On January 7th, Professor Maureen G. Reed from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada visited KMFA (Kyoto Model Forest Association). Professor Reed specializes in community involvement in forest management, including model forests and community forests. She was invited to come to Japan by a research project in The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature in Kyoto.
After the survey, she kindly joined discussions with our office members. She also introduced us to some examples of model forests in Canada. These model forests have been working towards the sustainability of forests while cooperating with various stakeholders. Her introduction stimulated our staff considerably.

The next day, January 8th, two staff of Nishiyama Council for the Promotion of Forest Protection showed us the field of forest protection in Nagaokakyo City. They explained to us that various people actively participate in forest maintenance and the wide range of participants included many companies, volunteer groups and people, from children to the elderly. “I was deeply impressed by the involvement of the partnership which the Council is cultivating”, Professor Reed remarked.