Disclaimer This publication is released by Biodiversity Network Japan in collaboration with Countdown 2010 and Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever by Biodiversity Network Japan, Countdown 2010 or Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation con- cerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

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Credits Copyright© 2008 Biodiversity Network Japan. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-4-9901743-1-6

Editorial committee: Naoya Furuta, Kunio Iwatsuki, Harufumi Nishida, and Mieko Kawamichi Translation: Liza Drius, Tom Eskildsen, Yoshiro Kakei, and Haruko Kishi Cover design: Tatsuo Hidaka Layout: Takumi Kondo Cover photo: Nature Citizen Institute Other photos: Hikaru Sasaki,BIO-City,KYOTOKAN(Kenzou Yokoyama),Shogoin Temple,Kiyomizu Temple, and other contributers Production : BIO-City Contents

Foreword ······································································································································2 Harufumi Nishida, Secretary General, Biodiversity Network Japan

Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, with Reference to the Japanese Spirit of Worshipping Nature····························4 Kunio Iwatsuki, Director, Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo and Professor emeritus, the University of Tokyo

The Need to Conserve the Vanishing Satoyama Heritage ·········································································12 Alphonse Kambu, Director, IICRC Special Programme, UNU IAS

Ecology of Divine Punishment and Favor: An Introduction to Environmental Ethnology ····································20 Hiroyuki Torigoe, Professor at Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University

Dreaming 400 Years into the Future:Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto “Buys a Mountain” for Future Re-Building···········28 Kounin Mori, Legal Affairs Manager, Kiyomizu Temple

山川草木悉皆成仏 - The Mountains, Rivers, Grasses and Trees Will All Become Buddhas - The Japanese View of Nature and Religion ···························································································32 Kasei Nagasawa, Secretary General, Kyoto Buddhist Organization

Reintroduction of Oriental White Storks in the Wild as the Central Focus of Policy Making ·······························36 Hidemichi Ootagaki, Director of the Oriental White Stork and Human Coexistence Department, Toyooka City

Regional Planning with a Focus on Biodiversity: Challenges of a Local Natural History Museum - Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo ··················································································42 Isao Nakase, Vice president, Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo and Professor, University of Hyogo, and Takashi Kyakuno, Senior researcher, Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo

Rejuvenation of Valley-Bed Rice Fields and Restoration of Lake Water Quality through Sake Brewery Business······48 Keinosuke Hirose, Shiragiku Shuzo, Co., Ltd.

Kajima Corporation’s Promotion of Biodiversity Efforts for a Sustainable Society ···········································52 Yoriyuki Yamada, Kajima Corporation, Office of Global Environment

Initiatives on Biodiversity by Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation and its Member Companies ····56 Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation

Formulation of the Third National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan ·······························································60 Global Biodiversity Strategy Office, Ministry of the Environment of Japan

The First Prefectural Biodiversity Strategy of Chiba················································································66 Nature Conservation Division, Environmental and Community Affairs Department, Chiba Prefectural Government

Home Building with Artisans: Helping Rebuild Forests ·············································································68 Kiyotaka Suzuki, Director, Head Office of the Association of Creative Tokyo House for the Future

Targeting Sustainable Society by Utilizing Used Timber and Old buildings·····················································72 Kozai Bunka No Kai (Association for the Preparation of the Bank of Reusing Timber)

Afterword ····································································································································76 Naoya Furuta, Member of Editorial Committee, Biodiversity Network Japan

Foreword

I am very pleased to present this publication at the CBD COP9 in Bonn. Biodiversity is a result of the earth’s long-time evo- lution as well as the basis of our daily life. Unfortunately, we are losing this valuable asset very rapidly, while we are still ignorant about it. It is evident that our conventional approach to conserve biodiversity solely through endangered species protection and the creation of protected areas is not sufficient. We have to explore new approaches which lead us to work on farmland, forest land, villages and even cities, as well as collaborate with scientists, government bodies, private sectors and civil society through creative integration of traditional knowledge and the latest science and technologies.

In this small publication, we tried to showcase broad experiences, views and initiatives on biodiversity in Japan. Unlike other publications on biodiversity, we didn’t focus on conventional topics such as endangered species and protected area. Neither have we intended to show the best way to conserve biodiversity. Rather, as a first step to explore a new way of thinking, we tried to review our cultural and social background and own historical experiences on how our ancestors tried to create ways to live harmoniously with nature. This traditional concept may be characterized by a sense of awe towards nature and focused on respecting and enjoying nature benefits rather than just protecting them.

We also tried to highlight some of the recent efforts being made by various actors, such as central and local governments, the private sector, religious bodies, museums and NPOs with different interest. We believe that all of these efforts are related to biodiversity either directly or indirectly. By sharing these experiences, we would like to catalyze dialogue among various sectors both in Japan and in the rest of the world towards the COP10 in Nagoya in order to find a way to reshape our society and thus co-exist with nature more harmoniously.

Finally, I would like to gratefully acknowledge financial support from Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) to make this publication available. I am also grateful to those who contributed with articles and photos to this publication and would like to thank Countdown 2010 and Nippon Keidanren Committee for their valuable collaboration.

Harufumi Nishida

Secretary General Biodiversity Network Japan 4 Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, with Reference to the Japanese Spirit of Worshipping Nature

Kunio Iwatsuki Director, Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo Professor emeritus, the University of Tokyo

The development of the Japanese Archipelago was followed by the concept of harmonious co-existence between nature and mankind. However, this traditional concept has now nearly been forgotten even by the Japanese themselves. To establish a sustainable use of resources, such concept should be understood more widely and its underlying idea should be remembered globally. In this article, successful zoning of Japanese Archipelago forming hitoazato (=residential area), satoyama (=buffer zone) and okuyama (=core area) is introduced and traditional Japanese spirit to worship nature is noted in reference to the chinju-no-mori. It may be suggested that the introduction of Western civilization was successful in Japan with respect to energy-material-based development, but this was imperfect and resulted in the destruc- tion of biodiversity as the traditional spirit to worship nature was abandoned.

Introduction Mankind is an animal species now active not only in cities and villages but everywhere on the Earth. Even in mountain forests far from the cities, as well as on oceans, human activities are distinct and no mysterious place for human civi- lization, where no one ever stepped in, is remained on the Earth, except for the deep sea. In this situation, the life of mankind is inseparable from the biodiversity surrounding it and the so-called lord of creation cannot live even an instant without the support of biodiversity. Harmonious co-existence between nature and mankind should, therefore, be a leading concept for sustaining the Earth. Yet, this concept seems not to be easily accepted by modern people under the strong influence of Western civ- Satoyama landscape - Harmonious coexistence between nature and mankind ilization and the strong desire of energy- materials-based wealth. by scientists. This historical develop- economy on material basis. Yet, the ment is mainly based on sincere wor- Japanese Archipelago has been over Throughout its history until the Meiji ship of Japanese people to nature. developed thus resulting in a variety of severe Restoration era, development of the environmental problems. In the education Japanese Archipelago has been per- At the time of the Meiji Restoration, system, aiming at the development of formed in harmonious co-existence some 130 years ago, Japanese recog- an energy-materials-based direction, between nature and mankind and the nized the higher level of Western civilization Japanese people have forgotten their result was a structure divided in three and strongly expected to reach and traditional spirit to worship nature. It distinct zones, i.e. hitozato or residen- overcome it and thus constructed a is necessary to remember this beautiful con- tial area, satoyama or buffer zone and perfect education system to achieve cept to perform harmonious co-exis- okuyama or core area. This zoning was their target. After 100 years, Japan has per- tence between nature and mankind for sus- created by the general public, not by haps reached the same level of civilization taining the Archipelago for forthcoming days. order of decision makers nor suggested of Western countries, especially as to 5

Organisms are distributed on the Earth in This symbolic phrase is easily under- opment of Japanese Archipelago is dif- various ways and biodiversity should be stood in Japan if the traditional wor- ferent from that of Europe and North always considered as a whole, i.e. all ship of nature is recognized, but it is America where it was performed com- species living on the Earth. Thus, the terribly difficult to explain to those pletely from one end to the other. sustainable development of biodiversi- who consider nature only as a provider European and American agricultural ty can only be achieved when harmo- of resources for human life. Nowadays, fields are very large, in comparison nious co-existence will successfully be most of the people live according to with Japanese landscape always ending performed throughout our only Earth. the concept of a materials-energy- with small hills or mountains and usual- This typically Japanese concept should be based civilization and they usually con- ly with narrow agricultural areas. In a leading idea for the sustainable sider materials only on the basis of Japan, the Archipelago is surrounded development of the Earth in general. their monetary value. The harmonious by steep mountains and/or gorges with co-existence between nature and very narrow plains in its complicated Harmonious co-existence between mankind should be accepted only when topography and has a particular cli- nature and mankind the worship of nature is recognized and mate with four distinct seasons includ- – its theory and practice the idea of evaluating every natural ing very cold winter and hot and humid The phrase ‘harmonious co-existence material as resource for human life summer, having generally higher tem- between nature and mankind’ was pro- may stand be the opposite of worship- perature and high precipitation. posed as a symbol of the Expo '90 for ping nature. Recognizing this different Flowers and Greenery successfully held concept based solely on material-ener- The entire Archipelago was deep green in Osaka in 1990. At first, it is said that gy, it may be better to remember that and soils were generally fertile with a this type of expression was thought to the potential of the traditional wide range of plants living in the same apply on various sectors. In our genera- Japanese concept to live in harmonious area. Natural resources are richly occu- tion it is thought that nature and co-existence with nature aims at a sus- pied there and people historically mankind cannot be co-exist harmo- tainable development of biodiversity enjoyed such a rich natural production, niously, as ‘natural’ is the opposite on our only Earth. in addition to their agricultural prod- term of ‘artificial’. The original ucts. On the other end, the Japanese Japanese term for ‘harmonious co-exis- Sustainable development of Archipelago is frequently attacked by tence’, as applied here, has the same the Japanese Archipelago severe disasters, including earthquakes expression of the biological term ‘sym- By definition, the term ‘artificial’ is very often with tsunami, heavy rains, biosis’ and in some documents ‘symbio- opposite to ‘natural’. In the history of floods and typhoons. As the area was sis’ is erroneously applied to explain Japan, the first artificial large-scale so rich in resources but attacked by this particular concept. However, this development was given to the disasters, the Japanese people grate- is a misapplication as symbiosis is a Archipelago by our ancestors who fully thanked but also terribly feared term applied mainly to the relationship established the New Stone Age some 25 nature. The particular concept or the between two particular species and it centuries ago. It is logical to say here, value attributed to nature seems to can be ironically noted that mankind is therefore, that destruction of nature have developed in Japan under the actually depends on nature, when we on our Archipelago was at first made strong influence of this relationship consider the term symbiosis in its by our ancestors. Yet, no one says that between nature and mankind. broadest application, including mutual- they were the first nature destructors. ism, commensalism and parasitism. Even after agricultural sites were fully devel- The original Japanese term – meaning In Japan pasturing was only allowed in oped, the area was not big enough to occu- something like living together - means restricted areas and the establishment py materials for all the people living harmonious co-existence with much of the New Stone Age mainly focused there and the hitozato was not suffi- stronger impact and our traditional on agriculture. However, the devel- cient in space to offer the necessary lifestyle in Japan followed such con- oped area for agriculture was only resources to the people living in the cept throughout history until the Meiji about 20% of the whole Archipelago - Japanese Archipelago. Our ancestors, Restoration period. Actually, the only small plain areas and valley zones then, thought that they could use the phrase stated above was at first vari- along the rivers. Even at this moment, backyards of the developed areas from where ously related, but is generally recog- the developed area is not so large, the firing woods were cut down and nized throughout Japan in its true although no part is badly damaged by charcoal was produced. They cut and understanding. Since the 1990s, this general people. The complicated collected wood for energy purposes in a particular phrase has been widely topography of the Archipelago prevent- regular cycle - usually every 10 to 15 applied in various occasions in relation ed the development of whole the years they could cut the trees for fire. The to environmental issue. Archipelago. In this respect, the devel- broad-leaved trees were cut down, but the 6

Our ancestors built village shrine, expecting the 8 million deities to guard their daily lives stocks were usually left aside from many years. popular in the past half century, when where side shoots came up and grew satoyama was suffering from its critical up to the woods within 10 to 15 years. Some- With this activity of the backyard of damage by so-called energy revolution times, tall stocks of over 1 meter high are hitozato, or developed area now called in 1960s. The definition of satoyama is preserved to prevent damage caused satoyama, beautiful secondary forests variable and it is rather difficult to rec- by deer, bears and other animals. Fallen developed throughout the Japanese ognize its area, but slightly less than leaves of pines are collected and used as Archipelago. Warm and humid climate 20 % of the whole Archipelago may be another kind of valuable resource for helped the forests grow up fast, more referred to form such a zone. fire. In addition to energy resources, green developed beautifully in these people obtained various types of materials areas. Forests developed in between Active lives of Japanese people have from backyard areas. Small animals hitozato and mountainous area as a developed mostly in hitozato area and and birds were hunted and eaten by continuous zone throughout the supplementary work was made in the people as valuable proteins. The Archipelago and worked as a buffer satoyama. Thus, the remaining parts of Japanese people were rarely fond of zone between primitive nature and the Archipelago were left natural and eating meat of mammals. On the contrary, artificial hitozato area. The natural the natural area, or about a half of the wild vegetables and fungi have been status of this zone was recognized even Archipelago, is named okuyama, or the favorite food of Japanese people in the Heian Period, some 1000 years deep mountain area. The okuyama for many years in addition to a variety of ago, as was noted in Japanese style area is kept natural and less artificial algae, marine and freshwater. These short poet, waka, as seen in some influence has been given there. Wild are usually considered supplementary wakas in our classic ‘Man’yoshu’. In the life has, therefore, been naturally food, but the Japanese enjoy wild Muromachi Period, about 500 years maintained in this area and it is to be products as a gift from nature. Medicinal ago, this zone was established through- noted here that no big mammal species plants are also collected in the wild out the Archipelago and already in the was extinct in Japan until at the end of and folk medicine has been another Edo Dynasty the name satoyama the Edo dynasty. valuable resource for human life for appeared in literature. This name is 7

In Japanese concept, 8 million deities are believed to live in nature

Another interesting point is that in ular worldwide. This development was Japanese Archipelago forms a distinct Japan battles were fought mostly in made through the daily lives of the landscape in Japan and is connected smaller scale or often only by the repre- Japanese people, not under the direc- with the general Japanese concept as sentative leaders and forests have never tion of decision makers, nor recom- noted in the next section. been destroyed in wider areas. No mended by the scientists. Moreover, large-scale fire has ever hit the Archipelago. this development is seen throughout Worship of nature as exemplified Forests are maintained naturally in Japan, except for Hokkaido. by chinju-no-mori most parts of the okuyama area, The development under ideal zoning of the although truly primitive forests cannot be Another comment should be added Japanese Archipelago – recognizable by the seen now in most part of the Archipelago. here on the uniqueness of Japanese natural environment sustained there satoyama. The landscape of satoyama with rich resources in beautiful forests, espe- The Japanese Archipelago is thus is often seen in various places in other cially in okuyama area- benefitted developed in typical zoning of Asian countries, especially in various from warm and humid climate and okuyama, satoyama and hitozato. This parts of China. Fuel woods are collect- complicated topography. It may be zoning coincides very well with that of ed from the backyard of the village in true and we may perfectly realize that the Core area, Buffer zone and Transitional cycle of several years and supplemen- nature of Japan brought to the people a or Residential area as nominated by tary resources are also collected from unique concept of worship. In addition to UNESCO at first by MAB programme in there. Secondary forests are main- rich resources, we remember that terri- 1960s and then by the World Natural tained in this area in a way similar to ble disasters frequently attacked the Heritage in 1980s. It is noted that the satoyama in Japan. However, outside Archipelago and, even in these days development of the Japanese of Japan this landscape is usually locat- when technology developed very much, Archipelago during the past 25 cen- ed in single areas and not continuous there are big damages to the lives of turies is referable to the most to form a zone buffering between nat- people every year. Our ancestors advanced concept of nature conserva- ural forests and residential areas. In seemed to be afraid of it but at the tion designed by UNESCO and now pop- this respect, the satoyama of the same time they had respect for the 8

