LET'S PROTECT OUR FORESTS!
Support for Regional Forest Protection Activities
[Japan] Mazda Motor Corporation, Mazda Logistics Co., Ltd.
Clearing Brush and Felling Trees to Vitalize Forests
Mazda is cooperating with Hiroshima Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture in regional forest protection activities. In 2010, the Mazda Head Office (Hiroshima) concluded the Forest Preservation and Management Pact with the government of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the Mazda-no-Mori (Mazda Forest) in the Hiroshima Prefecture tree planting Center has been serving as a base of operations. In addition to activities such as clearing, removing underbrush, and planting trees, we are giving short lectures to enhance awareness of environmental conservation, providing woodcraft classes to teach children how to make use of forest resources, and holding nature observation events with the guidance and cooperation of forest conservation volunteer groups.
The Hofu Plant has participated in the "Water-Supply Forest Development in Collaboration with Corporations" program administered by Yamaguchi Prefecture for water-using companies since 2005, and the "Fureai-no-Morizukuri program in the Saba River basin and Mt. Ohira" (hosted by the Saba River basin Morizukuri-no-Kai) since 2013.
Although regular volunteer activities were canceled in FY2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the guidance and cooperation of forest conservation volunteer groups, 56 students of the Mazda Technical College in Hiroshima took part in clearing trees, upgrading walking trails, and improving soil in the Mazda-no-Mori as part of their study in CSR initiatives. At the end of the activities, the students made comments such as, "It was exciting to be able to get to the lookout using the stairway we installed," and "There are still a lot of places that need work, so I would like to join in the work activities again."
By the numbers
Mazda-no-Mori (Mazda Forest)
Duration of program: 10 years
Total number of participants: 846
Grove Maintenance for Healthy Bamboo
Since 2010, Mazda Logistics volunteers have been undertaking preservation work in a bamboo grove designated by the Trees for Hiroshima Project. Under the guidance of a woodland management expert, once or twice a year the volunteers clear old bamboo in damaged woodland in Ogonzan to improve the health of the grove. In FY2020, 19 volunteers worked on the grove, deepening bonds with the local community.
Participating employees noted the difference in sunshine coming into the grove after simply cutting two or three bamboo trees that blocked the sunlight and how this change affected the surrounding forest. One participant also commented, "I learned the importance of maintenance work. I would like to join in these activities again."
By the numbers
Duration of program: 12 years
Total number of participants: 208