This project is supported by L'OCCITANE Japan.
Context
The town of Kumamoto Yamato in Japan was selected by the government as a Municipal SDGs Model Project for its sustainable efforts to pass on its beautiful landscapes as well as its organic connections between the earth, people and life to the next generation. In this region, initiatives are carried out to protect its rich natural environment in the future, with organic farming at its heart. Trees are planted on abandoned farmlands, to restore the forest and nurture a rich ecosystem while contributing to the regional development.
Supported Project
In 2024-2025, L'OCCITANE Japan supported the reforestation project "Present Tree" led by the NGO Environnmental Relations. It aims to plant broad-leaved indigenous trees on abandoned farmlands due to aging and depopulation in order to restore and maintain the ecosytem, and protect various endangered species that inhabit the terraced rice paddies. To execute this project, experts conducted a vegetation survey to determine the adapted tree species. Several activies are carried out such as tree planting, installation of wild animal invasion protection net and underbrush cleaning . The NGO also visits the plantation sites every year to observe the growth of the trees. By signing a Forest Development Agreement with the lands owners, the administrative organisations and the forestry operators, Present Trees ensures a sustainable forest management with local connection between the forests and the communities.
Some Figures
Budget 28,360 euros
Goal 1.05 ha of land regenerated
Goal 2,625 trees planted
L'OCCITANE Japan has already partnered with NPOER in the past. Discover more about this collaboration here.