The Japanese Archipelago is developed in typical zoning of okuyama, satoyama and hitozato nature and expressed sincere thanks to it. necessary for our ancestors to accom- motion of the advanced Western civi- modate them in the shrines under nat- lization. Moreover, many chinju-no- Our ancestors who created the New ural forests. Thus, they invited the moris were destroyed by the direction Stone Age started the development of natural forest to cover the shrine and of the government who considered that their land cutting down the beautiful every shrine was mainly covered by traditional belief was an obstacle to forests surrounding them. They seemed forest which was named chinju-no- learn the advanced Western civiliza- to have realized that they damaged the mori, or the forest to guard the shrine tion. chinju-no-mori was established, nature and thus apologized to the and/or the people. Throughout the as in the case of satoyama, by the peo- nature. Then, they built their village Japanese Archipelago, shrines were ple themselves in their own lives, not shrine, or tutelary deity, in every vil- invited to every village and covered by following decision makers nor scientists lage, even in smaller hamlets. They the forests on behalf of okuyama and it was developed throughout the expected the shrine, which consisted where the deities were believed to live Japanese Archipelago with the excep- of 8 million deities, to guard their daily in natural condition. Such a concept tion of Hokkaido. The political power lives. Sometimes the heroes and hero- was similar to the primitive animism in worked on the chinju-no-moris only to ines of the village were deified and underdeveloped peoples and it was so destroy it and actually more than half enshrined, but the main targets of 20 centuries ago. Throughout the histo- of them were cleared up after the their prayers were the 8 million ry of Japan, village shrines were main- Meiji Restoration. deities, which were equivalent to the tained and the evolution of shrines was elements of nature. They believed that observed along with the historical Chinju-no-mori is, thus, the symbol of their village shrine was unique, yet this development of Japanese culture. the Japanese concept featuring sincere unique shrine spread throughout worship of nature. Harmonious co-exis- Japan, except for Hokkaido. It is a pity to note the fact that tence between nature and mankind Japanese Shintoism was under a strong was sustained in Japan on the basis of These 8 million deities are, in Japanese influence of militarism after the Meiji this general concept to sincerely wor- culture, present in nature and it was Restoration, in parallel with the pro- ship nature. 9

A little more than 20 % of the whole Archipelago may be referred to as satoyama

As religious facilities, it is well known that to the developed village and grew up Japanese concept under the word the temples in China are usually located artificially by man power, in contrast mottainai on the mountains, like Emei-shan and with the case of folk belief which Since the Nobel peace laureate Ms Wu-dei-shan. However, these temples maintained nature in their originally Wangari Maathai spread the Japanese were actually built on the mountains sacred places. The conservation of bio- word mottainai outside Japan, this and forests were originally there. In diversity in sacred area is strongly sug- particular word has been international- the case of Japanese chinju-no-mori, gested by UNESCO-MAB, currently hold- ly understood. But, it seems necessary on the contrary, the forests were invited ing five successful symposia on this to add some comments on the meaning to the developed villages, or hitozato, on particular topic. and usage of this Japanese word. behalf of okuyama, or nature. Recently, this word is usually under- Now, chinju-no-mori is remembered by stood as wasteful even in Japan and Folk belief of general people is widely vegetation scientists as the particular used with the meaning of saving the maintained in Asia and is closely con- site where potential vegetation of the materials even if they are not useful at nected with the worship of nature. As area concerned is maintained in an the moment and refraining from a result, various sacred places were ideal way and its conservation is thoughtless abandonment of them. We sustained in natural, not to damage the strongly suggested. It is true that it is should evaluate all the materials on place of their deities. This is more or part of the valuable heritage main- the Earth, even though they are not less similar to the case of Japanese tained by people, but I would point out useful today and should avoid their Shinto. The uniqueness of Japanese that chinju-no-mori should be a partic- abandonment. This idea is important to Shintoism is found in : 1) the worship is ular site in Japan as a symbol of the sustain the Earth forever. sustained throughout its historical worship of nature. On the basis of this development even in particularly concept, the development of Japanese The modern usage of the word mot- industrialized country with more Archipelago was made under the con- tainai is to recommend not having understanding of science and technolo- cept of harmonious co-existence wastefulness of the materials and this gy, and 2) chinju-no-mori was invited between nature and mankind. is important to have a stronger effect 10

The Japanese have historically enjoyed natural resources, in addition to their agricultural products of this word, especially for younger gifts. Therefore, in the traditional For a sustainable Earth generations who often abandon the style, the word mottainai is often The Japanese Archipelago sustained an excel- materials which are useless for them at accompanied with a phrase from a text of lent history of development until the the time. It is a pity to note that nowa- sutra, a religious book in a sect of Buddhism. end of the Meiji Restoration in the second days we often use materials and easily When I was a small boy, I was repeated- half of 19th century. This has been followed throw them away because they are not ly taught by my mother that every by modernization under the influence necessary at the time but can be still material around us was a gift from our of Western culture during the past 130 years. useful. Sustainability of the Earth is deities, or nature, and we should Now our culture is more or less strongly endangered by unnecessary respect even one grain of spilled rice international and in such a situation we consumption of valuable materials and as valuable material to sustain our own life. should use the concept of sustainability of this campaign to save materials under the Japanese Archipelago, as a part of our mottainai is quite an effective action Our extreme materialism often leads only Earth. expected at the moment. us to evaluate every material in its monetary value. In this way, it is The human environment was heavily Originally, however, the Japanese rather difficult that all people under- destroyed during the 20th Century, as word mottainai has a particular meaning. stand the meaning of sustainability of a result of a variety of technologies Japanese mottai means substance and in our only Earth. We should be respectful based on advanced sciences. Some traditional Japanese culture every substance to the donor of the materials to sup- complain that modern technology was was a gift from nature. All the sub- port our lives and thank nature as in the devil that destroyed nature, but stances around us are elements of traditional Japanese culture. On the actually the crime was not technology itself nature and we thankfully receive them from basis of this idea, boys and girls can but its management. Developers usually nature. This is quite a religious grateful- understand the worship of nature and felt that science could do anything and offer ness and Japanese people have always been will eagerly contribute to sustain the the perfect tool even when technology was thankful to the donor or in their con- Earth. misapplied and influenced their envi- cept the deities for their generous ronment negatively. This was only an 11

Wild vegetables and fungi were favorites of the Japanese for many years in addition to a variety of algae, marine and freshwater illusion and now we are faced with a It is rather difficult to explain to the much more impoverished Earth’s sur- general public why it is necessary to face, expecting our human environ- sustain biodiversity. They do not ment to recover from such abuse. understand how desperately biodiversi- ty has been affected by human activi- It is evident that we - every person on ty. In the case of climate change, the Earth - cannot expect complete especially global warming, the general happiness if we only believe in materi- public recognizes our difficult situation al wealth. We can expect to be happier and many people sincerely consider in requiring completeness in materials- how we can contribute to keep climate energy wealth, but we will face a limit change a natural process. We succeed Traditional Japanese concept - deep respect and sincere when all mankind expects this same in explaining this to the general public thanks to nature materialistic happiness. Even under a mostly by applying statistics and concept of acquiring material wealth, numerical information. In addition, it is we may increase our happiness, but no possible, in the case of climate The need for a huge amount of data one can reach the happiest stage of change, to estimate the future on the and statistics, probably unparalleled to life if one wishes to fulfill his or her grounds of mathematical indicators. other related concepts such as climate happiness only in a materials-energy However, we have to point out that change, adds to the complexity of dis- direction. It is recommendable, there- most of the general public does not cussing or understanding biodiversity. fore, to understand the traditional realize why we have to halt global The notion of 'diversity' goes beyond Japanese concept of a sincere worship warming. And we have to warn that it the conventional scientific approach of nature and this spirit is better is biodiversity that will be seriously that seeks universal or common princi- remembered to give sustainability to damaged by rapid global warming and ples - this is, I believe, where the chal- our only Earth. human beings cannot survive if biodi- lenges and importance of biodiversity versity on Earth is destroyed. science lies. 12 The Need to Conserve the Vanishing Satoyama Heritage

Alphonse Kambu Director, IICRC Special Programme, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies

Paddy fields, terraces, secondary forests and human settlement in satoyama, Noto Peninsular, Ishikawa

Introduction we drink and use to brew our bever- Since the 1950s satoyama began to Satoyama is a term in the Japanese ages, the timber we use to build our undergo change due to a number fac- language which is becoming a trendy homes or for energy sources, cleansed tors which can be attributed to social, concept in Japan in recent years. the air we breathe to stay alive, and economic, ecological and technological Despite it being a trendy word, many provided the aesthetic and spiritual changes that began to take place people may not know what it is or the values for inner peace. These are the around that time. These factors are issues associated with it in greater benefits provided by the ecosystems both internal as well as external. The depth. In fact, satoyama is loaded and found in satoyama for human well- external factors tend to be mostly tied it is perhaps deeper than what people being. Satoyama continues to provide a to the process of globalization, such as may perceive it to be as merely a number of these services to people in global trade, and sometimes can be trendy word or area. It is a very signifi- Japan today, but to a lesser extent beyond the control of those that live cant area. Satoyama once provided an compared with the past as it is losing and work in satoyama. The internal abundance of food we eat, the water some of its functions. ones are sometimes a matter of policy, 13 consumer preferences and social Furthermore, many people may be change. With the degradation and loss aware of the word, but they may not In fact, the interaction has a reciprocal of satoyama some of the beneficial quite understand what it is or what it effect on both humans and ecosystems. attributes of satoyama enjoyed by peo- entails. Certain people may live and On one hand, humans interacted with ple in the past have been lost or in the work in it and yet they may not know ecosystems in satoyama to obtain food, case where they continue to exist they that they are dwelling in satoyama water, wood or other essential spiritual are being underutilized. This very because they may regard it as merely and material wealth to support their change is taking a toll on the value and their home. Others may derive food, livelihoods while at the same time functions of satoyama. water, and building materials or other leading to the development of the items necessary for their daily liveli- local diet culture and the knowledge With the changes and the loss of hoods without knowing that these basic system to manage the ecosystems. satoyama and its functions, one is left material needs are derived from Moreover, humans have learned the to decide on whether action should be satoyama. Or even those outside of traits of managing satoyama in a sys- taken to conserve satoyama or to allow satoyama may benefit from it in one tematic way through interaction with the changes to continue in a business- way or another without knowing it. their environment and ecosystems. as-usual situation. In any case trade- offs come into play. However, accurate Despite the lack of clear understanding On the other hand, the various ecosys- and credible scientific information is of the concept of satoyama, there are tems, and in particular the biodiversity necessary for decision makers. If a certain things about satoyama that we in satoyama grew accustomed to decision is taken to pursue action for know already. Satoyama is not just one human interaction and the artificial conservation, a number of issues must of the things that different people or ecosystems shaped by humans to the be established first and some may groups describe above, but is all or extent that biodiversity became reliant include the conceptual or definition most of the things above put together. on interaction for their continued exis- issue, the need for a profound under- Unlike other people, I will not attempt tence. For instance, the engagement in standing of the issues surrounding to define satoyama, but I will try to agriculture and in particular the cre- satoyama and how it functions is cru- describe its features, which is a first ation of paddy fields and irrigation cial. Clarifying such issues can con- step to coining a common definition. ponds attract species including dragon- tribute to a comprehensive conserva- As soon as we know the features of flies, tadpoles and frogs that use them tion effort. This paper introduces the satoyama, then we can establish a as their breeding grounds and habitat. concept of satoyama and its benefits common definition. When looking at Without agriculture, paddy fields and and discusses some of the problems satoyama I consider that there are four irrigation ponds, frogs, dragonflies, facing satoyama as well as some of the major features, which I would like to tadpoles and other species would not prospects that exist for the regenera- use to describe here. These factors otherwise be attracted to dwell in such tion of the declining value of include interaction and reciprocity, ecosystems. The satoyama existing satoyama. location and parameters, functions, today is a consequence of the interac- use and value and the time factor. tion and reciprocity between humans 1. What is satoyama? and the environment. In other words, Individuals and organizations have a) Interaction and reciprocity interaction means sustainable manage- made attempts to define satoyama, Satoyama is an area that has been cre- ment of satoyama and therefore it is a but no common definition has been ated through interaction between very essential feature of satoyama. coined to date. The definitions that humans and their environment, espe- exist are sometimes narrow and biased cially the ecosystems existing in b) Location and parameters as those that define it are influenced satoyama. Interaction with ecosystems The second characteristic of satoyama by their own beliefs, interests, percep- has always been an inherent process in is its location or parameters. Satoyama tion and expertise. The ecologists refer human history. The interaction by is most commonly located between the to it as ecosystems. For the foresters humans with their ecosystems whether outer peripheries of urban districts and and forest experts, satoyama is merely through clearing of forests for gardens stretches to the area just before the a forested area with human settle- and settlements, farming, hunting or natural or primary forests (or okuya- ments. For the farmers and those that gathering have all shaped the environ- ma). What distinguishes satoyama from work in the areas of agriculture see it ment in numerous ways. Satoyama is any other regular area is that satoyama as paddy fields and terraces or agricul- no exception as interaction between encompasses between 4-5 major tural lands. As can be seen it may humans and ecosystems has been a ecosystems including agro-ecosystems, mean different things to many people. central process responsible for the evo- secondary forests, artificial wetlands lution and existence of satoyama. (such as paddy fields and irrigation 14

Handicrafts made from satoyama on display in local shop in Noto, Ishikawa Bamboo shoots and mushrooms from satoyama displayed in Sogo Dept Store

ponds), grassland, and hilly or moun- nificant in the sense that they can be ated new environments and ecosystems tain ecosystems. In addition to these sources of food, timber and non-timber of which satoyama is one such environ- ecosystems, human settlements are an forest products, fuel and energy, spiri- ment. Imaginably, a tremendous added component to the total make up tual, cultural and aesthetic benefits. amount of time has been invested in of satoyama where a number of vital Moreover, the recent MA recognizes the creation of satoyama. Interaction activities including agriculture and four major categories of goods and ser- over time has enabled people to learn farming, forestry, and development of vices, which humans derive from about their environments and have cultural heritage takes place. ecosystems for human well-being. accumulated knowledge systems about These ecosystem services include pro- their environment. Based upon the c) Functions, Use and Values visioning services, regulating services, knowledge people acquired, they in Satoyama possesses a number of signif- cultural services and supporting ser- turn applied it back to their environ- icant functions, use and values for both vices. These are all services that can ments and knew how to deal with their humans and the environment. The be derived also from satoyama as environments in a more sustainable functions, use and values of satoyama Table 1 below identifies. manner. For instance, humans have emanate from direct and indirect use learned the traits of mitigating and of tangible and intangible materials or d) Time Factor adapting to changes within their envi- items that exist within its parameters. The fourth feature of satoyama is the ronment. In addition, they have also Obviously, functions, use and values time factor. Although, the use of the developed habits that form part of the are all interconnected factors. The word satoyama dates back to the 18th cultural heritage that exist today. For functions or roles of satoyama include century, the creation and existence of instance, the festivals (matsuri) associ- habitat for plant and animal species, the area is likely to predate the use of ated with rice planting and harvesting sceneries, habitat for humans, and the word. This assumption can be (shukakusai) found in various parts of pool for biodiversity and ecosystems. attributed to the interaction factor Japan, the diet culture people have The plant and animal species and between humans and their environ- developed and the knowledge systems ecosystems have both use and non-use ments. In history wherever humans accumulated over the years comprise a or intrinsic values, which are of went, they had always interacted with part of the bigger cultural heritage. In tremendous values to humans and the their environments through agricul- fact, satoyama can be regarded as a environment. Ecosystems alone are a ture, forestry and other activities. For heritage. central component from which use and instance, agriculture especially the values are the most significant as they cultivation of rice in Japan dates back 2. Benefits from Satoyama play an important link between the to the Yayoi Era which is an era from For many hundreds of years satoyama biotic and abiotic elements of ecosys- 500 B.C to 300 A.D. has been a place that provided many tems that maintain a balance in the benefits to the people of Japan. For environment. The biotic component of The interaction between humans and instance, the rice, timber, charcoal ecosystems such as biodiversity are sig- their environment over time has gener- and water that people obtain to nour- 15

Provisioning Services Regulating Services Supporting Services Cultural Services - Rice - Climate control (in Japan) - Nutrient cycling - Eco-tourism - Sake (Rice Wine) - Local air quality control - Groundwater supporting - Traditional knowledge - Wild edible plants - Flood control - Carbon storage,etc. - Symbols and heritage of Japanese culture - Charcoal - Erosion control - Spiritual monuments and objects - Bamboo shoots (takenoko) - Landslide control (e.g. temples,mountains) - Mushrooms - Water quality control - Folklore (e.g. Matsutake, Shitake) - Water filtration - Festivals (Matsuri),etc. - Genetic resources - Control of wild animals Population - Medicinal plants - Pest control - Berries - Habitat for migrating birds - Bush meat - Pollination control - Timber - Buffering against acid rain and - Water,etc. dust,etc.

