Specified Non-Profit Corporation SHU

Specified Non-Profit Corporation SHU protects forests and cultivates people who can convey the importance of nature. This time, we spoke with Director Goto.

A view of the activities

Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to start these activities?

Mr. Yamamoto, one of the founding members (who is a tree doctor, i.e., a person who treats trees), felt the need for environmental conservation from the belief that “we cannot protect a tree by just treating it. We must improve the entire environment surrounding the tree.” The organization was established about 30 years ago, during a time when social interest in environmental issues was growing, and various initiatives were becoming more active, with increased civic involvement. However, many misguided approaches were also seen. Therefore, we felt that people with the right knowledge were needed to tackle environmental issues, leading to the establishment of the organization with the aim of training such individuals. Subsequently, conservation activities were started in Machida City and the Yatsugatake Mountains.

I majored in ecology at university and participated in a club activity where we raised fireflies. After graduation, I got a job at a company, but on my days off, I engaged in volunteer activities related to environmental education. From my experience with raising fireflies and hosting observation events during my university days, I felt the importance of protecting satoyama (village woodlands) and ensuring that children have the opportunity to connect with nature. When I came across a job posting for this organization, I decided to change careers to get involved in its activities. To this day, my belief remains the same: I want to create as many opportunities as possible for children to connect with and experience nature while protecting it.

What has been the most challenging part of continuously engaging in the NPO’s activities?

As an NPO, securing the necessary revenue for operations is challenging due to the non-profit nature of the activities. In particular, social conditions have often significantly influenced the situation. Since the activities are primarily non-profit, the operational costs tend to be high. Furthermore, the offices always have a chronic shortage of staff, making it difficult to maintain a stable operational structure.
Although volunteer members who support the activities have been involved for many years, their aging has become more prominent, and I keenly feel the difficulty of making the generational transition.

What were the benefits of starting the organization?

Since its establishment, we have been working toward a “sustainable society.” Now, this term has become commonplace, and this being our organization’s philosophy, I am delighted that it has gained social recognition. I also felt it was a positive outcome of our long-standing efforts when I learned that students who had received environmental education through our activities aspired to enter the forestry or woodland industries.

How do you think societal awareness of the environment has changed since the organization's establishment in 1995?

I feel that society's interest in the environment has increased overall. However, this is driven by the fact that the effects of climate change and other issues are starting to impact society, leading to a sense of crisis about the environment, so considering the cause, I’m certainly not happy about it.
On the other hand, more people with a strong interest in the environment are coming together and taking action. It is particularly encouraging to see more young people participating in activities, especially now that aging feels such a challenge. In contrast to previous activities focused on results, participants now seem to seek enjoyment and fulfillment, signaling a change in the nature of our activities.

A view of the activities

How are the donations from FIT being used?

Starting this fiscal year, we launched a new project. We are implementing a project involving 100 children in forest creation in Tokyo, where they conduct nature surveys and observations and engage in nature experiences and learning. The donations from FIT are being used to run this project. The children visit the forest every month, observe seasonal changes, record the animals they find, and in the future, we plan to implement ranger activities.
In the forest creation fields established across Japan, the forests have become safe enough for children from nearby preschools to play barefoot. We are also using the donations to support activities that ensure children can engage in outdoor activities in nature without any worry.

How do you envision expanding your activities in the future?

One plan is to create spaces where the children involved in our current projects can take more initiative. We are currently in discussions with local governments to designate areas and create spaces for these activities.
In forest creation, we use “satoyama” as a model for our activities into creating a positive cycle where societies can use forests and forests can be used by people to enrich their lives. To that end, we launched activities last year such as pizza baking using firewood from felled trees and beekeeping to enrich the forest.
Through the children's activities and the creation of forests enriched through the satoyama model, and the communities formed through this, we aim to contribute to a sustainable society.

How can we support you?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when our financial resources were dwindling, the donations from FIT provided tremendous support both in running our activities and in effort to start up new projects. For a non-profit organization, the kind of support you provided is extremely helpful.
Additionally, we found it stimulating to connect with other organizations that received support, some of which operate in fields we usually do not interact with. I think it is perhaps beneficial to have opportunities for networking and exchanging information with other organizations.
Our organization offers opportunities to participate in various conservation fields and various events, so it would be great if you could observe our activities firsthand.

Lastly, do you have a message for the readers of this article?

There is still a prevalent belief that it's better not to intervene in the natural environment and tree felling is seen as environmental destruction. However, nature can sometimes become richer when people intervene by felling and utilizing trees. This is the concept of “satoyama.” In the future, biodiversity is something that must be preserved if we are to live lives that are both rich and sustainable. I believe that the best solution lies in “satoyama.” If this piqued your interest even a little, I encourage you to start by visiting a forest or natural area yourself.