Midori Ippai Project Activities LINE 260Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens "Higashiyama Forest Restoration Project" December 2, 2017 NTT West Tokai Group
On December 2, 2017 (Saturday), NTT West Tokai Group held a "Higashiyama Forest Restoration Project" activity at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
A trial for this event was first held last year under the social action program of Tokai Group titled "forest thinning for forestation of satoyama (village forest)." Starting this year, it has been launched as an official event.
The project took place at "Kabutomushi no Mori" (Rhinoceros Beetle Forest) inside the botanical gardens. As the name suggests, rhinoceros beetles used to inhabit the forest here, and in response to the desolate forest conditions, the project has been named "Higashiyama Forest Restoration Project" with the aim to restore the bountiful nature of the forest.
As the number of applications by Tokai Group employees to participate in this event exceeded the capacity, 36 participants were chosen by drawing lots.
The event kicked off with an opening address by Mr. Fujii, Director of Higashiyama Botanical Gardens, followed by a briefing on work inside the garden.
Participants were then divided into five groups to engage in the activities under the guidance of the botanical garden staff.
They entered the thick woods and group members were divided into those who were in charge of felling trees and those who cut them up. Some of the trees had a trunk diameter up to several tens of centimeters. Participants started to perspire from the work despite the chilly weather, and some even took off their coats as it was too hot.
As felling work progressed, breeze and light started to penetrate the different corners of the forest as if it has been brought back to life.
Saws were used for the cutting activity which involved the risk of injuries. Nonetheless, the participants worked together and completed their work without any injury. The activity, which lasted for about an hour, was so rewarding that some even felt there was not enough time.
The forest of Higashiyama has an extensive area of 400 hectares (approximately the size of 86 Tokyo Domes) including the Higashiyama Park and Heiwa Park. The area where work was carried out this time was only a small part of this huge area. At the closing address, participants laughed when they were told that there still remains a large area where work has to be done.
As a proof of the activity, a commemorative monument (rhinoceros beetle) was also unveiled at the venue.
NTT West Tokai Group will continue to create opportunities to raise and spread awareness toward environmental protection by organizing social action programs that can be participated by our employees and their family members.
- Organizing companies
- NTT Business Solutions Tokai Branch,
NTT Marketing Act Tokai Branch,
NTT Fieldtechno Tokai Branch,
NTT Neomeit Tokai Branch,
NTT Business Associe West Tokai Branch,
Tokai Denden-kyuyukai (organization for retirees) - Venues
- Nagoya City, Higashiyama Botanical Gardens, "Kabutomushi no Mori" (Rhinoceros Beetle Forest), etc.
- No. of participants
- 36
