Scars carved into the forests of Abashiri City

Scars carved into the forests of Abashiri City

In Abashiri City, Hokkaido, prior notification is required under the Forest Law when logging forests. However, some contractors illegally logged in protected forests and publicly owned forests without obtaining permission, causing serious damage to local forest resources and ecosystems. In particular, trees several hundred years old, which are subject to protection, were cut down, drawing strong condemnation from local residents and environmental groups.

Hokkaido authorities exposed the contractors involved in the illegal logging and imposed fines and orders to suspend their operations. They also drew up a reforestation plan for the damaged forests and initiated afforestation activities. Furthermore, the monitoring system has been strengthened to prevent recurrence of illegal logging, and a revised ordinance for the protection of forest resources is under consideration.

This issue has served as an opportunity to raise local awareness of nature conservation, and the importance of sustainable use of forest resources has been reaffirmed.

Sources:.
- [Notification may be required to cut down trees - Abashiri City Official Website].
- [Development activities based on Abashiri City Ordinance on Environmental Conservation and Pollution Prevention].