Introduction of Forest Environment Tax - February 2003

Introduction of Forest Environment Tax - February 2003

Kochi Prefecture is one of the most heavily forested areas in Japan, with forests covering approximately 84% of the prefecture. However, due to the decline of the forestry industry in recent years, the forests have not been properly managed, resulting in problems of insufficient thinning and excessive logging, which has reduced the water-holding capacity of the forests. This has increased the risk of soil runoff and flooding, and has had a negative impact on local water resources. To address these issues, Kochi Prefecture has introduced a "Forest Environment Tax.

Purpose of the Forest Environment Tax
The Forest Environment Tax is an annual fee of 500 yen per prefectural resident to be used to fund the conservation and management of forests, especially to promote thinning operations. This will increase the water-holding capacity of forests, thereby contributing to the conservation of local water resources and flood control. The tax is also intended not only to conserve forests, but also to promote forestry and strengthen local environmental protection efforts.

Utilization of Biomass Technology
Funds generated by the Forest Environment Tax will also be used to introduce biomass technology using thinned wood. Without proper management, thinned wood is often left unattended and impedes the healthy growth of forests, but by effectively utilizing it as an energy source, it is expected to contribute to energy self-sufficiency while maintaining the water retention capacity of forests. In Kochi Prefecture, in particular, biomass power generation and wood fuel production using thinned wood is being promoted to both secure sustainable energy resources and protect the environment.

Ripple Effects Across the Nation
The introduction of a forest environment tax in Kochi Prefecture has influenced other local governments, with Kanagawa and Okayama prefectures also considering the introduction of similar tax systems. These efforts are spreading throughout Japan, and are stimulating a movement toward sustainable management of forest resources and conservation of the local environment.