Protect the beech forest in the Shirakami Mountains !

International Workcamp　　Shirakami 2（Aomori）　6/18～6/28

 
Work camp information
Code NICE-21-0618A
Project name Shirakami 2
Location Aomori,Japan
Periond 6/18～6/28
Type Environment
Volunteers 5 menbers (Who live in Japan now.)
Background This project is actively working for SDG 13 (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. *Outcome of this workcamp: The workcamps have made great impact to run the tree plantation festival as well as to raise awareness on environmental protection. In 2019, 7 vols from 5 countries worked well together with the local host. In 2020, only 1 Japanese volunteer worked with local host, because of COVID-19. He cheered them up!
Work Volunteers will do various types of nature conservation works such as 1) cutting glasses to improve ecological richness of the forest and 2) helping the tree planting ceremonies including preparation such as carrying the plants and tools, and cleanup after the event. We will also help local farmers. The contents of work might be changed due to weather condition, so volunteers need to be flexible!
Location Volunteers 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.
The nearest international airport is Tokyo. From Tokyo to the meeting point in Aomori pref., it takes 7 hours by bullet train or 10 hours by bus. Volunteers need to arrive at the airport in Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) by 19:00 on 17th Jun. and can leave there arround noon on 28th Jun.
Accommodation Volunteers will stay in shared room of old elementary school. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Please bring a sleeping bag.
Map
Recruitment information

▼　Recruitment information

Voices of planners and participants In the Shirakami Mountains, a World Heritage Site, many mountain dwellers have been involved to protect this mountain since ancient times. Even if the forestry industry is abolished, we want to preserve this nature for the next generation. Why don't you sweat refreshingly in this wilderness? And why not enjoy nature not only through nature but also through conversations with the people who live there? (Mr. Yuto Nagai, Representative of the Shirakami Mountains Protection Association)
Other activities Enjoy rich nature around accommodation, taking a walk at morning, hot spring, etc.
Other Association to protect the Shirakami Mountains
Requirement Volunteers should prepare to work hard outside in good and bad weather and have high motivation for work in the forests actively with local people.
Charm ＊You can involved in the protection of World Natural Heritage!
＊Recommended for people who like mountains and nature!
Total cost
What is included in the participation fee

Participation fee (domestic) (Click to see table for details *Japanese only.)

《Free for Accommodation and Food》
The venue usually provides free transportation and equipment necessary for accommodation, meals and work during the participation period. Please do not assume that you will be provided with accommodation and meals for the amount you paid.
What is NOT included in the participation fee
 

Transportation expenses

Due to meeting and breaking up at the venue, you will need to use a train, bus, or plane to reach the meeting place by yourself.
Tickets will be arranged by yourself.

Other personal expenses

○ Free travel expenses before / after participation（Fee for transportation, food, accommodation, admission materials, etc. There is a big difference depending on the person.）
○Expenses for free time during the participation period（Fee for transportation, sweets, alchol drinks, souvenirs, admission, etc. Usually it is about several thousand yen.）