Table 1. Some Ecosystem Services from Satoyama

ish their livelihoods are a few examples as the ex-situ benefits of satoyama. abandonment, ageing population and of the benefits derived from ecosystem This significant role of satoyama is out-migration of the younger genera- services of satoyama. Satoyama also something which links the rural satoya- tion, global trade, and advancement of played a significant role as a buffer ma and urban dwellers, but it goes science and technology. The change is zone for dangerous animals like bears, unnoticed at often times. Although part of the changing ecosystems of the wild boars and sometimes monkeys. It satoyama continues to provide some of world that have been identified by the also prevented erosion from occurring the services today, the extent to which Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) as the drains in the paddy fields slowed it does now has declined compared to in 2005. down the flow of water. The forests in the past due to the declining values of satoyama also play a crucial role in satoyama. The following table illus- The abandonment and overgrowth is cleansing or purifying the air we trates some of the benefits satoyama attributed to depopulation and lack of breathe. Furthermore, the cleansing can provide to humans both within and able workforce. Depopulation is occur- process adds to regulating local cli- beyond the satoyama setting. ring in the rural satoyama areas as the mate in Japan. Such services that peo- younger generation is migrating to ple obtain emerge from the many 3. Issues of satoyama urban areas for alternative ways of life ecosystems found within satoyama. Despite the vital services satoyama has in urban areas. This adds to the prob- been providing to people in Japan, it is lem of low workforce in satoyama Of special note is that the benefits of beginning to face degradation and loss because the remaining population in satoyama are not only enjoyed by due to numerous factors that it has the satoyama hamlets is primarily the those residing within the satoyama set- now become a significant crisis in baby boomers who are now in their ting. Some of the ecosystem services Japan. This means that it is losing its late 60s or 70s. As the baby boomers originating from satoyama are enjoyed carrying capacity or value and func- grow older they no longer possess the also by those living outside of satoya- tions. The Ministry of Environment of physical strength to cultivate the ma. For instance, rice produced in Japan estimates that 40 per cent of paddy fields or agricultural lands or rural areas of Japan, with the excep- the total land mass in Japan is com- engage in the forestry sector. As out- tion of the imported portion, is con- prised of satoyama, and this area is migration of the younger generation sumed by both rural and urban now under threat. Satoyama is experi- and depopulation continue to occur the dwellers. A similar case can be said for encing overgrowth due to neglect, loss gap between the older and younger the timber that is harvested in the sec- of its economic value, and it is losing generation in terms of knowledge ondary forests of satoyama and used by its role as buffer zone to prevent nat- transmission grows wider and wider. people to build their homes or for ural disasters, such as floods and the This may lead to the loss of traditional other purposes. The ecosystem services appearance and attacks by bears cultures and especially traditional that originate from satoyama and are among other functions. The cause of knowledge of the community. benefited by those beyond the satoya- change in satoyama can be attributed ma setting are what can be considered to a multitude of factors including In addition, the impact of the abandon- 16

Saka-ami net for catching wintering birds in Kamoike Ramsar Site surrounded by paddy fields in Kaga, Ishikawa is a dying tradition

ment and overgrowth process can have satoyama is initially a managed area self-sufficiency rate of vegetables in an impact on biodiversity. As men- and should therefore have human Japan declined from 100% in 1965 to tioned earlier, there are species intervention to maintain the centuries 82% in 2003, and that of mushrooms including tadpoles, frogs and dragon- old area. These views are paradoxical does from 115% to 77% in the same flies that are used to human interven- and any decision to choose either one period (Japan MAFF, 2004). This tion and with abandonment and over- of them requires accurate scientific change can be partly attributed to growth they may cease to exist while information. However, it should be global trade and competition. new species may invade. There are two noted that the recognition of the schools of thought existing on the issue satoyama crisis in the third version of Japan is capable of importing cheaper of overgrowth where the first group the National Biodiversity Strategy of food and other goods from abroad believes that the nature in satoyama Japan illustrates the need to intervene through global trade, but if it chooses should be allowed to take its own for conservation of the centuries old to pursue this path extensively it will course thus allowing secondary nature tradition. take a toll on domestic products or to evolve into primary nature where goods especially those from satoyama humans should not intervene. This is A second consequence of abandonment and cause further demise of the entire perhaps along the lines of deep ecology can lead to the decline in productivity satoyama system. While trade can be or biocentrism where nature has the and self sufficiency in Japan. A report seen as a contributing factor to the capacity to evolve and should be left by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry demise of satoyama, Japan may choose to take its own course. The second and Fisheries (MAFF) in 2004 already not to import foreign products. group on the other hand perceives that illustrates this trend. For example, However, under trade rules the mea- 17 sures taken to not import foreign prod- and residential areas is losing its func- with forests. This high forest cover is ucts may constitute an act of discrimi- tion due to abandonment and over- also due to the fact that Japan’s forest nation. But, there are also exceptions growth causing bears to wander into demand has stabilized recently at 90 within the GATT, especially under the overgrown areas and residential million cubic meters. Given the large Article 20, which provides exceptions areas, and consequently attacking peo- amount of forest cover there is great for certain measures to prevent signifi- ple. For instance, until June 2007 in potential to develop these resources. cant ecological damage due to trade. Nagano Prefecture, the Prefectural While timber itself might be less com- This is perhaps something for Japan to Government reported 188 cases of petitive compared with the cheaper embark on in the future to minimize attacks by bears. foreign timber market, forest products external causes, especially trade relat- could be developed with technology to ed ecological, cultural and social These few problems associated with add value to it for markets. While change and prevent satoyama from col- satoyama illustrate the change and technology could be a cause for the lapsing. However, given the high cost seriousness of the declining satoyama. demise of satoyama as was seen in the of labor and production for goods in The implications of change in satoyama case of the development and use of Japan it will still be a challenge for the can certainly lead to the collapse of fossil fuels that killed off traditional goods produced in satoyama. the social, cultural, economic and eco- sources of energy from satoyama, it logical structures that have been creat- can also be utilized, at least, in the A related consequence is that when ed over many centuries. It is now cru- modern context to regenerate satoya- consumers tend to choose cheaper cial for innovative ways to be designed ma. There are already examples of imported goods, the expensive domes- to help conserve the satoyama her- using technology to add value to wood tic goods are forced to compete with itage. resources from satoyama. One such the imported goods. It is natural for example is the woodblock technology consumers to choose cheaper imported 4. Prospects of satoyama used for homes, buildings and con- goods over the expensive ones which The fact that satoyama is declining and struction work. Over 900 locations can have an impact on the value of so are its services is indisputable. throughout Japan use the woodblock local goods causing the value of the However,satoyama should not be technology today. Woodblock method goods to drop followed by the closure viewed as a useless area. There are or technology is created from thinnings of business. With high competition cou- certain opportunities for satoyama and woodchips from timber harvested pled with the declining value of goods which could be explored or developed from satoyama. The material is com- from satoyama and closure of business, to revitalize its value. To be able to pacted and used for walls of homes, it places the entire value of satoyama ensure that creative ways are needed buildings and construction for cheaper at risk. It can discourage people to as times have changed and one cannot prices. Some of the features of the engage in the production of goods from use old methods or neither return to woodblocks used for walls of homes are satoyama. This is something which is the hay days of satoyama where its that they are highly resistant to earth- happening currently in the satoyama resources were used extensively. Some quakes compared to concrete and area. One such example is the decreas- of the resources that were used in the steel. They also absorb humidity during ing production of charcoal from bam- past have lost their value in the mod- the summer season, and act as insect boo and secondary forests. This is due ern context, but they lie dormant and repellants. Patents have been taken on to the advancement of science and have a potential for development. To the technology by a number of compa- technology especially the import, pro- be able to regenerate the value, links nies including the Deguchi Construction duction and consumption of fossil fuels with the current trends may be useful. of Ishikawa Prefecture. that began during the 1950s which is Forests, cultural services including eco- the era of energy revolution. It must tourism, and aesthetic values are some Forests and woody biomass be noted that local economies depend resources found in satoyama that could Again given the large forest cover in on goods produced in areas like satoya- be developed. Japan the timber and forest resources, ma. Therefore, once satoyama ceases such as forest thinning, branches, to exist along with the goods and ser- Forests and technology leaves, log ends, sawdust, and dam- vices it provides it can take a toll on One major sector for development is aged trees from satoyama can be a the local economy. the forest sector. Since the 1960s major source of biomass production for Japan started planting trees for pre- energy or power generation. While Thirdly, satoyama has been losing its vention of natural disasters such as there is an abundance of forests the function as buffer zone for dangerous floods and landslides, which increased percentage of electricity generation mammals and pests. Satoyama which its forest cover. Approximately 70 per coming from woody biomass is only 1 once acted as a buffer zone for animals cent of the land in Japan is covered per cent compared to other sources of 18

Secondary forests and terraces in rural Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa. Satoyama, Eco-tourism and Agro Products

Eco-labeling for rice produced in satoyama, Miyagi Tourist spot in satoyama terrace. Senmaida, Wajima, Ishikawa

power generation. It is estimated that can be designed to create synergies are rural-based, small-scale family- 37,000,000 cubic meters of primary with adaptation and sustainable devel- owned initiatives on sustainable or woody biomass is generated annually in opment and can have “substantial co- organic agriculture and livestock man- Japan (Forestry Agency edition, 2004). benefits in terms of employment, agement which serve as businesses, This means that there is yet room for income generation, biodiversity and training centers, tourist attraction and the extensive use of woody biomass. watershed conservation, renewable technology demonstration sites. These energy supply and poverty alleviation” draw visitors and patrons from within Forests, carbon sinks and markets (IPCC, 2007). Under the Kyoto Protocol and abroad. This trend has presented Carbon emissions trading is one of the Joint Implementation mechanism, opportunities for local residents, small- primary instruments developed world- which outlines carbon offset projects scale businesses and nonprofit organi- wide to help reduce greenhouse gas between industrialized Kyoto eligible zations to participate in business activ- emissions and mitigate global climate projects include activities that lead to: ities related to tourism, environmental change. While carbon emissions trading avoided deforestation, and improved education, and sustainable or organic is only at experimental stages in management of croplands, grasslands, agriculture. Other related opportuni- Japan, there is a potential to incorpo- forests and peat lands. This could help ties include food production – mush- rate forestry management and carbon regenerate the declining economic rooms, local rice varieties (e.g. sequestration projects into a national value of satoyama forests. kamo–mai) and local rice wines e.g. emissions trading scheme. While (maizokin) or conservation activities Japan’s voluntary emissions scheme Ecotourism, which primarily combines through ecotourism, green tourism, has not yet developed a system to recreational and educational excur- furusato (nostalgic values of past era include forestry based off-set projects sion, is a growing niche market in type of landscape), and cultural (spiri- which could bring financing to such Japan as it offers many urban-based tual) retreats. activities. The IPCC, Mitigation Working people retreat from the stress, noise Group describes forest-related mitiga- and pollution associated with living in Conclusion tion activities as low cost projects that the city. In many parts of Japan, there The changes in ecosystems and their 19

Cultural and spritual value of satoyama,Chiba

services in satoyama are real. The However, satoyama still has resources Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, Ecosystems and message from the MA is timely for which are dormant, and if tapped into Human Well-being-Volume 4 -Multiscale Assessments:Findings of the Sub-global Assessments Japan’s satoyama as well. The degra- now through innovative ways including Working Group. Island Press, Washington, DC. (2005), dation and decline of ecosystem ser- links to technological and market pp. 1-388. vices are in themselves messages for us opportunities it can help revitalize the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, Ecosystems and to be worried about because some of value of satoyama. This can serve as Human Well-being- Synthesis. Island Press, the ecosystem services including food, incentive for interaction and can fur- Washington, DC. (2005), pp. 1-137. fiber, clean air, freshwater, genetic ther lead to the sustainable manage- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries resources, and cultural assets are some ment of satoyama. of Japan, 2004. of the basic items that support our The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, lives and livelihoods. We cannot afford http://www.maff.go.jp/nouson/chiiki/gt/index.htm to wait for another 10 - 15 years to References (in Japanese). Last visited on 10 April 2008. address the degrading ecosystem ser- HM Treasury, UK, Stern Review on the Eco- nomics of Climate Change,(2006). The Ministry of Environment of Japan vices of satoyama. The ecosystem http://www.env.go.jp/nature/ecotourism/char- changes are real issues that need Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, ter.html (in Japanese). Last visited on 10 April 2008. immediate action because if we Asian Perspectives on Climate Regime Beyond 2012: Concerns, Interests and Priorities,(2006) MSN-Mainichi Daily News neglect them and delay action, the http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/ p20070808p2a00m0na019000c.html. Last visited ecosystem services can be lost, and it Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Working Group Three: Fourth Assessment on 08 August 2007. could be difficult to restore them Report,(2007), Available at: later. Furthermore, any delayed action http://www.mnp.nl/ipcc/pages_media/AR4- K.Takeuchi, et. al, Satoyama-The Traditional chapters.html rural Landscape of Japan, Springer-Verlag, can be inviting the collapse of the Tokyo (2003), pp.1-299. social, cultural, economic and ecologi- Charles T. Keally, Prehistoric Archaeological Periodsin Japan,http://www.t-net.ne.jp/ World Bank, State and Trends of the Carbon cal aspects of the centuries old satoya- Market, (2007). ~keally/preh.html. Last visited on 10 April ma heritage. 2008. 20 Ecology of Divine Punishment and Favor: An Introduction to Environmental Ethnology

Hiroyuki Torigoe Professor at Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University

Until fairly recently, we have inherited wisdom gained through the experience of generations. These wisdoms are often region specific, tailored to be best suited to its natural features and histories and most acceptable to the minds of the local communities. Environmental ethnology is a new discipline that seeks to explore and accumulate indigenous wisdoms, with particular focus on their environmental aspects. The question here is: in what terms are current environmental and development issues irradiated by such wisdoms which remain alive beyond the bound- aries of time?

