Revival of Lost Forests: Protecting Woodlands by Burning - The Story of Regenerating Woodlands That Lost 95%

2. The Paradox of "Protecting by Burning"

Indigenous people have practiced "Cultural Burning" for tens of thousands of years. This "cool fire" involves running low-temperature fires through dry grass and shrubs to reduce fuel without scattering carbon and stimulating seed germination【L7-L12】. After white settlement, this practice was banned or ignored, which has been pointed out as a contributing factor to recent large-scale bushfires.phys.org

3. Overview of the Research Project

In the winter and spring of 2023, the Wiradjuri people (Wagga Wagga and Young) and the Ngunnawal people (Yass) conducted burns in eight stock reserves【L11-L13】. Ecologists from the Australian National University (ANU) tracked the number of plant individuals, germination rates, and soil conditions for eight months before and after the burns. Control areas without burning were also established, with collaboration from the Department of Environment and farmers. This is truly an attempt to "see the land with two eyes."phys.orgphys.org

Colonial Logging → Forest Loss → Cultural Burning → Ecosystem Restoration

4. Surprising Results

• Explosive Germination of Native Plants
  Endangered species like the Small Scurf Pea germinated only in the burned areas【L16】.

• Significant Increase in Diversity and Population
  Particularly notable in areas where vegetation was already in good condition【L17】.

• Low Burn Temperatures Resulted in Zero Direct Harm to Animals
  Slow-moving flames progressed in a "trickle" manner, allowing small mammals and reptiles to escape, as confirmed by cameras.

• Effectiveness for Native Species Requires Long-term Management
  Combining weeding, supplementary planting, and continuous monitoring helps sustain the effects【L18-L24】.

5. Cultural Significance and Economic Ripple Effects

Fire management is not just a technique but a **"dialogue with the Country."** On the day of implementation, participants from children to elders gather, engaging in singing and storytelling 【L19-L20】. Participants receive a daily allowance and fire prevention training, simultaneously promoting youth employment and cultural heritage.

6. Reactions on Social Media - Perspectives from Japan

In the Japanese-speaking community, positive comments such as "similar to satoyama 'controlled burning'" and "small-scale dispersed burning should be applied to Japan's artificial forests" are prominent, while concerns like "What about CO₂ emissions?" and "Could this be cultural appropriation?" are also observed.

7. Policy Challenges

• Funding and Land Access: The southern regions lack the funding available in the north and still face insufficient institutional support 【L22-L24】.

• Rights Protection: Without clarification of intellectual and cultural property rights, there is a risk of exploitation by large forestry companies.

• Long-term Monitoring: Data spanning 5 to 10 years is essential.

8. Implications for Japan

In Japan, the practices of **“controlled burning” and “underbrush clearing”** in satoyama areas have declined, leading to overgrown artificial forests that cause landslides and a decrease in biodiversity. Low-temperature, small-scale burning could help suppress the spread of non-native trees, reduce deer damage, and lead to a reevaluation of traditional culture. However, legal frameworks (Forest Act and Fire Service Act) and regional consensus-building are key.

9. Conclusion: Revitalizing Forests and Society with "Binocular Thinking"

This study has become a successful example of healing the deep environmental scars left by colonial rule through the wisdom of indigenous peoples. The "three pillars" of sustainable regeneration are Western science supported by data, community-led initiatives, and policy backing.