Get familiar with Nature through Reforesting

One year has passed since the commemorative “Forest for the Future Project” in Thailand with the presence of HRH Princess Sirindhorn. In 2009, the second year of the Project, more than 100 of the Hitachi Group’s employees and their families joined in the tree planting and recognized the importance of reforesting. An employee of Hitachi Group who joined tree planting in the Sirindhorn International Environment Park described the impressive experience, “I planted very thin saplings in rough land carefully and firmly one year ago. When I saw them this year, I was really impressed. The saplings have grown to large trees. I believe these trees protect the land.”

The Hitachi Group will continue to implement activities to protect the global environment and help achieve a more sustainable society.

Forest for the Future Project in Thailand

The Forest for the Future Project which is initiated by the Foundation for Global Peace and Environment initially began in 2001 with reforestation done in the highlands 3,800 meters above sea level in Tibet. In collaboration with the UNEP, the Project has encouraged NGOs and local governments of various countries to take part in reforestation. The Project’s activities range from its core project in Kenya where the UNEP’s Headquarters are located to reforestation jointly organized by the local government of Fukagawa City, Hokaiddo.

Japan and Thailand celebrated the ‘120th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations’ in 2007. In commemoration of brilliant and strong links between the two countries, the ‘Forest for the Future Project – The Billion Tree Campaign in Thailand’ was developed with the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park Foundation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand as co-sponsors. The Project began with a press conference and welcome reception in Bangkok in November 2007, followed by a memorable tree planting ceremony in July 2008.

The Hitachi Group will continue to implement activities to protect the global environment and help achieve a more sustainable society.

The Billion Tree Campaign in Thailand 2009: Tree Planting Forum

Date September 12, 2009
Location Sirindhorn International Environment Park (Cha-am, Petchabuti)
Organisers Foundation for Global Peace and Environment (FGPE)
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Sirindhorn International
Environmental Park Foundation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand
Special Sponsors Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Group of Companies in Thailand and Kao Corporation

“We hope to make the tree planting activities community-based.”

More than half of the land area of Thailand used to be covered by rich forests. However, due to deforestation caused by various reasons including industrial development, its forest area was reduced to less than 20% of the total land area. Not many Thai people know this fact, and the Thai Government, sensing the crisis, is trying to inspire the Thai people by initiating this project.

The Billion Tree Campaign in Thailand needs to be more community-based. If we are promoting tree planting activities in and near cities and towns, it will be a good opportunity for raising Thai people’s awareness on the importance of the forests. We hope the Hitachi Group takes a more and more important role in supporting future developments of the Campaign.

Ms. Tomoko Yano
Secretary General
Foundation for Global Peace and Environment (FGPE)

Billion Tree Project

1. Plant for the Planet, Plant for the Future

2. Thoughts from Employees

3. Hitachi Group’s Reforestation Effort