Hida City leading in community-driven forest conservation Mori-Suke

Hida City, known for its lush forests and rich cultural heritage, is pioneering a novel approach to eco-tourism and conservation through its “Mori-Suke!” program. This innovative endeavor is both about preserving the environment; and knitting the community closer through shared guardianship of nature. Spearheaded by the local government in collaboration with the mountain app company Yamap Inc., the project serves as a beacon of innovative environmental stewardship.

“Mori-Suke!” which translates to “Help the Forest,” is a response to the pressing challenges faced by the aging city, where over 40% of the population is elderly. The dwindling number of patrol members and guides, along with the succession of conservation techniques and the maintenance of hiking trails, has made sustained conservation efforts increasingly difficult. Recognizing the importance of environmental preservation as both a source of civic pride and a responsibility towards future generations, Hida City launched “Mori-Suke!” to mobilize the wider community in its conservation endeavors.

The program stands out for its approach to making conservation activities both visible and engaging. By organizing travel options like the “Ikegahara Wetland Reed Cutting Tour,” which attracted an overwhelming number of applications, “Mori-Suke!” has tapped into the community’s high conservation awareness. It focused on expanding volunteerism and fostering a deeper connection between the community and its natural surroundings. The program has since seen significant participation from across Japan, with 147 individuals joining various conservation efforts in 2023 alone, reflecting a high level of satisfaction and an increased commitment to the city’s natural heritage.

One of the hallmark projects under “Mori-Suke!” is the Tengaizan Trail Maintenance Tour, a collaboration with the local children of Kamioka-cho in Hida City to address the challenges posed by depopulation. Together, they embarked on creating a new trail to Tengaizan mountain, aiming to attract visitors and, ultimately, new settlers to the area. The initiative not only facilitated meaningful interactions between participants and the local community but also led to the creation of “YAMAP Trail,” envisioned as a “sanctuary for conservation.”

As the program looks to expand and establish a sustainable operating model, the city’s commitment to becoming a nature-circulating town is evident in its efforts to leverage its natural assets through initiatives like “Mori-Suke!” and beyond.