base for forestry production and, at the same time, advancement of a production system.
It is important to carry out unified development of forestry and timber industries by promoting effective utilization of maturing forest resources as one way of ensuring improvement of forest resources in a planned manner.
Accordingly, through sawmill expansion and cooperation between specialized plants, it is necessary to establish a system where wood products of reliable quality can be supplied in a stable manner, at low cost and opportunely.
Furthermore, in order to promote timber utilization, it is necessary to create new demand according to consumers' needs, such as material for structural timber and interior-type wood suitable to the needs. This will partly require strengthening cooperation among a wide range of interested parties involved in the production, distribution and consumption levels. At the same time, it is necessary to carry out extension and education on the characteristics of timber as an environmentally-friendly material. It could be stressed, for example, that timber is benign to human life from a physiological and health point of view and it causes less burden to the environment because it does not require much energy for processing.
In order to promote, maintain and expand the diverse functions of the forest, it is essential to urgently re-invigorate rural communities, which have been rapidly losing vitality, through an increase in incomes and employment opportunities in mountainous regions and improvement of their infrastructure.
Consequently, by promoting forestry, which is a major industry in mountainous regions, while strengthening its connection with agriculture, it is necessary to use forest resources which are located in the local community effectively and in a comprehensive manner.
Furthermore, it is necessary to improve the infrastructure in rural communities, such as the construction and asphalt-paving of forest roads. At the same time, it is important to promote the improvement of living conditions, such as facilities for water supply and household waste disposal. Moreover, while promoting exchange between urban and rural communities through multiple use of forests and smoothness of information distribution, it is necessary to train talent for local leadership.
In order to better promote sustainable forest management while taking into consideration progress in the application of international criteria and indicators which can evaluate the progress towards sustainability of forests, it is essential to improve data on natural, social and economic dimensions including on rare species, water, soil and other aspects of forest. The improvement of such data is important to the appropriate maintenance and control of forests and leads to effective measures for conservation of river basins.
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of effective forestry management, it is important to have useful data related to management, such as fancy wood with high economic value, and medicinal herbs and plants which are expected to be utilized as ingredients.
In order to implement appropriate forest management which emphasizes ecosystems, it is necessary to investigate and shed light on diverse biological forest characteristics and on the causes of forest decline as well as to improve silvicultural techniques such as regeneration and tending technologies. At the same time, it is important to breed varieties suitable to diverse forest management and varieties resistant to diseases and insect damage.
It is necessary to promote publication and practical application of the results of technical development, improvement and research in each field positively, such as improvement of productivity in timber production, processing and distribution sectors, and development of new products. Furthermore, it is also necessary to carry out a wide range of public extension and education on new technologies and knowledge based on the results of this research and development.
It is necessary to understand forests as a storehouse of biological diversity and a globally significant agent for sequestration of carbon dioxide. Accordingly, it is necessary to improve them appropriately and to utilize them wisely: in this connection, Japan's forests are considered as a part of a global resource.
At the same time. as the largest log importing country, it is necessary for Japan to promote international forestry and forestry cooperation including positive participation in bilateral and multilateral cooperation and support for NGOs in order to promote international afforestation and contribute to the achievement of sustainable forest management.
