Shiga Prefecture Introduces Forest Tax

Shiga Prefecture in western Japan introduced in April 2006 a new prefectural tax for promoting forest regeneration, placing a greater value on the close relationship between forests and Lake Biwa. Shiga will use the tax revenue to encourage forest uses that promote citizen involvement and forest management that stresses environmental aspects of the public benefits of forests.

The newly-introduced annual tax is collected in the form of additional prefectural resident taxes: 800 yen (about U.S.$6.84) for individuals and 2,200 to 88,000 yen (about U.S.$18.8 to $752) for corporations.

The project budget for the first fiscal year, 400 million yen (about U.S.$3.42 million), will be used for two main purposes. One is forest management with an environmental focus, for which 270 million yen (about U.S.$2.31 million) has been allocated. Projects for this purpose include conversion of untended artificial forests of conifers into mixed forests of both conifers and broad-leaved trees, and research studies into the forest environment. The other is forest regeneration and management involving Shiga residents, for which 130 million yen (about U.S.$1.11 million) has been appropriated. Projects for this purpose include activities to support organizations such as businesses, research institutions, non-profit organizations and municipalities that carry out research and development by using forest resources and spaces efficiently, and those for conserving and maintaining woodlands through citizen involvement.

http://www.pref.shiga.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2006/06/07 09:40:28 AM
Japanese version