“Dersu Uzala” is a dramatic film where a Russian soldier who explores the Russian coastal area and a hunter called Dersu Uzala, who is hired by the soldier, travel together.? The film, a co-production between Japan and Russia, was made in 1975 by Akira Kurosawa and was awarded the Academy Award for the best foreign language film.

When I first saw this film, I felt like congratulating human beings for the experiences and wisdom that indigenous people have formed in such a harsh natural environment.? At the same time, I was awed by the wilderness of the Russian coastal area, which seemed so remote from the rest of the world.? I never imagined that, in less than 40 years, this wilderness would be modified by human beings to the extent that threatens the wildlife that lives there.

The world is getting smaller and smaller at an incredible speed.? We, the Japanese, are also significantly responsible for this speed.? We hear that we only “take” from nature and have not repay it.? Perhaps “The Taiga Forum” is the first step for our repayment.? I sincerely hope that the Taiga will be listed as a World Heritage site so that it will be protected and handed over to the future generations as a common asset for all of us in the world.