バッファゾーンにおける森林管理の持続可能性および運営手法の分析

This paper analyses the significance of managing under-used forests and the management methods used in a buffer zone for prevention of crop raiding by wild mammals in Minami Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture. In this case study, the significance of forest management was found to be in the sustainment and revitalization of the agricultural community from a long-term perspective, and the forest management was positioned as one of works associated with agriculture. As a method of implementing the sustainment and revitalization of agricultural community, a system was created in which the residents harvest wood and convert into resources; they thereby solve the problems of management costs and labors. We analyzed the first year's performance of the project in terms of resources and funding. It was found that the project has the potential to be sustainable by controlling costs through small-scale management of local production for local consumption, and by gradually promoting forest management with limited manpower. To continue the management of the forest, the following operational innovations were important: (1) to find multiple resource values, even if they are not necessities, and making some profits; (2) to use the profits made to pay for the work to secure labors; and (3) to open the workspace as an exchange center to facilitate communication.