noun
headwater conservation; water source protection; watershed management
Technical term in forestry and environmental science referring to the protection and cultivation of forested watersheds to maintain water quality and supply.
森林の水源涵養機能は、私たちの生活に欠かせない。
The water source protection function of forests is essential to our lives.
この地域では水源涵養のために植林が進められている。
Tree planting is being promoted in this area for watershed conservation.
Compound of 水源 (water source) and 涵養 (cultivation, fostering). The term is a modern technical coinage used primarily in environmental policy and forestry.