Ema - Illustrated wooden plaques given as votive offerings to shrines and temples, observed all over Japan. Visitors to a shrine or temple often write their prayers or words of thanks on the ema and dedicate them to the shrine or temple they have visited

Ethnology as a means to natural environment, a notion which Our ancestors accumulated personal address the pressing problems has gradually been challenged. We are experience during the course of their of time now reshaping our interpretation of the lives, out of which some truly splendid For quite some time, humans have interrelation between the natural envi- ideas were born. Some of these ideas believed that progress is determined ronment and humans – who are depen- have become the wisdoms of local by how “independent” we are from the dent on the former. communities. While these wisdoms 21

The Japanese have loved the beauty of managed nature in gardens at home and landscapes since ancient times

Enjoying a slow and relaxing trip going down the river with the raft

may seem strange or obsolete to the a discipline that focuses on the envi- Japanology) led by Norinaga Motoori eyes of contemporary humans, ethnol- ronmental aspects of such underlying and Atsutane Hirata. What character- ogists – in their attempt to discover the concepts. izes Kokugaku is that it does not draw underlying concepts – believe that distinctions between factual analysis, these are irreplaceable sources of Japanese ethnology is a descendant of thoughts and social movements. In eco- knowledge. Environmental ethnology is Kokugaku (lit. National Study or nomic science, for example, what is 22

Cherry blossoms covering Yoshinoyama. Tradition says that breaking one of the branches will break your arm

done before a discussion is to clearly discipline to be adapted to the modern deemed ideal by the current society as specify the difference between values society called Shin Kokugaku (neo- a desirable goal. On the other hand, and prices or define the meaning of a nativism), which was later termed since Kokugaku was not founded on the capital. In Kokugaku, on the other “Japanese Ethnology.” history of western science, its basic hand, an essential term may have more methodology is different from those of than one definition. For example, Most research carried out by Japanese economic science, political science or when you ask what “home” means in universities is based on western sci- sociology. ethnological terms you get several ence which was strongly influenced by answers. This is because in the disci- the Western European political Kunio Yanagita, the father of Japanese eth- pline of Kokugaku, the notion of thoughts of 17th century. Objectivism nology, stated that “the reason why we study “home” recalls the questioner of and elementalism speak of such influ- ghosts and the world of the dead is his/her own life experiences and any ences, as proved by the breaking down that these things pose compelling problems. answer that precludes them is mean- of water into H and O elements in nat- Japanese ethnology is concerned with ingless in the pursuit of what “home” ural science or the separation of the research of what is compelling for indi- really means. human activities into individual social vidual living humans. It is a discipline acts in sociology. of posing deep questions on how we During the Meiji era, the discipline of should exist at all.” Kokugaku was excluded from school We, humans, systematize knowledge in education by the government. Yet, the our lives and in so doing create some It is often considered that the Koku- renowned scholars Kunio Yanagita and sort of a pattern. Science is no excep- gaku school researched on The Kojiki: Shinobu Orikuchi favored the thoughts, tion - it has its own pattern in system- Records of Ancient Matters and The and consequently gave rise to a new atization, which is to consider what is Man’yoshu: Collection of Ten Thousand 23

One of the local small girls dressed up to dedicate a cherry branch to a temple on the birthday of Buddha for Yoshinoyama Hanae-Shiki - Lit. a ceremony to meet the flowers at Yoshinoyama. A tradition that shows how local communities have cherished the cherry blossom trees here

Leaves because studying old Japanese pline available to provide any plausible humans, it should not be devalued just things is what it was set out to do. answer for such question. That is why because it is “unscientific.”Japanese This, however, is an incorrect under- these matters should be studied.” ethnology is essentially disinterested in standing of the discipline. From the Thus, it is certainly not concerned with the question of whether or not it is Genroku era onwards, when the Kokugaku the simple question of whether ghosts true in scientific terms. After all, if school was founded, ordinary people actually exist or not. any new explanation makes people – started to have more spare time to who lead their lives at this very ponder over the purpose of human With regard to the world of the dead moment – feel at ease, this can only be an beings existence. To them, the time of for example, ethnology explains that in advantage. Man’yoshu seemed laid-back and free, rep- Japan, when people die they are sup- resenting the most desirable form of posed to become one of the ancestors The basic systematization approach society. This deep interest in the question who will protect their home or village adopted by ethnology is to examine the of how they should exist laid the foundation as a divine being. This explanation wisdoms gained through experiences by for the rise of Kokugaku. makes you happy as it reduces your many generations of ancestors. The sorrow at the thought of dying and key is to seek to figure out what lies Now, if ethnology is about studying being forgotten afterwards. beneath these wisdoms. To this end, compelling themes, then why should it the focus of the research tends to be address ghosts and the world of the Some people dismiss such a way of placed on the past. dead? Kunio Yanagita put it this way: thinking as unscientific. Indeed, it is “The most compelling problem for old not in line with western science at all. Invisible rules for happy lives the elderly is what they will become Nonetheless, if a question is concerned with As part of the research into wisdoms when they die, but there is no disci- the meaning of gaining knowledge for gained by generations of ancestors, 24 ethnologists visit various places to look at a variety of traditional occupations such as farming, forestry, ship building and smithing. The utilization of the his- tory of traditional occupations is effec- tive in dealing with environmental issues in ethnology.

Conventionally, ethnological studies are driven by the pressing need to record traditional occupations that seem to be vanishing due to the aging of skilled workers. As a matter of fact, however, there are always some young people replacing them and taking over the business. The young people do what they believe is important, not swayed by the continuing driving force of industrialization. Environmental eth- nology seeks to find the reasons why these people stick to the traditional ways of farming or fishing, despite the apparent inefficiency of these activi- ties.

It is found, for example, that a fisher- man answers his young follower’s ques- tion as to where he could find fish say- ing “Ask fish about fish” – an answer based on the deep understanding of nature, representing the idea of com- Yoshinoyama Hanae-Shiki - Many people including those serving gods at the temple and those from promising agreements between nature local communities attend the ceremony and humans in the form of sustainable fishing. As a matter of fact, doing something in an inefficient way is fun. Shinto priest, but to everybody. As seems somewhat irrelevant. As much as it may look inefficient, tak- capitalism progresses, the idea of ing what you need without damaging “belonging to everybody” has become Japanese have always ecology is a rational relationship you so weak that the notion that the owner cherished a managed natural can have with nature. has the right to do anything about environment his/her properties seems to have pre- Interested in people who have devel- Compromising agreements also exist vailed. oped wisdoms by living with the among the members of a local commu- nature, ethnological researchers have a nity. There are unspoken rules on what Still, I believe more people will begin positive view towards human beings’ to take, where and which part of the to realize the fact that while a piece of working on nature. Ecology, on the cultural aspects of the community. land belong to a particular person, it is other hand, focuses on the lives of Understanding these cultural aspects is at the same time part of the whole, organisms and regards human beings’ key to getting on with other members which belongs to us all. As all rice pad- livelihood from that perspective. For and enjoying being in the community. dies and vegetable fields in Japan used example, walking through a forest is a to be viewed that way, we believe that perfectly natural thing for a human The property value of a Shinto shrine private land is part of “our land” while being to do, but such an activity may may now sometimes become a topic of still acknowledging private ownership. be regarded as a disturbing factor in an a conversation, “chinju-no-mori (i.e. When such idea has taken root, the ecological survey, as it could “jeopar- sacred groves around Shinto shrines)” capitalist society would have matured dize” what is going on in the forest. essentially belong, not solely to the to a point where the term “capitalism” Human activities are often excluded 25

Regarding mountains as sacred places is often observed in Japanese religious practice. Believing in the presence of spiritual power in mountains seems to be connected to the con- trol of worshippers’ behavior in their daily lives

for that reason in ecology. The disci- developed through scientific knowl- A mechanism to develop respect pline of ecology tends to be based on edge and environmental education. for nature principles by which the managed natur- For example, it is now prohibited to Humans have also made numerous mis- al environment – such as rice paddies enter part of the Shirakami Mountain takes by carrying out destructive and vegetable fields – would be kept Range - a world natural heritage site - developments since ancient times. For “unchanged”. on the basis of the notion that there example, when constructing the the virgin Japanese beech forests ancient capital cities of Heiankyo and Ethnology, on the other hand, has a should be protected. Local hunters, Heijokyo, they cut timbers excessively, positive view towards changes made by who have long worked in the forest for so much so that new raised-bed rivers human beings. For example, people in their livelihood, are now allowed to were created. On the other hand, Kyoto have been enjoying the managed walk on the mountains provided they there have been numerous successful natural environment, instead of the wear guardians’ armbands to watch out cases of the managed natural environ- wild mountains per se, for a long time. for intruders. This certainly feels ment which all share common charac- The beauty of the managed natural wrong – they had worked deep in the teristics – respect for nature, and a environment – cherry blossoms, colored forests since ancient times and should certain mechanism to keep respectful leaves, pine trees planted along the be allowed to continue to do so. At manners. beaches – is what they cherish as least some thought should be given to nature. Regarding the state of being what a virgin Japanese beech forest Throughout Japanese history until very “virgin” as more precious is a relatively really means. recently, everyone was given some role new view of nature, which has been to play in the society. Any person who 26

Worshipping water springs as sanctuaries results in more care to keep the places clean. A happy interaction between a tradition and daily life

may be regarded “useless” in the cur- “No.” However, they all more or less from living together. However, when rent society, including the elderly who share this kind of spiritual concept – all the term is used in administrative poli- were unable to move properly or those those rituals they enjoy, such as throw- cies or by social scientists or natural with disabilities, used to have a part in ing money into an offertory box of a conservationists, it seems to mean “liv- the society they belonged to. The shrine at the New Year or putting a ing harmoniously,” which I believe is Japanese used to have a concept that good-luck charm in the car, represent more representative of what the people would carry certain roles even nothing other than faith, no matter if Japanese in general have in mind when after death – the dead were expected they deny it. Therefore, when trying to they say “kyosei.” not to simply rest in peace but to communicate with the Japanese about ensure the peace of mind of their the respect for nature, it would be From an ethnological point of view, descendants and the prolific growth of effective to use this sort of spiritual “living harmoniously” brings about cer- crops for the community. concept in a sensible way. tain advantages, including the joy of planting and enjoying the aesthetics of In Japan and other Asian countries, the Accepting the notion of gaining flowers and trees. For example, there term “gods” is not the God with the advantage from the environ- are canals that lead to Lake Biwa, capital “G” but it is represented by ment which were once used to transport ancestors who protect us after death. The Japanese term “kyosei” has firewood and tiles. They tended to Those who did what they should not become very popular in recent years. It build up sediments, which would then have are not worshipped by their literally means “living together.” In be dredged away – together with algae descendants and thus become ghosts. ecological terms, it is used to mean – by farmers, to recycle them as fertil- If you ask the Japanese people if they “symbiosis”, where both or either of izer. Once the sediments used in rice believe in God, many would answer two species are drawing advantages paddies became clayey, they would 27

western point of view, it would be quite irrelevant – these people would find it difficult to accept such terms for what they are doing. It may be a little similar to animism, but not quite animism per se. Likewise, it may be some sort of faith, but not quite faith per se. So, how can we call this men- tality? This is not a simple question, but a very important one too, as it con- cerns something we have lost in return for a rapid economic growth, which now needs to be recovered.

Ethnological concept in planning and design With regard to planning and design, I think there are two points to note from an ethnological perspective. The first one is concerned with veneration for nature. Unlike our ancestors, the Japanese today are trying to escape their responsibilities for natural disas- ters by simply utilizing latest technolo- gies to delay potential occurrences. For example, when a river is deemed risky, we could just take away the houses around it instead of construct- A sacred place kept in the managed landscape. A means to maintain respect for nature ing new embankments to stand for just 100 to 200 years. The ancestors of local communities in the region must have known they should not live there. then be dug up regularly to be used as prevent people from damaging trees. Some locations may do better with tile materials. The tiles produced were concrete, but some may not. We really then transported via the canals. To cite another example, Fukui City should incorporate our respect and has many public washing-up places. veneration for nature in planning. In those old days, people did not When I visited them, I found these dredge sediments and algae to clean places suggest to worship the god of Planning must also be taken into con- the water of the lake - they took water. In one of these places, I saw sideration for another aspect. Priority advantage of them by reusing them as several local ladies doing their wash- should not be given to the physical cre- fertilizer. I believe the idea of “taking ing-up and chatting. One of them left ation of a beautiful natural environ- advantage” this way should be credited the place in a hurry, as someone called ment. The lives and lifestyles of the more in current environmental conser- her because the phone was ringing. people who live in the area are key to vation efforts. Another lady tidied up what she left, the creation of a beautiful natural saying something like, “Oh my, the god environment, and not vice versa. What is behind animism and of water is watching us” in a pleasant Today’s development activities seem faith? way. I suppose she may have not cared to ignore the fact that a beautiful nat- In Yoshinoyama, which is renowned for if the god of water had not been there. ural environment should be a natural its splendid cherry blossoms, there is Because she did it for the god, I gather consequence of the way people lead an old saying that if you break a branch she did not feel her neighbor was a their lives. I believe this is why ethno- of a cherry blossom tree, you will nuisance. logical perspectives are needed in the break your arm or finger, get ill or concept of development today. incur some sort of divine punishment. I If you call such a behavior as represen- regard this as a way of utilizing faith to tative of “animism” or “faith” from a 28 Dreaming 400 Years into the Future Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto “Buys a Mountain”for Future Re-Building

Kounin Mori

Legal Affairs Manager, Kiyomizu Temple

Interviewer: Masaki Mashita, Nippon Keidaren Committee on Nature Conservation

Buildings, traditions and scenery all coming together “The Temple buys a Mountain.” Thus read the headlines in the newspapers a number of years ago. Kiyomizu Temple, a well-known Buddhist temple in Kyoto, had purchased surrounding mountain land and begun planting trees - an unprecedented activity for a temple. Kiyomizu temple, with a histo- ry of more than 1200 years, is one of the most popular of the many shrines and temples in Kyoto. It is so renowned that it appears in many literary works and is on the itinerary of all school excursions.

The secret to the temple’s unchanging popularity is without a doubt its beau- tiful surroundings. The main temple and the stage where the “Bugaku” dance is performed for the deities hang ©KYOTOKAN (Photo:Kenzou Yokoyama) over a steep mountain cliff atop 12 Kiyomizu Temple - One of the most famous temples in Japan meter-high stilts. The view from there is breath-taking. Some visitors are so enthralled by the view that they forget Kiyomizu temple purchased surround- The first challenge is that proper repair to pay their respects to the Kannon ing mountain lands out of a sense of of shrines and temples requires use of (Bodhisattva of Mercy) in the main mission to protect this moving experi- timber from “hinoki” (Japanese temple. Japanese often use the adage ence for future generations. cypress) and “keyaki” (zelkova) trees “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu,” that are at least three to four hundred meaning “to take the plunge” or make Growing the necessary wood years old. The trees need to be closely a bold decision. The subtle changes of Let us consider how the Kiyomizu tem- cared for to be suitable for temple the four seasons so unique to Japan ple came to purchase the mountain repair. Such wood is quite scarce. For add splendor to the scenic beauty. lands. instance, the “hiwadabuki” method for However, the scenery of Kiyomizu tem- roof thatching requires “hiwada” ple is unique to Kiyomizu; the same The head abbot’s first and foremost (Japanese cypress bark) from “hinoki” scenery viewed from a different place mission is to “protect the temple.” If trees that are at least 80-100 years would not move the soul in the same the temple is to be safeguarded in per- old. The wood is painstakingly pre- way. In other words, the buildings, tra- petuity, it needs to be repaired on a pared by first peeling off all the rough ditions, scenery and other aspects of regular basis. But many challenges outer bark, then letting the tree recov- the Kiyomizu temple come together to arise when repairing an old temple. er and finally harvesting the re-grown move the heart in a special way. The bark ten years later. If all the suitable 29

©KYOTOKAN (Photo:Kenzou Yokoyama) The stage of the temple surrounded by the colored leaves of autumn wood is used up at once, repairs will not be possible for another four hun- dred years. Not long ago, when the Itsukushima shrine in Hiroshima suf- fered damage from strong winds on two separate occasions, a huge amount of “hinoki” bark was required for repairs. The necessary wood may become unavailable if such crises recur.

The second challenge is the shortage of people with expertise to repair or rebuild temples. The craftspeople know as “motokawashi” who specialize in collecting “hinoki” bark are dwin- dling in number, to the extent that 30 some temples are trying to train peo- ple in this skill. Master artisans who specialize in building and repairing temples and shrines, known as “miya- daiku,” are also extremely few in num- ber, and their traditional skills are being lost due to a lack of successors.

