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Laboratory of Forest Watershed Socio-Environmental Studies

The Laboratory of Forest Watershed Socio-Environmental Studies conducts comprehensive and transdisciplinary research on the interactions between natural environments--such as forests and watersheds--and human societies. Our research focuses on the sustainable management of forest and water resources, examining the impacts of watershed environments on local communities and proposing solutions that integrate socio-economic perspectives. Through fieldwork, modeling, and technological innovation, we aim to provide scientific and socio-humanistic insights to foster harmonious coexistence between nature and humanity, with applications in ecosystem management, policymaking, and community initiatives.

Major theme

  • Watershed flood control and forest management systems
  • Data-driven forest management using digital technologies such as ICT and AI
  • Investigation and analysis toward self-sustaining of forest management
  • Long-term changes in forest environments and their effects on water, sediment and wood transport
  • Best practice for balancing timber production and water resources management in forest watersheds
  • Activities and systems to develop links between people and forests
  • Analysis of 3 dimensional information of forests and grasslands using UAV
  • Development of smart precision forestry technology using laser sensing
  • Changes in rainfall-runoff processes following thinning and clear-cutting in dense Japanese forest plantations
Old plantation stand of Cryptomeria japonica (sugi) in Gobozawa, UTCBF
A view of the measurement of sediment discharge from a mountain that has been acquired over a long period of time at the Ecohydrology Research Institute.
Gauging station at Shirasaka Experimental Watershed in Ecohydrology Research Institute. Measurement started in 1929 and 90 years of continuous discharge data have been stored.
Back forest of UTHF managed by selection system, looking north-northeast from Sannoyama Pass on National Route 38
Laboratory seminar camp (visit to a Daisugi production site in Kitayama, Kyoto)
Interview with forest owners running a campsite
Interviews by students
Firewood log sales event
Forest survey
Example of research site 1 (timber market)
Example of research site 2 (nursery site)
Example of research site 3 (firewood collection point of a firewood stove company)
PC screen showing vast forest footage and sound recordings being viewed using CyberForest

Staff