​Tokyo, January 29, 2026 /MONTSAME/. Mongolian youth delegation learns key foresting skills that would be vital in Mongolia's fight against desertification and forest management. As part of the "Mongolia-Japan Youth Environmental Exchange Program," a delegation of Mongolian students attended a specialized seminar on Japan’s forestry policies and afforestation technologies in Tokyo on January 28, 2026.

​Of particular relevance to the Mongolian delegation was the presentation on "Long-Rooted Seedling" technology. This method involves cultivating seedlings with deep root systems in specialized containers, allowing them to access moisture deep underground immediately after planting. This technology has proven highly effective in arid regions such as Kenya and Myanmar, offering a promising solution for Mongolia's afforestation efforts in combatting desertification.

​Following the seminar, the Mongolian youth delegation participated in volunteer activities at Yoyogi Park, where they collected fallen branches to prevent accidents and learned about biomass recycling. Later, the group visited "Sona Area Tokyo" to undergo disaster prevention training, experiencing a simulated 72-hour post-earthquake survival scenario.

​The Mongolia-Japan Youth Environmental Exchange Program is being implemented within the framework of the joint statement issued during the Japan-Mongolia Summit in November 2022. During the summit, the Government of Japan pledged to support the "Billions of Trees" national movement initiated by President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. This support includes planting approximately 50,000 trees over five years and providing environmental and disaster prevention education to 20,000 Mongolian youth.

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Expert Insight on Forestry Cooperation

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The seminar, held at the Japan-China Friendship Center (JCFC), was led by Mr. Shigeru Takahara, Secretary General of the Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center (JIFPRO).

Secretary General Takahara highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two nations, noting JIFPRO’s previous experience working with Mongolian counterparts to cultivate sea-buckthorn. He emphasized that these collaborative efforts have yielded valuable data and experience for sustainable afforestation in cold, arid climates.

​Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center

​JIFPRO, established to promote sustainable forestry through international cooperation, the center focuses on three main pillars: greening activities tailored to local needs, research-based project implementation, and supporting the marketing of forest products from developing nations.

​To date, JIFPRO has successfully restored tropical forests across five Southeast Asian countries, covering an area of approximately 8,800 hectares, roughly 1,900 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. A notable example of their "BFPRO" (Business-Forestry) initiative is their partnership with Yamaha, which sustainably sources African Blackwood for musical instruments while supporting local livelihoods. By combining environmental conservation with economic benefits, JIFPRO ensures that forestry projects remain sustainable for local communities long-term.

​Japan’s Forestry Landscape and Advanced Technologies

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During the lecture, Mr. Takahara presented key data on Japan’s current forestry sector. Japan is one of the world’s most forested nations, with forests covering approximately 25 million hectares, or two-thirds of the country's total land area. The ownership structure is distinct, with 57% classified as private forests, 31% as national forests, and 12% owned by local governments.

​The students were introduced to the concept of "Recycling Forest Resources," a sustainable cycle where forests are planted, cultivated, harvested, and utilized before being replanted. This approach ensures a continuous supply of timber while maintaining ecological balance.