Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or continue a certain process or state over the long term. In an environmental context, it emphasizes meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves responsible management of natural resources, ecosystems, and socio-economic systems to promote a balanced relationship between human activities and the environment. Sustainability encompasses various dimensions, including ecological sustainability (preserving biodiversity and ecosystems), economic sustainability (ensuring financial viability without depleting resources), and social sustainability (promoting equity, justice, and quality of life). The overarching goal of sustainability is to create resilient systems that support both human well-being and ecological health, ultimately aiming for a harmonious coexistence between people and the planet.
Japan's forests, covering 67% of the nation, face a crisis due to neglected cedar and cypress plantations, which pose ecological risks like landslides and disrupted water cycles. Post-war forestation policies…