"Sekai Meisaku Dōwa: Mori wa Ikiteiru" is a 26-episode anime series that adapts classic fairy tales and folklore into animated form, with a focus on environmental themes and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. The narrative centers on a young boy named Shun, who moves to a rural village with his family. Shun discovers a magical forest that serves as a gateway to various stories, each exploring moral lessons and the consequences of human actions on the natural world.

The forest is inhabited by a wise and ancient tree spirit named Mori no Ojisan, who acts as a guide and narrator. Through Mori no Ojisan, Shun learns about the lives of animals, plants, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Each episode presents a standalone story, often based on well-known fairy tales or original tales, reimagined with an ecological twist. These stories emphasize themes such as respect for nature, the importance of conservation, and the impact of human behavior on the environment.

Shun’s interactions with the forest and its inhabitants serve as a framing device, connecting the episodic tales. The series blends fantasy and reality, often showing how the lessons from the magical forest apply to Shun’s everyday life and his growing awareness of environmental issues. The characters in the individual stories range from anthropomorphic animals to mythical creatures, each representing different aspects of nature and human relationships with it.

The overarching narrative of Shun’s journey is one of personal growth and enlightenment. As he learns from the forest and its stories, he becomes more attuned to the natural world and begins to advocate for its protection. The series combines educational elements with entertainment, aiming to inspire viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment. The episodic structure allows for a diverse range of stories, each contributing to the central theme of harmony between humans and nature.