The third challenge is that temples wish to use wood grown on their own lands. During the Meiji period (latter 19th century), the so-called “haibutsu kishaku (expel Buddhism)” movement to segregate Shinto shrines from Buddhist temples was carried out with the biased view that the Japanese ancestral religion of Shinto must be purged of the foreign influence of Buddhism. Prior to that, Buddhist tem- ples had fiefs known as “jiryou” which supplied wood for repairs, but the tem- ple fiefs were nationalized as state forests as a result of the crackdown on Buddhism. After that, temples were forced to purchase the wood they Protecting surrounding forests protects the temple - Kiyomizu temple carefully manages forests at a cost of nearly needed for repairs. 5 million yen a year

The novel plan of “buying a mountain” mean one less tree to cut elsewhere, to work one step at a time while looking was conceived as a way to solve such and less damage to nature. Buying the a couple of centuries ahead. That is a les- problems. The plan was to buy moun- wood might be simpler, but we would son we can learn from the Kiyomizu tain land, plant the necessary trees on prefer to harvest at least some of the temple. it, then grown the wood needed for timber from our beloved mountain. No the temple’s future. A decision was one knows if even the mountain will Caring for the trees made to purchase mountain land that exist 400 years from now. But why not Through such activities, the temple had been abandoned due to the invest in this dream?” One can feel staff deepened their understanding on con- decline of forestry in recent years. the abbot’s sense of mission and hope serving biodiversity and the cycles of Some people who read about the plan that motivated him to purchase the interdependence between plants and in the newspaper donated zelkova mountain land and plant trees for animals, and began to feel the need to plant saplings which they had raised. These Kiyomizu temple. a greater variety of plants. They also began were planted on the newly acquired a process of trial and error to grow the kind lands - an activity without precedent. At present, the Kiyomizu temple owns two of trees needed for temple building. TV stations went on to report that areas of mountain land (forests), which are For instance, they carefully selected “Kiyomizu temple is planting zelkova being carefully managed, each at a which branches should be pruned and trees with a dream for 400 years in the cost of nearly 5 million yen a year, tried planting other trees around the future.” partly subsidized by Kyoto city. This is one zelkovas so that they would grow thing the caretakers of Kiyomizu tem- upwards rather than outwards. People hear- The head abbot of Kiyomizu temple ple can do to protect it for the next ing of their concerns started to give says: “Planting trees is a way to fulfill one or two hundred years. Planting and tend- advice on how to best care for the our dream. We don’t expect all of the ing the trees is hard work that must be con- trees. This advice was communicated to trees to survive 400 years. It is enough tinued for many years, so it has been the people tending the trees, and if even one of them survives. It is entrusted to the local people, provid- methods suitable to the area were enough if we can even replace one of ing a boost for the local economy and com- actively adopted. Not only Kiyomizu the stilts of the temple platform with munity. Though nature cannot be temple, but the entire community took it timber from our mountain. That will restored overnight, the important thing is upon itself to care for the mountain. 31

ronmental education and learning through contact with nature. The head abbot comments that chil- dren used to have all their fun playing in nature. As soon as they returned from school, they would go out to play in nature, hunting for insects, building tree houses, or picking wild berries. So they appreciated nature, knew the names of plants and animals, and learned the sense of being alive. But children nowadays live in the virtual world of TV games, where they come to think that violence is O.K. since “reset” is only a click away. They lose touch with the sense of being nurtured by nature and sharing life with other living creatures.

It is actually the children’s parents, the adults, who are fomenting such attitudes. They also grew up without experiencing nature, so they do not know how to teach children about ©KYOTOKAN (Photo:Kenzou Yokoyama) nature and prefer to keep their chil- The basic role of a temple is to calm the minds of those who visit dren away from nature. As long as the par- ents deprive their children of nature, Recently the town of Kyoto has also effort to transplant heavy trees on the hill- scolding them for “going near the dangerous started to pay attention to scenic sides, somehow restoring the land- pond” or “picking up those dirty beauty. Even the local government, scape to the present state.” insects,” the children will have no way to which used to take the attitude “let get in touch with nature. the scenery take care of itself,” started For the future of our children to take action as it saw the hills lose The head abbot says that such activi- The greenery of the temple grounds their vitality. As Kyoto is surrounded by ties of caring for the environment are helps in a modest way to improve this sit- mountains on three sides, there is a needed more than ever nowadays due uation. Teachers, parents and children need movement to revive the “satoyama” or to the weakening bonds of human rela- to learn together from nature in the mountain biotopes of the old days. tionship. The mountains, invigorated space the temple provides. “I want With a wish to bring back the seasonal beau- by these activities, breathe fresh life everyone to feel how nice it is to be in ty of Kyoto with its spring cherry blossoms into people’s hearts. Modern-day peo- nature. A temple is a place of worship, and autumn wheat fields, the local ple, driven by profit, have lost their but that is not its only function. Its community and temples are teaming sense of gratitude and reverence more basic role is to calm the minds of those up with the Forestry Agency, City Hall, and towards nature. They do not think to who visit. To be able to forget the Kyoto Prefecture and nowadays even plant a tree after cutting one, to keep woes of daily life, even for just a the Construction Ministry. waste off the sidewalk or separate moment, and take in a breath of fresh air their garbage. What is common to while enjoying the view-such peace of “Now all stakeholders must work such behavior is a lack of the sense of mind is the temple’s gift to people. together to foster nature. We have to the sanctity of nature, or in Buddhist This same serenity is needed when nurturing rebuild what we have destroyed. At terms, “that even rivers, grasses and a forest. I hope people will learn to one time, even the famous Arashiyama dis- trees will become Buddhas (fully awak- calm the mind while tending the trees. If trict, so renowned as a place to enjoy Kyoto’s ened).” Practically speaking, one rea- so, the wish to protect nature will natu- seasonal beauty, lost all of its pine son is that people had few opportuni- rally take root. People who think this trees. Even the cherry trees were on the ties to commune with nature as chil- way will instinctively work to protect verge of extinction. That is when the con- dren. The head abbot of Kiyomizu tem- the environment.” servation society made a massive ple insists on the importance of envi- 32 山川草木悉皆成仏 - The Mountains, Rivers, Grasses and Trees Will All Become Buddhas - The Japanese View of Nature and Religion

Kasei Nagasawa Secretary General, Kyoto Buddhist Organization

Interviewer: Masaki Mashita, Nippon Keidaren Committee on Nature Conservation

A shinto shrine inside a premise of a temple - representing the unique coexistence between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan

Religion takes root in a place nature. Buddhism was brought to Japan tains, rivers, grasses and trees all have The Japanese view of nature cannot be via China and Korea, but was trans- Buddha Nature”; in other words, that discussed without considering the formed into something uniquely Buddha Nature (the enlightened con- Japanese religious outlook. The Japanese after its arrival. Its transfor- sciousness of the Buddha) is immanent Japanese have developed a unique per- mation came about through interaction in all of nature. This view is deeply spective on religion over the long years with ancient Shintoism, the indigenous influenced by ancient Shintoism. of their history. The influence of religion of Japan devoted to the “eight Shintoism has also been influenced by Buddhism has been particularly strong, hundred myriad gods.” A typical exam- Buddhism in many ways, such as in the and has been a major factor in the ple of this influence is the concept of “garan”*-style layout of the religious development of the Japanese view of (Japanese) Buddhism that “the moun- compound (*Translator’s note:from 33

different courses, but they all end up at their origin, the ocean. The moon may set, but it is still most certainly there, though it is not visible to the eye. This teaching is transposed to our deceased loved ones, who are thought to be not dead but certainly present, only not visible to the eye. In this way, nature in its many aspects has breathed new life into the teachings of Buddhism in a way unique to this land.

Interaction of Buddhism and Shintoism Buddhism and Shintoism have been in contact for more than a thousand years. It is no exaggeration to say their interaction gave birth to the Japanese identity. The unique Japanese view of nature that devel- oped over a millennium considers the human mind itself to be one with nature. Thus, humans are not the caretakers of nature, rather they are at one with nature and inseparable from it.

This view of nature is most apparent in Japan’s mountain religion, as repre- sented by the Honzan Shugen School. The Honzan Shugen School, headquar- tered at Shogoin temple in Kyoto, is a uniquely Japanese religion syncretizing Buddhism and Shintoism. It is based on the spirituality of ancient mountain worship and teaches that one can achieve enlightenment, overcoming suffering and purifying body and mind by practicing austerities in the rugged mountains. Prior to the “haibutsu

©Shogoin temple kishaku” crackdown, this sect had Japan’s mountain religion is based on the spirituality of ancient mountain worship and teaches that one can achieve twenty thousand temples throughout enlightenment, overcoming suffering and purifying body and mind, by practicing austerities in the rugged mountains Japan, but now this has dwindled to only some two hundred temples. The “Samgharama” or monastery in believed that the Buddha nature is number of practitioners roaming the Sanskrit). immanent in the mountains and mountains while praying to the Gods forests, trees and flowers, moon, stars and Buddhas was also drastically As this indicates, religion does not and sun, which help to purify and reduced. (Note: “Haibutsu kishaku develop in isolation. It takes root in develop the mind. (expel Buddha)” refers to a crackdown the culture of the area, accommodat- on Buddhism during the Meiji Period ing the local climate and customs. The There is a Zen saying that “water flows (late 19th century) in which many view of nature is an important factor to its origin, the sea; the moon sets Buddhist temples, statues and scrip- for religion to take root in the local but never leaves the sky.” Zen teaches tures were destroyed and the monks traditions. In Japan, it came to be that there are many rivers following and nuns were deprived of their privi- 34

©Shogoin temple The Japanese view of nature is partly based on the spirituality of ancient mountain worship leges,since Shintoism alone was seen shrine that enshrines the nobleman Shintoism and Buddhism is thus being to be the ancestral religion of Japan.) Michizane Sugawara as a god of learn- revived nowadays. Here we can see As this shows, the “haibutsu kishaku” ing has started to donate Michizane’s the strong spiritual support of not only crackdown shook the very foundations “hamaya” (ritual arrows said to dispel the general populace but also the cler- of Japanese spirituality. However, peo- evil influences) to the Kinkakuji gy devoted to the Gods and the ple did not go so far as to throw away (Golden Pavilion) temple. The monks Buddha’s teachings. the Buddhist altars in their homes as of Toji temple, world famous for its urged by the Meiji government. five-storied pagoda, have been making Shintoism, based on the ancient Therefore, the government could not regular visits to pray at Fushimi Inari Japanese values of reverence for completely wipe out Buddhism from shrine, headquarters to the countless nature and the wish for prosperity of the hearts of the Japanese people. No Inari shrines throughout Japan. The future generations, is also very much institutional change could wipe away Hachimangu shrine conducts the Hojo- alive today. Often one will find a spirituality from people’s minds;the e ceremony*, and the Yasaka shrine, Buddhist temple right next to the uniquely Japanese outlook on religion famous for its Gion festival, is also vis- Shinto shrine, or a shrine side by side had somehow survived. ited regularly by the monks of Mt. Hiei, with a temple. These are signs of the the sacred mountain that is like a continuing syncretism of Shintoism and At present, the relations between the mother to the many schools of Buddhism in the present age. two religions, which had become alien- Buddhism in Japan. (*Translator’s ated under such historical circum- note: originally a Buddhist ceremony Environmental issues need to be stances since the Meiji era, have start- in which captured fish are freed in a addressed with a Buddhist sense ed to mend, leading to new coopera- pond as a sign of compassion and grati- of time tion between Buddhism and Shintoism. tude for giving their lives to humans.) The view that “the mountains, rivers, For instance, the Kitano Tenmangu The deep communion between grasses and trees will all become 35

Shinto shrine. These groves most clear- ly reflect the Japanese sense of awe towards nature and the presence of the sacred in nature, which safeguard nature and greenery. Depopulated vil- lages whose shrines and temples are seldom visited tend to lose vitality as communities, leading to loss of natural bounty as well. In other words, trea- suring the community spirit by protect- ing the sacred groves and everyone cel- ebrating the local festivals ultimately fosters a vibrant society in which all living things can prosper.

Having a sense of awe towards nature Japan, surrounded on all sides by ocean, has fostered a distinctly Japanese culture of great subtlety and refinement through many centuries, incorporating diverse cultural influ- ences from the continent. This culture is based on the “forest religion” of Buddhism, which is sensitive to the sanctity of nature and its changing sea- sons. Buddhism is also characterized by self-knowledge and edification. ©KYOTOKAN (Photo:Kenzou Yokoyama) Solving various problems requires action grounded in a Buddhist sense of time, a long term Self-edification leads to a common vision of the future at least one or two hundred years from now view of reality, fostering a uniquely Buddhist view of nature, which I am Buddhas” considers that humanity was and environmental degradation are convinced can transcend national given life by all of nature. This is the preventing large trees from living this boundaries to instill deep understand- basis for the Japanese outlook on long. Japan is being deluged by prob- ing. nature. When environmental issues are lems such as acid rain, global warming, viewed from this perspective, it is no infiltration of exotic species and loss of I think nature has its own grand bio- longer possible to speak of “symbiosis biodiversity, which are impacting not rhythm. The sense of awe towards between humanity and nature” as sep- only human health but also our cultural nature that the Japanese, Inuits and arate entities. The two are one. The assets. Solving these problems requires other peoples share has helped us to concept of “being gentle to the earth” action grounded in a Buddhist sense of live in harmony with this biorhythm. is human-centered and is full of human time, a long term vision of the future Humans cannot live without eating intent. Rather, the relevant view is at least one or two hundred years from other plants and animals. For this very that “the earth is gentle to us.” now. reason, we have a natural sense of awe “Being gentle to the earth” implies a and gratitude toward nature. This rather arrogant outlook, much differ- From now on, it will be necessary to sense is universal. Is it not the com- ent from the distinctly Japanese view take an approach that supports the life mon ground we share with all other that “nature breathes life into us.” of humanity and nature as one, pro- nations? This outlook cannot be understood tecting the way of life and social cohe- without reference to religion and cul- sion of residents and making the most I am certain a solution to the biodiver- ture. For instance, wooden buildings of the unique features of the locale sity crisis can be found if we let go of are part of Japanese culture. Buildings such as the people, landscape and sea- our human bias and tap into the wis- constructed with wood from thousand sons. One of the uniquely Japanese dom of “all living beings” which thinks year old trees are said to last for a expressions of this approach is the five hundred or a thousand years into thousand years, but nowadays acid rain “chinju no mori” or sacred grove of the the future. 36 Reintroduction of Oriental White Storks in the Wild as the Central Focus of Policy Making Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Hidemichi Ootagaki Director of the Oriental White Stork and Human Coexistence Department, Toyooka City

An Oriental White Stork chick at the feet of its parents (Photo credit: Hyogo Prefectural Homeland for the Oriental White Stork)

Toyooka City Data - Industries: Agriculture, fishery, What is the Oriental White - Confirmed to have been the habitat forestry and tourism (over 5 million Stork? for the last wild Oriental White Stork tourists per year); indigenous indus- - Order : Ciconiiformes ; in Japan. tries include bag making, Toyooka Family: Ciconiidae Kiryu woodwork, Izushi porcelain, - Location: North-east part of Hyogo Kinosaki strawwork and Tajima silk - A huge limicoline bird, 1m long, Prefecture, adjacent to Kyoto crape. weighs 4 to 5 kg and has a wingspan Prefecture. of 2m approx. - Oriental White Stork initiative: The - Population: 90 thousands approx. city started releasing Oriental White - Predatory - Eats fish like crucians Storks in the wild in 2005. and loaches, as well as frogs, - Municipal area: 700km2, 80% of grasshoppers and other small ani- which are forests mals. 37

A fledging young Oriental White Stork

Trial release in 2005 Crowds of spectators gathered to witness the 2005 trial release

- Eats approx. 500g per day under place and a wintering place, but may Endangered) under the Law for the captive breeding (equivalent to 80 become a resident bird when adapted Conservation of Endangered Species loaches), and thus is unable to live to the environment of a particular of Wild Fauna and Flora. without rich biodiversity. place along the way. - Designated as a specially protected - Basically migratory. Mainly breeds in - Estimated population: 2,500 to species by the Japanese government under wetlands in the catchments of the 4,000. the Cultural Properties Protection Law. Amur River in eastern Siberia and travels to the south-east region of - Classified as CR (Critically endan- - The White Stork is a closely-related China (around the Yangtze River and gered) on the “IUCN Red List” IUCN species, which mainly breeds in the Lake Poyang), Taiwan, Korea and Red Listof Threatened Species. mid-south to north region of Europe Japan to stay over the winter. Basically and migrates to the North Africa to migrates between the breeding - Classified as Category IA (Critically stay over the winter. 38

Paddy field ecosystem pyramid A city government's sign asking drivers not to disturb Oriental White Storks

Extermination of non-native species

Farmers and an Oriental White Stork A study group examining ways to accommodate Oriental White Storks

Extinction and revival Japan, the population steadily tlefront radically reduced their of Oriental White Storks decreased until the last wild individual nestling places. Third, the post-war Oriental White Storks used to hover the was found dead in 1971. environmental destruction caused seri- land of Japan. In the Edo Period, ous damage to their habitats, i.e. wet- Heinrich Schliemann, who was How did they come to extinction? First, lands. Use of pesticides and chemical renowned for the excavation of the there was the lifting of ban on guns fertilizers also reduced their food, such legendary city of Troy, witnessed some under the Meiji government, which as crucians and loaches, and caused of these birds nestling in a temple and resulted in overexploitation. Second, the accumulation of toxic substances a Shinto shrine in June 1865. In the cutting down of pine trees during inside their bodies. Toyooka City, which is confirmed to the Second World War for the purpose have been the last of their habitats in of providing wood and oil for the bat- Alarmed by the rapid decrease, a pro- 39

