Workcamp Details

Description: This workcamp has been organized with Onuma Milestone 22, a local NGO made by President of Fishermen’s Cooperative and Director of international exchange association since 2004. Though Onuma lake has been a popular tourism spot for a long time because of its beautiful scenery, it has been polluted by over use of agricultural chemicals in cattle farming and erosion from abandoned forests with alien trees. President of Cooperative has bought a forest and wants to revive it to original nature with native trees! Volunteers will work and live together with the mid term workcampers (Jul. 20-Sep. 16) which volunteers are also recruited.

Type of Work: Volunteers will 1) work in the forest (removing some alien conifer trees that disturb growth of other plants and animals, maintain the foot paths, etc.), 2) put many small stones on the shores of the small island in the lake to protect them from the waves caused by the motor boats, 3) help to run the lake festival and 4) possibly promote to use eco sponges with which you can wash most of the dishes without using detergent.

Study Theme: Lecture of the environmental issue. Workshop to plan the 25 years plan of Onuma toward 2040

Accommodation: Rooms of the apartment. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is necessary. By the kind offer from the rental shop, each volunteer can use a bicycle that is very convenient to explore the area! Wi-Fi is available at the visitors center nearby.

Language: English (Japanese is also welcomed!)

Requirements: Motivation to actively work for the protection of the forest and lake with local people!

Approximate Location: Onuma is located in Nanae town in the southern Hokkaido island, 30-60 min. distance by train from Hakodate city which is famous for the romantic view in the night, especially for sweet couples!

Notes: Other activities: Excursion to Hakodate city, nature walk along the lake, exchange parties with local people, etc.