15 October 2025

Contents

1. SGEC/PEFC and FSC(R) Submit Joint Proposal to Forestry Agency on Revision of Forest and Forestry Basic Plan

2. Two-Day Forest Certification Seminar Held in Kagoshima

3. Roadshow “Composing the Future” Held at the Austrian Pavilion

4. FIT Sustainability WG Discusses PEFC GHG Third-Party Certification

5. Preferred by Nature newly announced as a certification body

6. [Notice] 7th “We Love Forest” Tree Planting Festival to be Held on November 8

1. SGEC/PEFC and FSC(R) Submit Joint Proposal to Forestry Agency on Revision of Forest and Forestry Basic Plan

On September 30, SGEC/PEFC Japan jointly with FSC(R) Japan submitted a proposal to the Forestry Agency.

Key Points of the proposal

This proposal is aiming that forest certification systems be appropriately positioned in the following areas, as discussions have been started to prepare the next Forest and Forestry Basic Plan. The proposal is to help Japan overcome sustainability-related challenges facing its forests and forestry sector such as the stagnation of tree planting after harvested and to promote a transition toward truly cyclical and healthy forests, forestry, and wood industries.

1. Contribution to biodiversity conservation

2. Contribution to the sustainable and sound development of forests, forestry, and the wood industry

3. Ensuring labor safety in forestry and wood-related industries

4. Enhancing the sustainability and international competitiveness of domestic timber

5. Securing the sustainability of imported timber

The Forest and Forestry Basic Plan, formulated under the Forest and Forestry Basic Act, outlines Japan’s fundamental policies for forest and forestry administration. It is revised approximately every five years to reflect changes in the surrounding conditions and challenges.

2. Two-Day Forest Certification Seminar Held in Kagoshima

The “Forest Certification Promotion Seminar” in Kagoshima Prefecture, held for the third time following the previous two years, took place over two days. The first day in Kagoshima City, and the second day in Satsumasendai City.

Following a presentation from SGEC/PEFC Japan on “Forest Certification Systems and the Current Situation Domestically and Internationally,” case studies were introduced to illustrate demand for certified materials under COC. On the first day, this came from Mitsui Home Co., Ltd., and on the second day from Japan Kenzai Co., Ltd. Additionally, two local forest certification councils that have already obtained certification reported on their initiatives and future activities. The seminar covered concrete topics like cost of obtaining COC, raising high expectations for expanding certification in Kagoshima Prefecture.

3.Roadshow “Composing the Future” Held at the Austrian Pavilion

On September 18, 2025, the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management hosted the Roadshow “Composing the Future” at the Austrian Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The exterior of the Austrian Pavilion features a musical score design created using the only “PEFC Project Certification” at this Expo. Many people participated in the event held at this symbolic building.

At the event, PEFC Austria and SGEC/PEFC Japan introduced the PEFC forest certification system and shared project certification examples from both countries. Presentations were given by Austrian architects and university professors, as well as Ms. Horio from SGEC/PEFC Japan, who shared valuable insights and case studies. The event was a meaningful opportunity to deepen understanding of forest certification and PEFC’s efforts, while strengthening connections between PEFC Austria, SGEC/PEFC Japan, and stakeholders in Japan.

4.FIT Sustainability WG Discusses PEFC for a GHG Third-Party Certification

At the 32nd Biomass Sustainability Working Group held on August 28, it was discussed that PEFC could be recognized as a third-party certification capable of verifying the life-cycle GHG of imported woody biomass under the FIT/FIP scheme, on the condition that a bridging document (module) meeting certain FIT/FIP requirements is developed. The bridging document is currently being prepared by PEFC.

Beginning April 1, 2026, under the FIT/FIP scheme, all entities within the biomass material supply chain supplying materials to power generation plants with a capacity exceeding 1,000 kW, authorized after fiscal year 2022, will be required to obtain certification that verifies life cycle GHG emissions, in addition to confirming legality and sustainability. At present, the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) and the Green Gold Label (GGL) are the only third-party certification systems officially recognized for this purpose.

5.Preferred by Nature newly designated as a certification body

Preferred by Nature, with over 30 years of experience as an international certification body, was officially designated as a PEFC COC certification body in Japan on July 11, 2025. The company's activities are expected to further expand domestic COC certification within the country.

6. [Notice] 7th “We Love Forest” Tree Planting Festival to be Held on November 8

This year, SGEC/PEFC Japan will once again hold a tree-planting event in a SGEC-certified forest. We hope that through the experience of planting trees, all participants will reaffirm the importance of protecting and nurturing forests, and that this event will provide an opportunity for us to think together about “sustainable forest management.”

Date & Time: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00-16:00

Location: SGEC Certified Forest, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture

Meeting Point: Seibu Railway Hanno Station / Taira Chestnut Orchard

　　　　 *Shuttle bus available

Capacity: Maximum 50 participants

Participation Fee: Free

Registration: CLOSED

Organizer: Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC/PEFC Japan)

Co-organizer: Forest Certification Promotion Council

Supported by: Forestry Agency, Kanto Regional Environment Office

Assistance provided by: Green Fund (We Love Forest Supporter)

Special Cooperation: Unicharm Corporation

Taheiyo Kouhatsu Incorporated

A global trading company handling energy resources, chemicals, building materials, and lifestyle products. It ensures stable supply, promotes environmental responsibility, and offers logistics, processing, and technical services. The company contributes to a sustainable society while creating new value.

COC Certificate No.: JIA-PEFC-COC-2506

Registration Date:3 September 2025

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[Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council]
　〒100-0014
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