The forest is our friend, and we must protect it. People and nature should live in peace and harmony. This simple and powerful message shapes a storyline of an animated manga released today by the Embassy of Japan to Georgia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Forestry Agency (NFA).
The animated graphic novel “Forest My Friend” conforms to a classic style of Japanese manga and targets the wide circles of Georgian society, from children to adults. It tells a fictional story of a human girl and a tree stump separated by war between humans and forests. As the story evolves, they put aside their differences and set on a mission to help humans and trees rediscover their lost connection.
“In Japan, people of all ages and walks of life read and watch manga. It is rewarding to see that in Georgia, this unique piece of Japanese culture serves to protect forests, reduce emissions, and counter climate change,” said H.E. Imamura Akira, Ambassador of Japan to Georgia.
"It is lovely to see a message of peace and harmony expressed with such style. Japan's essential support to forest protection here, in Georgia, is brought to a wide audience in this wonderful manga cartoon”, said Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.
“The Government of Georgia implements important reforms to promote sustainable forest management at the national and local levels. Environmental education is a critical part of this work. It helps people explore environmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to improve the environment,” said Natia Iordanishvili, Deputy Chairperson of the National Forestry Agency.
The animation “Forest My Friend” was commissioned by UNDP and created by the Georgian organization “Democracy Lab” (DemLab) as part of a broader public campaign for sustainable forest management. Following the first show in Tbilisi, the animated manga will travel to the villages across Georgia where UNDP, Japan and NFA will organize film shows and discussions for schoolchildren and youth.
