Study about forest management planning by CSR activities: a case study of the Kishiwada Hilly Development District in Japan

The objective of this study was to clarify the method of forest activities of CSR for collaboration between companies and local communities, focusing on the Kishiwada Hilly Development district in Japan. The research method is mesh analysis by GIS, a questionnaire, interviews and a field survey. First, this area was subdivided as divided into 2625 meshes, and each of the meshes was evaluated via the natural conservation importance index and recreational usability index. Second, we examined the zoning estimation method based on spatial characteristics and the difference in human activities. Third, we identified the beliefs and challenges for CSR forest activities by the four companies participating in forest activities in the study area. The result was, first, bamboo forest accounts for 26.2%, such as forests without administrators. Second, suitable forests for recreation totalled 52.3%, occupies a majority of the land. Third, the purpose of participation in corporate forest-making activities varied depending on the departments. A common problem was a lack of knowledge regarding forest management. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the development of forest management plans considering the needs of CSR forest activities and the conditions throughout the region would improve the resilience and the benefits of Satochi-Satoyama.