Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on January 27, 2026, 6:50 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.
Hitachi Systems, in collaboration with the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forestry Cooperatives and Sunlit Seedlings, a Kyoto University startup, has launched a verification experiment to accurately assess the current status of forest biodiversity. The experiment will cover approximately 50 hectares of forest in Gunma Prefecture, and based on the data obtained from the experiment, maintenance measures will be formulated to improve the water source recharge function. The project aims to support nature-positive activities by companies and local governments to realize sustainable economic activities that coexist with nature.
This experiment will combine the forest analysis technology and knowledge that Hitachi Systems has cultivated through the use of drones and AI, and Sunlit Seedlings' advanced biodiversity analysis technology.
Through drone measurements, AI applications, GIS analysis, and analysis of environmental DNA derived from organisms left in soil and water, the current state of biodiversity and water source recharge functions of the forest will be accurately determined. Based on this data, the Gunma Forest Union will identify the optimal thinning points for water source protection and formulate effective and efficient measures prioritizing ecosystem restoration in the forest maintenance promoted by the Gunma Forest Union.
Currently, there is an urgent need to respond to "nature positivity" worldwide, and companies are required to assess their impact on the natural environment and disclose information. If a precise understanding of the current situation based on scientific data can be obtained, it will be possible to identify the optimal thinning points for water source protection and formulate policies that prioritize ecosystem restoration.
Hitachi Systems intends to expand this initiative to municipalities and companies throughout Japan, utilizing its network of approximately 300 bases nationwide. Environmental measures through technology are an important step toward restoring biodiversity and achieving a sustainable society.
Reference Links
Hitachi Systems and Gunma Forest Cooperative Association Launch Demonstration Experiment for Nature Positive Forest: News Release: 2026
