Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on July 26, 2025, 4:24 PM JST
Editorial Board, Forest Circular Economy
Forestcircularity-editor
We aim to realize "Vision 2050: Japan Shines, Forest Circular Economy" promoted by the Platinum Forest Industry Initiative. We will disseminate ideas and initiatives to promote biomass chemistry, realize woody and lumbery communities, and encourage innovation in the forestry industry in order to fully utilize forest resources to decarbonize the economy, strengthen economic security, and create local communities.
Mizuho Lease and Green ELM announced on July 25 that they will begin a demonstration project in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, to provide "Natural Forest as a Service," a solution that links companies with the multifaceted value provided by natural forests in a natural cycle. The demonstration will take place on a portion of the forest (approximately 13,000 square meters) owned by Takeei in Ichihara City, which will be leased to both companies for use.
In this demonstration, natural forests suitable for the local ecosystem will be designed and planted based on surveys of local vegetation and geographical characteristics based on academic knowledge, creating a natural cycle forest optimized for the land. By systematically implementing the process and visualizing the multifaceted functions and values of forests, the company aims to present a new option for companies to incorporate natural capital into their management strategies.
Mizuho Lease has developed a scheme to help companies incorporate natural capital into their operations by leveraging its expertise in the finance and leasing fields. Green ELM will provide expertise in the production and planting of seedlings optimized for local vegetation and forest maintenance.
It is important for companies to understand the multifaceted value of forests, including ecosystem conservation, disaster prevention and mitigation, and water source recharge, not only to prevent the destruction of the natural environment and biodiversity, but also from the perspective of resource recycling. If this initiative expands the relationship between companies and nature and deepens awareness of forests as natural capital, it will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and be an important step toward the establishment of a circular forest economy.
