Yokohama Rubber Co.’s tree-planting efforts will take on new significance as it undertakes creation of a model forest as part of its support of Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
YRC plans to create "Forests That Protect Lives" in Iwate Prefecture, with the tree planting set of April 30.
The planting effort will integrate debris from the disaster “to build mounds on which the trees will be planted. Use of disaster debris will not only help reduce the cost of its disposal and CO2 emissions from incineration, but will actually facilitate the growth of the seedlings,” YRC said.
Otsuchi Mayor Yutaka Ikarigawa and others from the town administration, local residents and representatives from supporting companies are expected to participate in the April 30 event. Yokohama’s Chairman and CEO Tadanobu Nagumo and President Hikomitsu Noji will be present as well, and Yokohama employees, all volunteers, will guide participants in planting about 3,000 broad-leaved evergreen seedlings indigenous to the local area.
Otsuchi-cho suffered massive damage from the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami; 802 people were killed and 479 remain missing.
