Development of the Woody Biomass Business for Stimulating Resource Circulation and Interest in Participation by Local Residents in the Kesennuma Region

Abstract

In this study, we conducted a survey of city residents and individuals who were registered to deliver woody biomass, in order to evaluate residents’ interest in participation and the status of woody biomass deliveries. When the business reached full operation in 2016, the number of registered individuals was 163, and the amount purchased was approximately 10,000 tons. The results of the survey of local residents indicate that there is widespread interest in the woody biomass business among residents of all ages and occupations, including those engaged in farming or other work unrelated to forestry. The results of the survey of registered individuals found that foresters harvesting wood from their own forests in their sixties and seventies, as well as forest management organizations, were responsible for the majority of woody biomass deliveries. Nearly 95% of the respondents expressed concerns regarding “preparation of forestry management plans.” Our results suggest that participation in the woody biomass business can be encouraged by establishing forests where interested local residents can work with other likeminded individuals, provide training of forestry skills, and deepen their knowledge and experience in forestry management and harvest planning.