Volunteer Spirit Association

About the local hosting organizationThis project is actively working for SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with Shirakami Mountains Preservation Society (SMPS) since 2006. The Shirakami Mountains is one of Japanese valuable preserved natural forests consisting primarily of beech trees, registered as a World Natural Heritage in 1993. SMPS aims to preserve the natural beauty of the Shirakami Mountains by nurturing seedlings of beech trees, planting them, training mountain guide, etc. SMPS hosts tree-planting ceremony every June for preserving and promoting the value of it. They also preserve the forests near the Mutsu-bay, famous as production of scallops. Due to climate change, the sea water temperature increased abnormally and the most of scallops were dead. So SMPS started to preserve the forest there to let nutrient water flow to the ocean.

Local accommodationShared room in school dormitory. Sleeping bag is needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

About the project locationVolunteers will work in Ajigasawa town and Hiranai town in Aomori prefecture. Aomori is located on the northernmost tip of Honshu Island. Shirakami Mountains located in southwest and the Mutsu-bay nestles between the eastern Shimokita and western Tsugaru Peninsulas. Enjoy rich nature around accommodation, taking a walk at morning, hot spring, etc.

RequirementsVolunteers should prepare to work hard outside in good and bad weather and have high motivation for work in the forests actively with local people.

Extra info about the projectVolunteers will get knowledge of history and culture of Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage, and skills of conservation forests in Japan.

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