Tokyo Electron participated as a volunteer in the Takao Kobotoke Tree-Planting Festival hosted by the NPO International Association for Restoration of Native Forest (ReNaFo).
The tree-planting festival started in 2017 and is now in its seventh year.
This time, we planted approximately 2,300 saplings of 20 species (local hardwoods such as the Japanese evergreen oak, Japanese wild cherry, Japanese camellia) in an area of 699 m2.
This activity was an initiative to regenerate forests by planting trees on a vast embankment made from the construction waste of the Kobotoke Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway. The planting method, Miyawaki Method, was devised by plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki. Using this method, we aim to “create forests rich in biodiversity by planting a mixture of different types of saplings suited to the land and region.”
Through this initiative, we strive to mitigate the recent social problems of rising temperatures and the heat island effect, conserve the biodiversity of the region, and recharge groundwater and other water sources.
Unfortunately, the weather on the day made the work a bit difficult, but burying the saplings one by one was a valuable initiative and experience that helped return the forest to its natural state.
Comments from participants:
- “It had been a while since we heard the words ‘SDGs’ or ‘ESGs,’ but through these activities and by being in close contact with the earth and nature, I was able to have a sense of familiarity and touch with the field of sustainability for the first time. I was anxious about participating alone, but I was able to chat and work with people from other departments and local residents, and the time passed by quickly.”
- “At first, I was anxious and scared to plant trees on an unexpectedly steep slope after the rain, but when the tree planting had finished in cooperation with the group and administration members, I felt a sense of accomplishment and naturally had a smile on my face. It was a valuable experience for me to be involved in a part of a forest that is about to grow. I look forward to seeing them grow as this is an area I like to come to for hiking.”
Tokyo（Head Office）
