History and Progress of Satoyama Conservation Activities and Regional Revitalization - Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Hisaya District

History and Progress of Satoyama Conservation Activities and Regional Revitalization - Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Hisaya District

In 2001, the Hisaya district of Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, initiated the "Hisaya Satoyama Conservation Project" to regenerate the deteriorating satoyama (village forests) and revitalize the region. This project involved collaboration between the local company "Matsuyama Environmental Development Co., Ltd." and local residents, aiming for sustainable development.

In the early stages, 5,000 broad-leaved and coniferous trees were planted annually, and the "River Guardians Program" was launched to improve the water quality of Ishite River. By the early 2010s, the reforested area reached 50 hectares, and ecosystems saw a revival with the return of animals such as wild boars and raccoons. Additionally, production of the local specialty "Hisaya Tea" increased by 30%, and visitors to agricultural tourism farms exceeded 20,000 annually.

In the 2020s, these activities further expanded. The number of planted trees exceeded 200,000, and the target area grew to over 100 hectares. Water quality in the Ishite River improved, with COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) levels dropping to 7 mg/L, leading to increased firefly sightings, now recognized as a tourism resource. In 2019, the number of visitors reached 35,000 annually, and the newly established "Hisaya Ecotourism Center" attracted 5,000 participants yearly for nature experience programs.

However, challenges in the 2020s have also emerged. Abnormal weather events due to climate change caused landslides affecting 3% of the reforested areas. Additionally, the proliferation of invasive species such as bur cucumber and a decline in volunteer numbers due to the aging local population have become issues. To address these, "Matsuyama Environmental Development Co., Ltd." introduced AI-powered tree-planting support robots, streamlining efforts across the community. Furthermore, the "Hisaya Future Fund" was established to strengthen the activity base through nationwide donations.

Satoyama conservation efforts in the Hisaya district have pursued sustainable development for over 20 years, achieving significant results. The 2020s mark a crucial phase where new challenges are tackled, with local residents and businesses working together to pave the way for the future.