Japan

Rainforest Alliance

(www.rainforestalliance.org)

The mission of the Rainforest Alliance is to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.

At the Rainforest Alliance, we believe that the key to ensuring long and healthy lives for people, for wildlife and for the planet is by establishing sustainable ways of working the land. In over 50 countries around the world, we are collaborating with farmers, workers, business leaders, NGO's, governments, scientists and local communities to develop and implement standards that are socially and environmentally responsible, as well as economically viable.

By creatively and systematically helping to overhaul the way that crops and timber are produced and the way tourism is managed, the Rainforest Alliance, its partners and the consumers they serve are ensuring that the resources we depend on today will be here far into the future.

Japan is home to an astounding array of biodiversity. The island nation contains over 5,000 higher plant species, 188 different mammal species, 250 types of birds, 61 amphibian species, 87 reptiles and 186 species of fish. To protect these creatures the country has 96 protected areas -- four of which are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Japan places high cultural value on the conservation of natural resources. In conjunction with the Rainforest Alliance and the Forest Stewardship Council, Japan has taken a massive step toward safeguarding forests. Yamanashi, one of Japan’s 47 governmental prefectures (regions) has worked with the Rainforest Alliance to become Japan’s first certified prefecture.