A fishway connecting a paddy and a water channel

Oriental White Stork sake brand Studying living organisms in a paddy

［千人］ ［ha］ ［ha］ 500 160 154.3 600 559.2 450 ひょうご 安 心ブランド 平成18年度 140 無農薬 28.6 500 コウノトリの舞 400 48.8万人！ 減農薬 350 120 425.4 96.4 400 300 100 平成17年度 321.9 12.4 250 24万人！ 80 300 262.6 200 125.7 200.5 60 200 150 84.0 40 4.7 100 100 56.6 45.9 50 20 1.8 37.0 19.0 0.7 14.4 0 0 0 H12 H13 H14 H15 H16 H17 H18［年度］ H15H16 H17 H18 H19 ［年度］ H15 H16 H17 H18 ［年度］

Changes in the number of visitors to Eco Museum Center Changes in the number of visitors to Eco Museum Center Changes in the area under cultivation for the Safe Rice for the Oriental White Stork (2000 to 2006) for the Oriental White Stork (2000 to 2006) brand

tection campaign was launched in today, there are over 100 birds under We are committed to fulfilling a 1955, which eventually came to using captive feeding. promise we made with the bird. When artificial feeding as a last resort in we decided to do artificial breeding as Toyooka in 1965. It turned out to be an Ultimate goal of reintroduction a last resort, caught a pair and lock absolute ordeal, as not a single chick efforts them in a cage, we promised them to was hatched for 24 years. In 1985, Returning Oriental White Storks to the return their offspring to the wild. We Khabarovsk of Russia, with which the wild is a grand project, unprecedented must keep our word. Returning the Hyogo Prefecture was trying to have a in the world. Toyooka City has invested captive birds to the wild has been one sister city relationship, provided juve- enormous time, energy and resources of the important missions of Toyooka niles as a gift. This led to the hatchling in this project for the following rea- for generations. of the first ever chick in 1989, and sons: 40

Tour guide training course

We are committed to contributing to the international efforts on the conser- vation of endangered species. The rapid economic growth, which caused the extinction of the birds in Japan, is also happening in the breeding places Local communication center “Konotori Hompo (Oriental White Stork Shop)” run by Toyooka City like Russia, as well as in China, Korea and Taiwan. Now that many species are being threatened by environmental destructions, conserving an endangered species, like Oriental White Storks, is Synergetic effects between Rice production regarded as a duty of a member of the environmental efforts by the stork-oriented farming international community. Hyogo and economy We developed the “Oriental White Prefectural Homeland for the Oriental In order to make the initiative sustainable, Stork Oriented Farming” to combine White Stork has promoted international we believe economic benefits should the efforts to promote good rice pro- information exchange, in which be sought at the same time. Toyooka duction and create the good natural Toyooka is participating to further pro- City developed the “Environmental and cultural environments for the mote international collaboration. Economic Strategy” in March 2005, birds. The method consists of various aiming to promote synergetic effects techniques to nurture their live food We are committed to recreating a rich envi- between environmental efforts and organisms, such as the early flooding of ronment. In order to allow Oriental economy. The Strategy has three paddy fields, maintenance of an ample White Storks to live, it is essential to objectives: to make all environmental water depth, delayed mid-term water turn the current satoyama, paddy initiatives sustainable; to make the citi- drainage, water flooding and installa- fields, rivers and water channels into zens proud of being part of the city; tion of fishways in paddies. Thanks to the rich natural environment sustained by and to become economically indepen- the vigorous media coverage which diverse living organisms. Regeneration dent through the effective utilization reported on the birds feeding on the of such natural environment requires of environmental assets. To fulfill paddies and promoted the safe image changing our lifestyles. We must these objectives, five key policy con- of the rice grown there, inquiries from remind ourselves of the fact that it was our cepts have been developed: promotion of consumers and retailers are rapidly way of living and values that forced consumption of locally produced products increasing. The prices of the rice pro- the birds to extinct. We will also have to in the city; promotion of the Toyooka-style duced this way are much higher than recreate a cultural environment to sustainable agriculture; promotion of those of the conventionally grown rice, coexist in harmony with the birds. If Oriental White Stork tourism; promo- which has been the good incentive for we manage to create the natural and tion of the invitation of private enterprises the farmers. Furthermore, rice for cultural environments that are rich with the environmental economic brewing sake is grown in this method enough to make the birds comfortable, it focus; and promotion of the use of natural under contracts with major sake brew- will definitely be beneficial for us energy. We have had some successful ers, and a variety of Oriental White humans too. cases already, they are described Stork brand sakes are available in the below. market now. 41

Reconstructed wetland provisionally called "Hachigoro’s Toshima"

regenerate and conserve rich ecosys- tems, the city continues to undertake efforts for wetland revival, including registration under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance A wild Oriental White Stork that used to fly to Toyooka called “Hachigoro” feeding himself Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, in coordination with flood control and agricultural interests.

The initiatives are expanding into the Promotion of oriental White moved its production base to the city private sector too - more and more pri- Stork tourism in 1999, and now has transferred its vate enterprises are participating in The Hyogo Prefecture set up the headquarters functions of research and the initiatives as part of their CSR Homeland for the Oriental White Stork development as well. They are plan- activities. The city is also promoting in November 1999 as a breeding and ning to expand their business further the theorization of the initiative, as we research center, while Toyoyoka City from here, which not only will boost believe that in order to make our opened the Eco Museum Center for the the local economy but also help reduce efforts sustainable, all the experiences Oriental White Stork in the Homeland fossil fuel consumption, ultimately and lessons learned should be orga- in June 2000 as a center for city resi- helping prevent global warming. Upon nized as a set of academic knowledge. dents to participate in the initiative. moving, they stated clearly that they To this end, we are establishing a Since the first reintroduction of the chose Toyooka because of its Oriental multi-disciplinary and multi-level col- birds to the wild in September 2005, White Stork initiative. They found the laboration system to involve local com- the number of visitors to these facili- city a suitable location for pursuing munities, students in and outside the ties has rapidly increased from 150 their dream of a sustainable future. city, researchers and specialists in and thousand to more than 450 thousand outside Japan. Our Oriental White per year. Those visitors often purchase Biodiversity initiatives Stork initiative is thus a part of city souvenirs, dine or reserve accommoda- for sustainable city planning planning processes, where our tions in the city. Some major travel One of the issues in returning Oriental White lifestyles, material needs and knowl- agencies have released tourism prod- Storks to the wild is the regeneration edge are interconnected with each ucts featuring the birds, which are of feeding places. There are not other through revaluation of history, becoming very popular. enough live food organisms naturally traditions and resources centering on available for the 20 birds currently living the natural environment of the city. Presence of a solar battery in the wild, particularly during winter. Toy- Toyooka is committed to promote itself manufacturer giant ooka used to be a major habitat for the birds as a small City of Pride through these One of the biggest thin film solar bat- because it had diverse wetlands scat- initiatives. tery manufacturers of the world has tered around the city. Now that all moved to the city to strengthen its these rich habitats were lost, what we need competency and meet the rapidly to do is to reconstruct individual wetlands, increasing demand mainly from however small they are, and link them to European countries. The company first create a wetland network. To create, 42

Regional Planning with a Focus on Biodiversity: Challenges of a Local Natural History Museum Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo

Isao Nakase*, Takashi Kyakuno** * Vice president; Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo. Professor;University of Hyogo (Landscape planning, Regional planning) ** Senior researcher; Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo (Urbanplanning, Environmental planning)

Fig.1: Example of research project information brochure

1. Biodiversity in regional and environmental issues are not a special Accumulation of knowledge and data community planning phenomenon in Japan, Japanese eco- on biodiversity is indispensable for As the Kyoto Protocol entered into nomic and social systems have gradual- regional and community planning force, Japan has to reduce CO2 emis- ly changed to address environmental today. Regional natural history muse- sions by six percent by 2012. In the challenges since Rio Environmental ums can contribute much in this meantime, actions on biodiversity, Summit in 1992. regard. The function of natural history such as the introduction of the Invasive museums is not only to hand specimen Alien Species Act to conserve native Over recent years the emphasis on the and data to future generations, but ecosystems, have also been accelerat- “environment” in urban, regional and also to support environmentally-sound ed. Although increasing concerns on community planning has increased. regional and community planning by 43

Fig.2: Example of results of a dandelion survey (native species) Fig.3: Example of results of a dandelion survey (exotic species)

Fig.4: Results of a wild boar appearance survey Fig.5: Results of a Japanese macaque appearance survey

Fig.6: Results of a simultaneous water temperature dis- tribution survey

Photo 1: Local residents joining in the dandelion survey Photo 3: Huge encapsulated specimen

educating citizens and providing pro- Activities, Hyogo (hereafter HITO- and landscape planning) have been fessional knowledge to the public. HAKU). As a public natural history cooperating with those in the field of museum, HITOHAKU has been actively natural science to promote projects In this article, we discuss how natural engaged in communicating and cooper- and programs since its establishment in history museums can contribute to ating with citizens and supporting 1992. Such partnership among community and regional planning regional and community planning. This researchers considerably contributes to focusing on biodiversity and the role makes HITOHAKU one of the leading community and regional planning by natural history museums have to play museums in this field in Japan. At taking into consideration nature and on the basis of our experience in the HITOHAKU, researchers in the field of the environment. Museum of Nature and Human planning (urban planning, architecture 44

Photo 2: Aquatic plant survey Photo 4: Borneo Jungle Experience School

to the growing interest in environment is- cherry blossoms, bamboo lily (Lilium sues and the necessity of environmental japonicum), forest green treefrog education at citizen level, there is also a (Rhacophorus arboreus), etc. Currently growing need to promote environmental we are working on the distribution of education among citizens while col- colonies of cormorants (cf. Figure 1). lecting basic materials in collaboration with In the case of Sympetrum pedemon- Photo 5: Learning the construction of a flower from an expert them so as to enrich the academic material tanum elatum, elementary schools in of the natural history museum. the region actively participated in the project by contributing to the educa- HITOHAKU has been conducting basic tion of children. 2. Collection of basic materials biological surveys with the participa- on biodiversity with participa- tion of citizens since 2002. In this par- HITOHAKU is conducting other several tion of citizens ticipatory research project, we distrib- basic surveys related to biological dis- (1) Collecting materials with ute brochures explaining the survey tribution with the participation of citi- citizen’s participation method to the citizens who want to zens besides the examples above. HITOHAKU is collecting various materials join the project to collect data, includ- Some of those examples such as the related to nature and the environment. Spec- ing witness information on various survey on dandelion and wild animals imens of living organisms are mainly species, which are then plotted on will be explained later on. stored in the repository while photos maps to create distribution charts. and figures are stored either as tangible Information is provided to us mainly by (2) Dandelion distribution survey copies or as image data. The number of postcards and the Internet. The results The research project “Dandelion Sur- items is more than one million, which makes are published through the Internet by vey 2005” was a wide-scale distribution it one of the largest stocks in natural using GIS and can be searched for and survey of dandelions which saw the history museums in Japan. Collecting is the browsed. It is also possible to compare participation of citizens from the Kinki area basic activity of a natural history museum them with the distribution data of in the Western part of Japan from 2004 to and the core for its research activities. Many other wildlife in order to understand 2005. The Kinki area is composed by natural history museums, including HI- the natural environment of the region. large cities (Osaka, Kobe, etc.) with TOHAKU, collect materials by efforts of their The targets of past research projects their wide urban areas, as well as wide own staff or by donation from amateur col- included dragonfly (Sympetrum pede- mountains and coastal areas. Climate lectors and researchers. Moreover, owing montanum elatum), flowering date of conditions vary considerably in the Kinki 45

Enumeration district No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 # of species at the time of survey 45 27 33 31 40 50 # of species found in follow-up survey 52 37 38 38 44 55 # of species lost 10 12 10 11 ５ 11 # of species increased ３ ２ ５ ４ １ ６ Species increased Callicarpa japonica Amelanchier asiatica Aster scaber Aster scaber Fraxinus sieboldiana Celtis sinensis var. japonica Carex lanceolata Cocculus orbiculatus Castanea crenata Paederia scandens Mallotus japonicus Elaeagnus umbellata Castanea crenata Dioscorea gracillima Dioscorea gracillima Prunus grayana Prunus grayana Ilex serrata Dioscorea tokoro Lindera umbellata Lindera umbellata Prunus verecunda Prunus verecunda Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Lonicera gracilipes var. gracilipes Mallotus japonicus Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber Rhododendron kaempferi var. kaempferi Sapium sebiferum Mallotus japonicus Lindera glauca Paederia scandens Rhus javanica var. chinensis Rhus trichocarpa Parthenocissus Paederia scandens Parthenocissus tricuspidata Rhus trichocarpa Smilax nipponica Pourthiaea vilosa var. laevis Pourthiaea vilosa var. laevis Prunus verecunda sinensis var. japonica Styrax japonica Prunus verecunda Prunus grayana Rhus trichocarpa Smilax china Viola violacea tricuspidata Wisteria japonica Viburnum erosum Vitis sacchariferaCeltis Viburnum erosum Tripterospermum Vitis saccharifera Vitis saccharifera Viola violacea Zanthoxylum piperitum

Table 1: List of plant species newly appeared after the implementation of satoyama management

