Green Co-op and 'Abukuma Ushiroshi Urushi Project' Partner to Revitalize Abukuma Satoyama in Fukushima Through Lacquer Tree Planting

Green Co-op, a general incorporated association comprising 16 consumer cooperatives mainly in Western Japan (Headquarters: Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Representative Director: Yoko Hidaka, hereinafter Green Co-op), has partnered with the 'Abukuma Ushiroshi Urushi Project,' which is working on satoyama revitalization in the Abukuma region of Fukushima Prefecture, to engage in sustainable community development through the planting of lacquer trees.

■ Background and Purpose

The satoyama in the Abukuma region of Fukushima Prefecture was once maintained through a cyclical lifestyle deeply connected to agriculture and forestry. In recent years, due to depopulation, an aging population, and the decline of the forestry industry, the number of unmanaged forests has increased, posing a challenge of degradation. Furthermore, the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident significantly impacted the local livelihoods and community foundations. In this situation, there is a demand for the revitalization of sustainable satoyama and the creation of new livelihoods that utilize local resources.

In this initiative, lacquer trees will be planted in the Abukuma satoyama, with the aim of creating livelihoods through lacquer harvesting and refining in the future, and promoting sustainable community development utilizing local resources.

Furthermore, lacquer trees absorb CO₂ during their growth, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact. After planting, efforts will also be made to measure and visualize CO₂ absorption as the trees grow.

■ What is the 'Abukuma Ushiroshi Urushi Project'?

This initiative focuses on lacquer, which supports Japan's traditional culture, and aims to revitalize satoyama through the planting and utilization of lacquer trees. Lacquer trees are not only suitable for the satoyama environment but are also expected to increase in value as a domestic resource, offering the potential to balance forest regeneration and the creation of local industries. Along with satoyama regeneration, the project aims to create sustainable livelihoods rooted in the community and foster a circular community development that will be passed down to future generations.

Abukuma Ushiroshi Urushi Project

https://www.ushinose.com/p/01.html

■ Regarding the Donation of a Riding Lawn Mower

The revitalization of satoyama requires not only planting but also continuous management, such as daily weeding. However, maintaining widely dispersed planting areas requires significant labor, and reducing the workload has been a challenge.

Considering these challenges, Green Co-op decided to donate a riding lawn mower with the aim of improving the working environment and efficiency. This will significantly increase the efficiency of weeding, making it possible to manage areas that were previously not adequately maintained.

■ Outline of the Donation Ceremony