Forest research for a sustainable future society

As global warming progresses, the world’s annual average temperature has exceeded the Paris Agreement’s target of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Climate change-related events, such as frequent torrential rains and longer periods without precipitation, are becoming increasingly evident. In 2025, large-scale forest fires also broke out. The deterioration of the global environment is partly due to human society’s consumption of vast amounts of natural capital, such as forests, soil, water, and minerals. To build a sustainable society that balances natural capital conservation with social development, we must shift from a linear economy of consumption and disposal to a circular economy based on resource circulation. Forests act as sinks for greenhouse gases and can help mitigate global warming, and wood as a renewable resource is expected to play a vital role in the circular economy.

The Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), which celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2025, is a research institute that conducts comprehensive and interdisciplinary research on forests, forestry, the timber industry, and tree breeding from basic research to applied research and development. Our research also includes the social sciences, which focus on social systems related to forests and forestry and mountain village communities. To enhance the value of natural capital and create a sustainable social system in which the conservation of natural ecosystems and economic activities coexist in harmony, it is necessary to build social consensus based on scientific data. The FFPRI is committed to advancing research so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of forests. We would greatly appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all our stakeholders.

Takeshi Tange
Director General of FFPRI