Photo 6: Satoyama management area, ranging from modest tempera- submit the data sheet together with network to study other species as well as ture with limited rainfall and relatively low the collected samples; to use this infrastructure to realize bio- temperature with large amounts of - Identifying species using advanced diversity-centered regional planning. snowfall in winter, to high precipita- methods including DNA analysis in diffi- tion. Taraxacum japonicum Koidz (na- cult cases for identification, although (3) Wild animal distribution survey tive species), Taraxacum officinale basic identification methods are pro- Collecting and processing precise infor- Weber (exotic species) and Taraxacum lae- vided to the participants; and mation on the distribution of wild ani- vigatum DC (exotic species) are the - Summarizing the results in the GIS mals is essential when discussing major species of dandelion in this area. It system. regional biodiversity. In Japan, espe- is generally recognized that Taraxacum lae- Photo 1 shows the collection of sam- cially in rural mountain areas, wild vigatum DC is more common than ples and Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the re- boars, deer, foxs and monkeys cause Taraxacum japonicum Koidz in urban sults on GIS system. This distribution various damages to agriculture and the areas, although their detailed distribution survey has achieved academically valuable conservation of wild animals tends to is still unknown. The distribution of results, which are utilized in the pre- have a trade-off relation with agricul- Taraxacum pectinatum Kitamura and sentations and seminars at HITOHAKU. tural production. To find a solution, Taraxacum albidum Dahlst. is also unknown. collaboration with professionals and The identification of these distribu- As mentioned before, schools played citizens is important while collecting tions was an important task for the Invasive an important role in this survey. High precise data. Alien Species Act and the national biodiversity school students were the main actors strategy. The special feature of this and they conducted surveys while performing HITOHAKU has launched the Wild Life project was the collaboration with a DNA analysis for identifying collected Management Project to address this large number of citizens; especially samples and studying basic knowledge issue. To understand current distribu- schools played an important role as on the classification and identification of tion and behavior of wild animals, centers for field surveys. The steps of sur- plants. This resulted not only in a great suc- researchers conducted field surveys vey were as follows: cess in collecting comprehensive data and other basic studies, such as distrib- - Asking citizens, including students, to of dandelions but also in deepening un- ution estimation by computer simula- collect dandelion from nearby parks derstandings of the natural environ- tion. They also collected witness cases and roads; ment in general in the surveyed region. Once by questionnaire survey among citi- - Asking them to record the date and this network of study sites for biodiversity zens. Collected data were entered in place of sampling in a data sheet and is established in the region, we can use this the GIS and analyzed by comparing 46 them with agricultural damages data. a survey on river aquatic insects was Photos 4 and 5). Each child is im- On the basis of this result, local gov- carried out in collaboration with pressed by different things. Some children ernments, citizens and researchers are schools in the region to create huge are impressed by animals like orang- looking for ways to let wild animals encapsulated specimen. A measure- utan or the view of trees and leaves coexist with humans. (Figures 4 and 5) ment of water temperature of those from the canopy, while others worry rivers was also carried out at the same time about the state of forest destruction. 3. Activities of natural history (cf. Photo 3, Figure 6). In each case, museums for promoting biodi- we work on this program in collaboration The career developments of the partici- versity with citizens by sharing know-how to pants in this program is also an inter- (1) Education and outreach activi- investigate the local environment and esting aspect. In many cases, partici- ties on biodiversity provide outcomes and results of these sur- pants choose biology, global environ- To conserve biodiversity in the region, it veys to the region. ment and life science and some of is important to enhance knowledge and in- them further study to become re- terest in nature of citizens in the re- (2) Environmental education for searchers, which shows the importance of gion. HITOHAKU has been conducting a re- children in the tropical rainforest environmental education for children gional activity called “HITOHAKU Caravan in Borneo in the field. When learning about envi- Program” consisting of exhibitions, When we think of our local environ- ronment issues, especially wildlife, it is im- seminars and participatory research ment, it is also important to think portant to observe and put them in direct projects since five years ago. The most sig- about the global environment at the contact with nature. We wish that this ex- nificant characteristic of this program same time. While climate change and perience remains in their mind so that they is that it is implemented by an executive destruction of forests are happening as a will approach global environment is- committee involving representatives consequence of a globalized economy, it sues in different ways when they grow up. from the community, the government is quite meaningful, especially for children, The natural environment of rainforests is and schools. They actually take part in to experience and feel diversity of much different from that in Japan. preparing exhibitions and seminars and cit- wildlife in the field and to learn that Yet, they are connected to each other izens often provide exhibition items for the there are different natural environ- through global economy. There is a Project, such as butterflies and fossils col- ments around the world, which are wide variety of species and their diversity lected in the region. When exhibitions are quite different from Japan. forms our globe. We believe that un- organized in local centers for nature derstanding this fact is also useful for education, volunteers in those centers of- To this end, HITOHAKU is running an biodiversity-centered regional plan- ten help us and thus acquire enough environmental education program for ning. knowledge and experience to provide children, called “Borneo Jungle Experience information to visitors by themselves. School”, every summer starting from (3) Natural environment manage- 1998 in cooperation with the Institute ment in cooperation with the re- Another characteristic of this program for Tropical Biology and Conservation gion is the participatory field survey by citizens. of the University Malaysia Sabah. Tropi- There used to be a typical form of forest Whenever this program is implemented in cal rainforest is an ideal field to study bio- called “satoyama” nearby towns and a certain area, citizens, volunteers and gov- diversity with its high diversity of villages throughout Japan. Satoyama is a ernment officials in the area perform species. In this program, children from el- secondary forest managed mainly to field surveys based on the instructions by ementary, junior high and high schools spend produce fuel wood on a regular basis. researchers at HITOHAKU and other local about one week in the jungle of Borneo in This also contributed to diversify professionals. For example, when we Malaysia trekking in tropical forests shrubs and undergrowth and to main- carried out a vegetation survey of an and watching animals and plants. Com- tain a good space in terms of landscape and irrigation pond, volunteers at the partner municating with local children is also biodiversity. Satoyama has been maintained institution of the program implement- included in the program. This program is for several centuries and was an important ed an aquatic plants survey with the also characterized by the fact that part of our forest image in Japan. But ow- assistance of professionals from HITO- children learn and understand about ing to various reasons - such as a HAKU and from an NPO specialized in the wildlife under the guidance of researchers change in lifestyle and the use of fossil fu- local aquatic plants (cf. Photo 2). The col- from HITOHAKU and the University of els instead of fuel wood, the decrease of lected plant samples and other data Malaysia. Another characteristic is that chil- rural population and development ac- such as water quality and water tem- dren learn from group and experience tivities in forests close to cities - many satoya- perature were summarized in a state of cur- research activities such as observing ma were lost in the last several rent vegetation map, which was then nature and classification of samples by them- decades. displayed at the exhibition. In another case, selves through the guidance of experts (cf. 47

HITOHAKU is proposing a unique museum containing useful information displaying them. Museums today are method for satoyama management and values to be handed to the next also appreciated for their openness to called “Mita Method” and is applying it to generation. Accordingly, eco-museum citizens and as centers for local people satoyama in Mita City. Although actual man- approach can even provide a method- to communicate to each other on relat- agement methods differ from place to place, ological framework for conserving the ed matters. Citizens can participate in most of them aim to conserve and enrich regional environment and culture as the biodiversity-centered planning and the environment, landscape and biodiversity they exist. From the point of view of development of the region by utilizing rather than to promote fuel wood production. biodiversity, it is more important to the accumulated resources in museums “Mita Method” is also characterized by an conserve and exhibit them in the field rather related to the natural environment. approach enabling citizens without than to collect and exhibit dead specimen Natural history museums become the special knowledge and skills to manage in the museum building. core of such activities and serve as an satoyama effectively in a short period by important infrastructure. cooperating with researchers (cf. Photo 6). For example, the Natural Museum of Storks planned in the northern part of Hyo- In order for natural history museums to act The outcome of applying Mita Method go Prefecture adopts this approach. as intellectual infrastructures in the on satoyama is remarkable. One to two Forests as habitat and the network of region, there are two conditions to be met. years after starting this kind of man- stagnant water region as feeding First of all, as mentioned at the beginning, agement based on Mita Method, the ground are necessary for storks to live. So experts in natural science, such as biol- number of species in each surveyed region paddy fields and adjacent forests are ogy and environmental sciences, should co- increased. There were thirty-eight necessary. Low-chemical agriculture operate with experts in regional plan- species in average before management ac- must be deployed in the paddy field so that ning, architecture, civil engineering, tivity and now there are forty-four loaches that feed storks can live there. All etc. by sharing their knowledge and set of species, including typical satoyama these conditions become the basis for values to achieve a common goal. Al- species (Prunus verecunda Koehne, securing the region’s natural environ- though there are often differences in Padus grayana, Vitis saccharifera Makino, ment. This approach also contributes views and approaches among experts in bi- etc.) (cf. Table 1). to the region’s economical develop- ology and planners, we must learn and ap- ment, since rice produced in paddy preciate each other for the sake of bio- When applying participatory satoyama fields where storks can live is marked diversity-centered regional and com- management like the Mita Method, with added value. Storks can also at- munity planning. The second condition is cooperation with governmental organizations tract many tourists to the area and to have both a regional point of view is also essential. Governmental organizations those tourists would then be attracted by as well as a global point of view. While glob- call for citizens’ action and provide the beauty of the natural environment where alization in terms of information, people fields whereas HITOHAKU offers professional storks live, resulting in so-called eco- and goods accelerates, global environmental knowledge and know-how. This kind of tourism or green tourism development in issues become more serious. Both a collaboration cannot be achieved in a the region. Similar movements can be global perspective with local focus and lo- short period of time but requires a observed for the fossils of dinosaurs cal actions while thinking globally are good record of cooperation among HI- found last year in Tanba City. Re- needed. TOHAKU, citizens and governmental or- searchers at HITOHAKU excavate fossils joint- ganizations. ly with residents in the region and try to We believe that the function of natural his- use this resource for community devel- tory museums with their new role as an in- 4. The role of natural history opment. frastructure connecting the world to museum in the biodiversity-cen- the region and the natural environment to tered regional planning Recently, natural history museums, our life, enabling collaboration of various A concept of eco-museum is emerging including HITOHAKU, began to apply professionals and assisting transforma- in natural history museum. Conventional the eco-museum approach, which tion of the whole region into eco-museum natural history museums focused on enables them to contribute to urban will become more and more important in storing and displaying uncommon and and regional development with a focus the future. valuable collections and their activities on biodiversity. Museums are more were completed inside their buildings. appreciated by the fact that there are Acknowledgement The eco-museum approach is different as always experts dealing with the stor- The projects and programs presented it respects the integration of the envi- age of materials related to the natural here are result of the collaboration of the ronment, buildings, life and culture in environment in the form of books and researchers at HITOHAKU and local resi- the region as a whole and regards the database freely available for citizens dents. We sincerely thank those who integration itself as an exhibition of rather than just storing materials and provided us with relevant materials. 48 Interview Rejuvenation of Valley-Bed Rice Fields and Restoration of Lake Water Quality through Sake Brewery Business

Keinosuke Hirose Shiragiku Shuzo, Co., Ltd.

Clean water is essential for the food industry, particularly for sake (rice wine) brewery business. The Asaza Fund, an NPO focusing on Lake Kasumigaura, launched the “Rice Field Restoration Project” as part of their program to restore the water quality of Lake Kasum- igaura and realize a sustainable social system. When NEC Corporation, one of the leading Japanese manufacturers, decided to sup- port and participate in the project, a local sake brewer joined in to help them. The success of the concerted efforts made by the NPO, the giant manufacturer and the local merchant attracted public attention. A young Executive Director of the local sake brewer talked about the joy of witnessing his familiar environment becoming full of life day by day.

In 2003, a joint project was launched by a manufacturing giant NEC and an NPO focusing on Lake Kasumigaura called the “Asaza Fund”. NEC decided to support the Fund’s “Program for Water Quality Restoration through Rejuvenation of yatsuda(Valley-Bed Rice Fields)”, and launch a participatory awareness-raising program for its employees and their fam- ilies. In creating a partnership with the Fund, NEC believed it was vital to keep them- selves as equal partners. It was not the conventional one-way involvement, whereby a big company merely makes donations or outsources its awareness raising programs to an NPO. The Fund and the company both wanted to make the most of each others' skills and expertise in realizing the new initia- restoring nature through growing rice They told us about their nature tive. without chemical fertilizers and pesti- restoration program to restore paddy cides at yatsuda (valley-bed rice fields) fields that had been left uncultivated Decision to participate near Lake Kasumigaura. They felt that and grow rice there, and that they I heard that it all started when some they needed something more to help wanted us to brew sake from their personnel from Environmental create a sustainable society, and rice. They said they were aiming to Management Division attended a lec- decided to get a local enterprise clarify the water of Lake Kasumigaura ture by Mr. Iijima from the Asaza Fund involved to ensure their rice would be through their program, eventually cre- and introduced them to him after- introduced to the market. They came ating an environment that will serve as wards. Mr. Iijima proposed a collabora- up with the idea of having sake (rice habitats for Japanese crested ibis and tion, which seemed an extremely time- wine) produced from their rice, and white storks in 100 years time. ly offer for NEC, who was seeking a visited us at the office of Shiragiku chance to improve company-wide envi- Shuzo. I think they may have cited us By the time I was born in the 70’s, the ronmental awareness. because our sake cellars are right in lake had already been totally polluted. front of Lake Kasumigaura. The massive growth of water bloom in In a word, the project was aimed at the eutrophicated lake would some- 49

plex topography. The water of these rice fields, which flowed into Lake Kasumigaura, used to be of very good quality, and so was the water of the lake.

I heard that until the 1970’s, aquatic plants such as gorgon waterlilies and fringed water lilies used to be acervate to such an extent that they were said to be among the greatest in Japan. Takahamairi Bay, which can be viewed from the top of our office building, used to have gorgon waterlilies growing in heaps. However, towards the 70’s, the bay started suffering from concen- trated pollution due to a combination of multiple factors such as the inflow- ing of domestic waste water and the times emit a bad smell. As a young kid, If our business is supposed to impact of shore protection works. As I used to wonder how it would be like help, then why not? pollution increased, gorgon waterlilies if the lake had been cleaner. I felt it When the Fund talked about the pro- disappeared and have never revived to would be wonderful if the future vision ject, I could not imagine how growing rice date, I heard. for the lake described by the Asaza would help restore the once beautiful Fund came true. Lake Kasumigaura. When I asked them how Now, the countless yatsuda scattered it would work, they explained that around the lake have all been dried up On the other hand, Shiragiku was not because the lake did not have any and ruined, with weeds propagating making any particular corporate efforts large river, it was served by countless springs everywhere. They added that these to improve the environment at that nearby. It was how the lake was maintained, yatsuda were not polluted - they had time. In fact, I had never heard of the they said. simply been left unattended. Asaza Fund before, and even did not have a very positive impression of Until just a few decades ago, rice used The Fund then went on, “Let’s work NPO’s. That may tell how ignorant I to be grown without chemical fertiliz- together on these ruined fields and was of environmental issues. ers and pesticides in valley-bed fields restore them as paddy fields to grow known as yatsuda with naturally com- rice without pesticides and chemical 50 fertilizers. Water will be drawn to the fields and living creatures will come back and be diversified and an ecosys- tem will be built up. We, humans, can then just help the natural system to restore itself further with its own power.”

“The Japanese government is now tak- ing a rice acreage reduction policy, but if we claim the purpose of growing rice is sake production, we will be able to easily satisfy various administrative requirements. Why don't we work together to grow a breed of rice suited to sake brewery?”

I found their proposal very attractive - to us as a sake brewer, it meant we could help restore our local lake with- out having to do something special. We could just continue our business as usual! That was how we joined this nature restoration project in 2003.

In November 2003 when NEC employees vide hands-on environmental education When I asked NEC participants what first stepped into yatsuda that had been for its employees and their families they thought of these events, they all left unattended for several decades, they and make a social contribution. said they had much more chances to were astonished to see weeds proliferat- spend time with their children. They ing all over, wondering, “Can we really They were surely delighted to have used to find it difficult to do something restore this ruined place to revive as rejuvenated yatsuda and to see Lake together with their kids in their spare paddy fields?” Kasumigaura getting cleaner with its time, without a wide range of recre- They anyway got on with the work in water clarified thanks to rice growing. ation options available, except for February 2004, cutting down thickets for However, I thought it would be a pity places like amusement parks. But now a start. In March, waterways were creat- for their job to end when they tasted they see their children in high spirits, ed and ridges built. They flooded the the rice they had harvested. So I came really enjoying themselves in satoyama paddy fields in April and managed to see up with the idea of giving them some here, which is now richly endowed with the rice ears standing in golden waves in extra fun-to do the sake brewing nature. autumn the same year. processes themselves with the rice Six NEC personnel are taking the lead in they harvested! Some of the children who had been this project - they are not doing it as cor- nervous to get into the paddy field or porate volunteers but as part of official When I told NEC and the Fund about running away from insects gradually corporate duties. Engaging in physical this idea, they said inclusion of brew- got used to the natural environment. activities in satoyama full of living crea- ery activities would make a perfect They now volunteer to plant seedlings tures, away from the stressful city envi- year-round program. Rice planting and can run after insects, instead of ronment, helps keep participants healthy starts in May, which is followed by running away from them! Seeing their both physically and mentally. It also weeding, harvesting and threshing. children grow up in nature makes par- serves as a valuable welfare program for Then, a Shinto ritual will be performed ents feel their everyday stress is them. before brewery. Afterwards, a new released and spirits enriched. brew comes out and a special sake Kids grown, nature flourished delivery event takes place. They will After a year or so from the launching This nature restoration project is led have this sort of events almost every 2 of the program, I was astonished to see by the Environmental Management months, with a more effective and how strikingly fast nature had been Division of NEC, with the aim to pro- enjoyable annual plan. restored in yatsuda. As our office is 51 just a few minutes away from the site, Every piece of work such as rice planti- out the year. It seems to represent real- I sometimes visit the place and always ng and harvesting is done manually. life CSR activity beyond an arm-chair find that it keeps improving. The site is NEC employees and families had to do theory. now so abundantly blessed with nature everything, such as stranding ropes and The local communities also benefit from that I cannot actually believe my eyes. cutting out bamboos. They also take it and so do many living creatures. The The Asaza Fund said some 10 or so part in seasonal local customs and fes- project seems to make everyone happy. threatened species have revived there. tivals taking place around the yatsuda Many Japanese rhinoceros beetles, they are working on. We have a new- Familiar landscapes and nature golden ringed dragonflies and fireflies year rice-cake making event in a local are our true treasures are around, and northern goshawks, square. We are currently planning to grow rice which are at the top of the ecosystem, in the same way as the Fund and NEC are building nests there. It is important to get local farmers are doing, brew sake with it and sell involved in the activities. At first, the local the product at local shops in Ishioka You get a healing experience just stay- communities were wondering, “What City to serve the city residents. I ing there. The environment is unbeliev- are these people doing?” Yet, they expect this will help regenerate ably different from how it was when I gradually got used to and joined our deserted local shopping streets. I also first saw the site. It makes me fully activities, even though slowly. believe one of our challenges is to help aware of how effective it is not to use Earlier on, about 20 people from the local communities understand how pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Fund and NEC would stay overnight in prepa- sake is produced and what it means to ration for an event, but now that local farm- them and to the lake. However beneficial an activity would be ing ladies are there to help, cooking to the environment, it is impossible to act tempuras for hundreds of participants As a local resident who grew up just a if this means neglecting the feelings of the is as easy as anything! stone away from the lake, I must say I local communities. If done that way, was largely motivated by my personal nobody can escape criticism for being This is how they produce sake. The intention. I simply thought it would be typical of city dwellers’ egoism. But local wrapping paper for the sake carry mes- nice if I could play a part in rejuvenat- communities felt at ease and had sense of sages from the participants, like, for ing yatsuda and cleaning Lake trust when they just knew that Shiragiku example, “Thanks to the gift of the Kasumigaura through our main busi- Shuzo, one of their local merchants land” and “Wish you feel the power ness. boasting 300 years of history and tradi- and blessing of nature as we all did.” tion, was involved. Four years on, I must admit I am rather Most of the members of local communi- We were consulted by NEC regarding surprised to find myself being quite ties have some connections to the brewer the delicate work to wrap the bottles environmentally conscious now. As a - for example, their grandmothers and with the paper. As part of efforts to matter of fact, our satoyama - which grandfathers have worked for the sake make a social welfare contribution, we consists of thickly wooded areas and bottling factory or have been in charge of looked for a vocational-training group rivers - has now become extremely rich feeding boilers. As a matter of fact, the of people with disabilities and found in nature, just because we actually local communities often expressed their one nearby. Partly because they had a con- took actions and directly helped out on support as soon as they saw the name of nection to Shiragiku Shuzo, we man- site to restore the yatsuda. Shiragiku Shuzo was on the list. It is aged to outsource the job to them. surely one of the great strengths of a This made me realize that the familiar locally-based enterprise distinct from big The workers showed astonishing effi- landscapes and nature - which I used to companies. ciency, accuracy and concentration. It was take for granted - were in fact valuable NEC, the Asaza Fund and Shiragiku a pleasure having a chance to work assets to us. They would have been Shuzo-they represent an integrated col- with them in this nature restoration ruined if we hadn’t actually taken care laboration between a big company, an project. None of these would have of them. I also realized that restoring NPO and a local enterprise. The Ministry been possible without the collaborative our familiar natural environment can of the Environment also has an interest in efforts of the NPO, the manufacturer lead to the environmental restoration and looks forward to the progressive ini- giant and the local enterprise. of a wider region. I am really glad I had tiative of this project. the chance to take a role here and Since the project was launched, paddies would like to stay committed to mak- Significance of collaboration and thickly wooded areas have continued ing collaborative efforts to expand this The project is quite demanding, I to revive because NEC employees kept on local project with the ultimate goal of mean, it requires lots of preparations. participating in various events through- helping create a sustainable society. 52 Kajima Corporation’s Promotion of Biodiversity Efforts for a Sustainable Society

