The 17 types of Japanese Forests

Despite its large population, Japan is one of the most heavily forested nations in the world, with 68% of all land in tree cover.  Of this total, 49% is officially protected and cannot be logged or cut.

All protected forests in Japan belong to one or more of 17 nationally recognized classes, each with a different purpose, management strategy, and use. 

1. Water Source And Recharge Protection Forest stabilizes the flow & charge of waters that protects and conserves basins, rivers, mitigates floods and droughts.
2. Sediment Erosion Protection Forest stops soil runoff and protects downhill and downstream areas.
3. Sediment Collapse Protection Forest protects roads, railways etc., from damage by binding soil with roots.
4. Flying Sand and Coastal Erosion Protection Forest protects sandy beaches from erosion and protects inland areas from sand damage and shifting dunes.
5. Wind Protection Forest forms a barrier to resist the wind and reduce or disturb its energy to reduce damages. 
6. Flood Protection Forest prevents and reduces flood damage of embankments etc. and tree trunks can be used to reduce turbulence in emergencies.
7. Tidal Wave Protection Forest helps prevent damages from salt water spray, storm surges and tsunami waves.
8. Drought Protection Forest prevents droughts, protects local water sources, helps mitigate floods.
9. Drift Snow Protection Forest stops snow from drifting onto railway tracks, roads, towns and villages.
10. Fog protection Forest creates turbulence in airflow to prevent fog movement and trap fog particles to prevent damages due to limited visibility etc.
11. Avalanche Protection Forest prevents buildup of snow, weakens the momentum of avalanches and used to control avalanche direction away from populated areas. 
12. Rockfall Protection Forest where the roots bind hillsides together to prevent rocks falling below.
13. Fire Protection Forest of fire resistant trees or a fireproof zone as a barrier against flames or spread.
14. Fish Protection Forest supports the habitat & reproduction of fish by projecting the shadow of the forest on water, nutrients, preventing pollution.
15. Navigational Aid Forest to serve as a visual aid & help boats safely navigate archipelagos, reefs.
16. Human Health Forest to provide recreation that promotes healthy activities or suitable for “forest bathing”, or filters soot and promotes a cleaner air.
17. Scenic Forest to protect iconic or quaint landscapes and scenery with cultural, historic or aesthetic values. Note: Most prefectures in Japan have several types of each forest.  Source
    
    

Japan’s volume of forest resources has tripled in the past 50 years.