Innovative 'Butterfly Forest' Project Begins in Japan to Save and Restore Butterfly Habitats

Innovative 'Butterfly Forest' Project: A New Era for Forestry in Japan

Aoba Gumi Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has launched an extraordinary environmental initiative in collaboration with Butterfly Co. Ltd. This project, known as 'Butterfly Forest', is part of the Natural Capital Co-Creation Program aoba and aims to promote forest management that prioritizes the conservation and restoration of butterfly habitats. Located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, this endeavor signifies the first comprehensive approach in Japan that encompasses the entire logging process while focusing on butterfly preservation.

Why the Focus on Butterfly Conservation Now?

Butterflies play an essential role in ecosystems, with around 240 species native to Japan. Alarmingly, nearly 25% of these butterflies are threatened, as indicated in the Ministry of the Environment's red list, primarily due to environmental changes in rural areas. Butterflies are not only beautiful; they are critical pollinators during their adult stage and require specific plants during their larval phase. The decline of butterfly species poses a risk of plant extinction, consequently disrupting entire ecosystems, including agriculture and natural disaster resilience.

Historically, forestry management has often prioritized economic value over biodiversity, resulting in inadequate designs for preserving specific species' habitats. Recognizing this challenge, Aoba Gumi has taken a forthright approach to not only protect but restore natural capital through this innovative forestry project.

The Birth of 'Butterfly Forest'

Aoba Gumi has worked tirelessly, collaborating with various companies, to find ways to implement natural capital restoration in forestry. The partnership with Butterfly originated from their commitment to creating biodiverse forest environments. Established over 70 years ago, Butterfly is a leading manufacturer of table tennis equipment, embodying a philosophy that views players as the flowers needing the nurturing presence of butterflies.

Unique Biodiversity Identified in Ashikaga

Preliminary assessments conducted at the project location revealed the presence of a rare tree species, Fumoto Mizunara. This tree is crucial for supporting the habitat of butterflies such as the Akashijimi and Midori Shijimi. The project will prioritize the protection of these trees while developing a comprehensive plan to restore the broader butterfly habitat, covering approximately 1 hectare to be designated as 'Butterfly Forest'.

Comprehensive Actions for Butterfly Preservation

Pre-Logging Actions:

- Conduct surveys on butterfly populations and vegetation.
- Design logging roads with butterfly habitats in mind.
- Select which trees to log (e.g., cedar) while protecting key species such as Fumoto Mizunara.

Logging Phase:

- Execute logging operations with consideration for the rare vegetation.

Post-Logging and Afforestation:

- Plant trees that serve as butterfly food sources and establish new grassland areas to maintain suitable habitats.
- Simultaneously carry out grassland restoration alongside forestry activities to ensure ongoing viability for butterfly populations.

This approach not only seeks timber value but also contributes to broader biodiversity goals.

Pioneering the First of Its Kind in Japan

The initiative is unique as it integrates both conservation and enhancement of butterfly habitats into all forestry operations, from the planning stages to execution. There have been few examples of such comprehensive action in Japan, making this project a landmark endeavor in the country's forestry landscape.

Achieving Three Main Values:

Through the collaboration with Butterfly, three key values are pursued:
1. Economic Value through Timber Production.
2. Ecological Value via Natural Capital Restoration.
3. Increased Brand Value for Companies involved.

The Significance of This Project

The Natural Capital Co-Creation Model aoba aims to nurture both natural and customer capital simultaneously. Butterfly intends to allocate a portion of its profits toward forest management, thus aiming for a new value creation cycle. The project also explores ways to incorporate domestic timber into their products, potentially expanding options in the future.

Moving forward, Aoba Gumi aspires to build more forests in partnership with various enterprises, envisioning that natural capital-focused management will become a new standard in corporate practices across Japan.

Upcoming Schedule

- Ongoing surveys on butterfly habitats.
- Logging and forest maintenance to start in February 2026.
- A planting event scheduled for Spring 2026.
- Continue monitoring butterfly habitats and vegetation post-logging.

About Aoba Gumi

Aoba Gumi operates with the mission, 'Creating Future Forests Today.' As a forestry venture focused on reforestation, it aims to restore natural capital through initiatives like afforestation and wetland restoration in Japan. The company envisions a sustainable future where both nature and businesses thrive through collaborative efforts in forest management.