Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or continue a certain process or state over the long term without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment. It encompasses a balanced approach to the use of natural, social, and economic resources to meet current needs while ensuring that future generations can also meet their own needs. The concept emphasizes ecological balance, economic viability, and social equity, often referred to as the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The goal of sustainability is to create systems and practices that do not compromise the health of the planet or the well-being of people, promoting a harmonious coexistence between human activities and the natural world. In recent years, sustainability has become a critical focus in various fields, including agriculture, business, energy, and urban planning, as a way to address global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social injustice.
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…