1. Summary: Let's preserve the beautiful forests in the World Natural Heritage!
2. Background: Organized together with Shirakami Mountains Preservation Society (SMPS), since 2006. The
Shirakami Mountains is one of Japanese valuable preserved natural forests consisting primarily
of beech trees, registered as a World Natural Heritage in 1993. SMPS aims to preserve the
natural beauty of the Shirakami Mountains by nurturing seedlings of beech trees, planting
them, training mountain guide, etc. SMPS hosts tree-planting ceremony every June for
preserving beech forests and promoting the value. They also preserve the forests near the
Mutsu-bay, famous as production of scallops. Due to climate change, the sea water temperature
increased abnormally in 2010, the most of scallops were dead, so SMPS started to preserve the
forest there to let nutrient water flow to the ocean.
3. Work: We will do various types of nature conservation works such as 1) cutting glasses to improve
ecological richness of the forest and 2) helping the tree planting ceremonies including
preparation such as carrying the plants and tools, and cleanup after the event. We will also help
local farmers. Work might be changed due to weather condition, we need to be flexible!
4. Accommodation: Shared room in old elementary school. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeing bag
is necessary.
5. Study theme: Volunteers will get knowledge of history and culture of Shirakami, and skills of conservation
forests in Japan.
6. Other activities: cultural exchange parties with local people, hot spring, etc.
7. Location: We will work in Ajigasawa town and Hiranai town in Aomori prefecture. Aomori is located on
the northernmost tip of Honshu Island. Shirakami Mountains located in southwest and the
Mutsu-bay nestles between the eastern Shimokita and western Tsugaru Peninsulas.
8. Terminal: Tokyo. From Tokyo to the meeting point in Aomori pref., it takes 7 hours by bullet train or 10
hours by bus. You need to arrive at the airport in Tokyo(Narita/Haneda) by 19:00 PM on Jun. 16th
and can leave there after 09:00 AM on Jun. 28th.
9. Requirement: Volunteers should be prepare to work hard outside in good and bad weather and have high
motivation for work in the forests actively with local people
10. Participation fee: No fee
11. Language: English (Japanese is also welcomed!)
12. Other: None