Event Report: JICA "Forest Platform Networking Event" (August 6, 2026)
When you think of nature conservation, what kind of industries come to mind?
On August 6, DAI Labs participated as one of the presenting organizations at the “Forest Platform Networking Event” hosted by JICA’s Forest Platform for Global Change (commonly known as Forest Platform). In this article, we’d like to share an overview of the event, introduce the participating organizations and their initiatives, and highlight some of the industry trends we observed throughout the day.
Event Overview
Until now, Forest Platform has primarily focused on sharing information through seminars and newsletters. In response to requests from members for more opportunities to connect, this was the first networking-focused event organized by the platform.
Following presentations from participating organizations, attendees joined a one-hour roundtable session that encouraged open discussion and networking.
Introduction to JICA Biz (SME and SDGs Business Support Program)
JICA also introduced its SME and SDGs Business Support Program (JICA Biz), which supports Japanese companies whose technologies and businesses contribute to solving challenges in developing countries.
Support Programs
- Needs Confirmation Survey: Up to ¥15 million for market research and hypothesis validation.
- Business Verification Project: Up to ¥40 million for local demonstrations, business feasibility studies, and organizational validation.
The FY2026 call for proposals is expected to open around September 1, 2026, while applications for pre-consultation are accepted until August 19.
Participating Organizations (Alphabetical Order)
The presenters represented a wide variety of industries and organizations, including satellite data, water treatment, timber processing, academia, and environmental consulting. Below is a brief introduction based on publicly available information.
Axelspace Corporation
The Potential of Forest Monitoring Using High-Frequency Satellite Data
Axelspace provides the AxelLiner one-stop small satellite service and the AxelGlobe Earth observation platform. The company offers end-to-end satellite solutions, including satellite design and manufacturing, launch coordination, on-orbit operations, and satellite data services.
In July 2026, Axelspace successfully launched seven new GRUS-3 satellites, enabling the provision of imagery with 2.2-meter ground resolution (equivalent to sub-2-meter resolution through image processing) as well as the new Coastal Blue spectral band.
★Looking for collaboration with government agencies, research institutions, and companies in forest conservation, disaster management, and agriculture.
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DAI Labs Inc. (Our Presentation)
AI-Powered Nature Monitoring Using Satellite Data
DAI Labs develops patented (patent pending) monitoring technology that combines SAR satellites, optical satellites, LiDAR, drone imagery, and proprietary AI models to deliver large-scale, high-accuracy, and cost-effective environmental monitoring.
Our technology has already been adopted in voluntary carbon credit projects, while additional projects are underway in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo beyond the carbon credit sector. In Japan, we are also expanding applications in disaster prevention and infrastructure management.
★Looking for companies and research institutions interested in monitoring technologies for forestry and agriculture, as well as partners who can support JCM project development.
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Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
Quantitative Assessment of Ecosystem Services Provided by Mangrove Forests and Future Perspectives
Nippon Koei provides environmental consulting services covering environmental impact assessments, ecosystem restoration, forest conservation, decarbonization, biodiversity conservation, and infrastructure development both in Japan and overseas.
The company has also become actively involved in supporting projects related to the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) and voluntary carbon markets.
★Looking for carbon credit project developers.
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ERM Japan Ltd.
Implementing the Landscape Approach: Collaboration Among Forest Cooperatives, Companies, Governments, and Universities
ERM introduced its work on the Landscape Approach, a framework that the Japanese Ministry of the Environment recognizes as an important bridge between biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
The company has extensive experience in natural capital assessments and nature finance projects.
★Looking for companies and research institutions interested in nature-positive initiatives and natural capital.
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Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Kurita: Protecting Water and the Environment Through Co-Creation
Kurita’s core businesses include water treatment chemicals, water treatment equipment, and maintenance services. The company is also developing fire suppression agents and equipment designed for lithium-ion battery fires.
★Looking for partners who can collaborate from environmental assessment through implementation.
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Japan Forest Technology Association
Achieving Nature Positive Through Forests: International Case Studies
Founded in 1921, the Japan Forest Technology Association has over a century of experience in forestry and forest management. It conducts research, consulting, and environmental projects both domestically and internationally while expanding into ICT-related initiatives.
★Looking for companies with expertise in AI and remote sensing technologies.
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Marvel Corporation
Wood Preservation Technology for Sustainable Forest Resources
Marvel Corporation developed its proprietary wood preservative, Marvel Wood AZ, which enhances the durability of Japanese timber for export, particularly to Taiwan.
The company has expanded its presence through sponsorship of student timber competitions and adoption in public facilities in Alishan, Taiwan.
★Looking for partners to establish local manufacturing facilities overseas.
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Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. / The University of Tokyo
Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
In 2023, Sumitomo Forestry acquired full ownership of BIOS, a mangrove restoration project in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Rather than harvesting timber, the project aims to generate high-quality blue carbon credits through long-term conservation and restoration.
★Looking for research institutions, companies, and financial organizations interested in evaluating and purchasing environmental value.
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Tokyo Gakugei University
Connecting Forests and the Future Through Music
Tokyo Gakugei University introduced an environmental education initiative centered on African Blackwood, the rare Tanzanian tree species used to manufacture clarinets.
In June 2025, the university also organized a clarinet ensemble event with more than 70 participants at the JICA Global Plaza.
★Looking for experts in forest conservation, environmental education, and educational institutions.
Industry Trends
After listening to all nine presentations, three common trends stood out.
- Growing interest in monitoring technologies using satellite data and remote sensing.
- Expanding efforts to quantify environmental value through blue carbon and biodiversity credits.
- Increasing collaboration among forest cooperatives, private companies, governments, universities, and local communities.
Nature conservation is no longer something that can be accomplished by a single organization alone.
Even sharing information and building a common understanding among stakeholders with different roles can be challenging. It was inspiring to see so many successful examples of projects steadily moving forward by bringing together governments, businesses, researchers, and local communities.
Roundtable Discussions
The roundtable sessions provided valuable opportunities for in-depth conversations.
We discussed topics ranging from how domestic and international projects were initiated, how organizations engaged key stakeholders, to the technical aspects of AI development. These discussions went far beyond typical networking conversations and were both insightful and enjoyable.
It was also encouraging to see engineers, consultants, and representatives from various JICA departments sharing the same table. The atmosphere naturally fostered new ideas for future collaboration and made for a highly productive networking session.
Closing Thoughts
Bringing together organizations from diverse industries creates opportunities for meaningful conversations that can grow into future collaborations.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the JICA Forest Platform Secretariat and all participating members for organizing such a valuable event. We are already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect and collaborate.