Yoriyuki Yamada Office of Global Environment, Kajima Corporation

Building sector and biodiversity incorporated measures for ecosystem fits. Because of these cases, we realize The building sector has a considerable conservation in many aspects of its healthy ecosystems create added value impact on the environment, for exam- business and made substantial contri- and we can produce high-valued pro- ple, when building a huge building, butions to the conservation and cre- jects by using ecosystem services. changing the surface of land or making ation of a rich natural environment. a landfill in a costal area. Owing to Kajima Ecosystem Conservation worsening environmental problems, as Building on this considerable record, in Guidelines reported by the media and knowledge- March 2005 Kajima established a Without healthy ecosystems, safe and able people, many construction compa- Biodiversity Conservation Committee to comfortable living environments for nies are engaged in recycling, the study the compatibility of the building human society cannot exist. Kajima effective utilization of resources, the sector with biodiversity conservation. sees ecosystem conservation as a cru- control of hazardous materials and the After this study, we recognized these cial issue in the establishment of a sus- prevention of global warming. On the risks and opportunities. tainable society. Kajima has become a other hand, the efforts for biodiversity leader in the efforts to realize the har- conservation in Japan are less Risk management and business monious coexistence of healthy ecosys- advanced if compared to those listed opportunities about biodiversity tems and the construction business. In above, because of the lack of scientific As a result of investigating various con- August 2005, Kajima established the data, a wide range of problems and lit- struction projects, Kajima understood Kajima Ecosystem Conservation tle awareness of environmental and the necessity for risk management and Guidelines as a framework for its activ- social benefits. business opportunities about biodiversi- ities in this important sphere. ty. For example, some companies used Under these circumstances, Kajima inappropriate invasive seeds for slop Kajima Ecosystem Conservation established the Kajima Ecosystem protection work. They had to start over Guidelines Conservation Guidelines in August from first step and sow local seed. (Adopted in August 2005) 2005. This guideline, which is the first Hence delays in construction and Fundamental Principles one in the Japanese construction increased reclamation costs. Even if Kajima conducts its construction busi- industry, shows a framework of our these cases are not our projects, we ness with the aim of establishing high- biodiversity conservation activities. have to take careful note of local quality infrastructure for the society ecosystems and biodiversity in order to that supports human lifestyles and Background of biodiversity con- continue the construction business. industrial development, as a social mis- servation sion to realize a “truly comfortable Interest in conservation of ecosystems Another aspect is business opportuni- environment for people”. In the 21st and biological diversity has grown ties by using ecosystem services. We century, building a sustainable society around the world following such devel- try to explain that healthy ecosystems on the basis of the coexistence with opments as the 1992 global summit are a new value for landowners. For nature is fast becoming the most press- where the Convention on Biological instance, the parks - which are rich in ing issue for humanity. Japan formulat- Diversity (CBD) was formulated. Yet, biodiversity - raise real estate price by ed its revised National Biodiversity awareness of these issues in Japan has 10% in Tokyo. The reclamation of Strategy in 2002 and the importance of remained low until now. Japan has Cheong Gye Cheon River in Seoul, biodiversity and ecosystem conserva- long had a deep relationship with which destroyed the existing highway tion has now been widely accepted nature, and harmony with nature forms a and revived the old river, has an throughout society. In recognition of central element of Japanese lifestyle impact on room rates of the riverside this, Kajima has placed high priority on and culture. This may explain why hotel. The forest, which is rich in bio- the social mission of conservation of awareness of the importance of the diversity, is known from recent ecosystems and based on the following issue has been low. Kajima has consistently research to get excellent health bene- 53 guidelines is pursuing sustainable development for society, its clients and the company through strategic mea- sures for ecosystem conservation

Guidelines 1. Management Systems Kajima recognizes ecosystem conserva- tion as an important part of its environ- mental management and will give con- sideration to ecosystems in its business activities.

2. Compliance Kajima will comply with all laws and Relationship between Percentage of change of land price from 2003 to 2004 and Large Green Patch Coverage Ratio regulations concerning ecosystem con- servation and will make an effort to understand related policies and social requirements and reflect these in its business activities.

3. Education Kajima will conduct internal training to provide its employees with information on the basic knowledge necessary for ecosystem conservation activities, as well as information on laws, technolo- gies and successful examples and will raise awareness of the value of ecosys- tems.

4. Construction Business Measures Kajima will utilize information and technology regarding ecosystems to incorporate environmental considera- tions into the proposals and work undertaken for its clients and will sup- Percentage of change of land price from 2003 to 2004 and Large Green Patch port communication between its clients, communities and society at large with the aim of creating and con- serving rich biodiversity through its construction business activities. operation KAJIMA Stakeholder CORPORATION 5. R&D Kajima will accumulate information Clients and technical expertise regarding Cuidelines contruction ecosystems and proactively pursue management related research and technology devel- Citizens information opment. Sipport Design Planning Reflection 6. Social Contributions government education of needs Kajima will support citizens’ initiatives and employee volunteer activities to Promotion enhance biodiversity and actively coop- NPO Tools, R&D erate with related organizations and associations. Position of Kajima Ecosystem Conservation Guidelines 54 Achievements of biodiversity conservation activities

1) Analysis evaluation of the Ecologi- cal network in urban areas Kajima conducts analysis evaluations of ecological networks in urban areas in order to create urban environments balanced with nature. This technology uses high resolution satellite data, a digital surface model (DSM) and geog- raphy information system to recognize Scenario A: Conserve all trees features that are normally difficult to Analysis of the ecological network on Suginami City in be fully assessed, such as the number Tokyo of trees in residential areas and along roadsides. We proposed evaluation of future scenarios such as decrease of green space with the purpose of study- ing effective green space planning by using the habitat evaluation method of Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, a species indicator of the ecological net- work.

2) Habitat evaluation and forecasting technologies for wetlands Scenario B: Conserve parks and street trees Scenario C: No conservation plan Kajima and Taisei Corporation have jointly developed technologies for the ducted by the Natural History Museum ing key matters relating to ecosystem restoration of wetlands since 2000, and Institute - Chiba with the support conservation in each project site’s creating a habitat evaluation model for of the Japan Science and Technology environmental management plan. As a clams, crabs, eelgrass and other repre- Agency that encourages children to use result, we created an ecosystem infor- sentative wetland organisms. their sense of hearing to explore the mation management system in 2006 Environmental factors such as terrain, local natural environment. Children which is a database of laws, regula- water quality, sediment and waves are observe birds by listening to their calls, tions, technologies, case studies and entered into the model, allowing the recording the identification and place literature relating to ecosystem con- evaluation and forecasting as a numeri- of discovery on maps, fueling their servation and biodiversity. All employ- cal value of the population of the living curiosity about the natural world ees can access this system on the organisms in that environment. around them. Internet.

3) Cooperation with the local natural 4) Ecosystem Information 5) Hualalai resort project science program offered by the Natural Management System In 2005, the U.S. Environmental History Museum and Institute, Chiba It is important to understand the scien- Protection Agency (EPA) conferred to Kajima has developed a Wildlife Sounds tific data and best practices for biodi- Hualalai Resort in Hawaii developed by Recognition System that uses a voice versity conservation. To fully under- Kajima its annual award for environ- recognition engine to automatically stand the current situation, Kajima mental responsibility. The award distinguish the calls of birds and other carried out surveys of all its civil engi- specifically cited the Punawai Pond animals, part of the expansion of its neering project sites among local com- within the resort. The award citation environmental monitoring and educa- munities and customers regarding their commented on the pond’s beauty and tion businesses. expectations and needs in the area of energy efficiency and highly evaluated ecosystem conservation. The surveys some features, like the resort’s restau- Since 2004, we have provided handheld also covered how each project site was rants serving fish, shrimps and oysters terminals(called Kikimimi Zukin ) responding to these ecosystem conser- bred in the pond. The Punawai Pond incorporating this sound recognition vation needs. On the basis of the uses floating islands of plants as well system in an education program con- results of these surveys, we are includ- as microorganisms and pebbles as a 55

Protect the habitat of eelgrass

Children enjoy bird watching by using Kikimimi Zukin Receives an Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency natural water filter to remove pollu- contribute to biodiversity and ecosys- space relations with residential values tants and excess nutrients. As a result, tem conservation because we have a in downtown Tokyo- Implications for the electricity needed to maintain the critical role to play in conserving biodi- urban biodiversity conservation-” Local pond’s water quality is only 1/25th of versity. Biodiversity and ecosystem Environment, Vol 14, 21 Apl 2008 issue the amount that would be normally conservation is becoming one of the schedule .Taylor & Francis. required. In recent years, many of most important issues of Kajima as Yamada and Shimada (2007):”A study Hawaii’s canals have faced a worsening long-term sustainability in company on the evaluation method of ecological situation with pollution. It is hoped management. network in urban area by RS and GIS” that the ecologically based water fil- journal of the City Planning Institute of tering technology used at Hualalai References Japan, No.42-3. Resort will be applied to solving this Kumagai and Yamada (2008) : “Green environmental problem.

Conclusion In its activities the construction com- pany Kajima intends to provide a “truly comfortable environment for people.” It supports the goals of Japan’s nation- al biodiversity strategy, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and places high priority on the social mission of conservation of ecosystems. Kajima considers biodiversity from both the point of view of business risk and opportunities, in order to sophisticate its efforts towards biodiversity. We try to improve our business and service to A revetment was included as a habitat for crabs as part of a canal construction project 56 Initiatives on Biodiversity by Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation and Its Member Companies

Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation

One of the most popular activities of the Japanese private sector is environmental education related to forestation and forest management

Nippon Keidanren Committee on National Biodiversity Strategy of Keidanren Committee on Nature Nature Conservation Japan(see page60). Conservation and Keidanren Nature In the last decade, the Japanese pri- Conservation Fund (KNCF) were creat- vate sector has been working very hard It was early 1990s when the Japanese ed in 1992. Since then, some 2.4 billion on environmental issues especially on business sector as a whole started to Japanese Yen were invested into more waste management and climate commit to the conservation of biodi- than 800 conservation projects carried change. Recently, companies have also versity. Nippon Keidanren, the out by NGOs around the world. In 2003, started paying more attention on biodi- Japanese largest business federation - Nippon Keidanren took a step forward versity. This was mainly led by the comprised 1,343 companies, 130 indus- by adopting “Keidanren Nature Japanese government’s decision to trial associations and 47 regional eco- Conservation Declaration” with the host CBD COP10 in Nagoya 2010, as nomic organizations - adopted its idea of realizing “an economic society well as the decision adopted in CBD “Keidanren Global Environmental co-prosper with natural world” through COP8 on private sector engagement. Charter” in 1991, in which taking care reconsidering relationship between This was also influenced by the forth- of ecosystems was stipulated as one of nature and business activities. coming biodiversity guidelines for pri- the basic principles for their all busi- vate sector stipulated in the Third ness operations. Following that, Nippon Apart from these initiatives taken by 57

management activities in collaboration with local NPOs and municipalities to maintain their own nine forest lands located in water source areas through- out Japan. Mr. Kouichi Ikeda, chairman of the Board and CEO of Asahi Breweries, pointed out that “it is important to implement conservation activities in which our main business activities are closely related.”

Animal pathway jointly developed by private company Eco-tour in Cambodia participated by KNCF members and NPO Mitsui & Co., Ltd. maintains 73 forest lands with 44,000 ha throughout Japan. These forest lands were originally obtained about 100 years ago for the timber pro- duction business. But the timber pro- duction business is in a very difficult situation since several decades ago owing to a plenty of cheap imported timbers. Re- gardless of this difficult situation as a busi- ness, Mitsui & Co. reaffirmed to own and maintain these forests in 2006. Mitsui & Co. estimates these forests

capture 180,000 tons of CO2 annually and create 120 billion JPY in terms of its environmental and other non-market benefits. Mitsui & Co. also use these forests as a place for environmental education for their employees and ele- mentary school children.

Toshiba Corporation and its group com- panies started a 1.5 million tree plan- tation program since 2006 in order to contribute to climate change mitiga- Environmental education activity in rice field is becoming popular in Japan tion and biodiversity conservation. The goal of this program is to plant 1.5 mil- lion of trees throughout the world in business sector as a whole, each com- Company’s action on collaboration with various NGOs to pany has been taking its own initiatives biodiversity commemorate Toshiba’s 150-years and approaches for biodiversity. Some Asahi Breweries Ltd. identified forest anniversary. In addition, many other companies like Richo Company, Ltd. management to maintain quality of Japanese blue-chip companies, such as and Mitsubishi Corporation are actively water as one of the most important Oji Paper, Kyushu Electric, Tokyo Gas, working on conserving and regenerat- biodiversity agenda for their business. Toyota Motors, Nippon Life Insurance ing rainforest and coral reefs outside of In this respect, they have created a Company,Fuji Xerox,Hokkaido Electric, Japan whereas there are also many special option for their shareholders to Matsushita Electric and Mitsubishi various activities underway in Japan make donations to their environmental Electric are implementing various kinds reflecting each company’s own tech- fund called “Planet Water” so that of environmental education programs nology, resources and policies. But one environmentally-conscious sharehold- with forestation or forest management of the most popular activities by the ers can assist forest conservation activ- activities through participation of their Japanese private sector is environmen- ities using their benefit as shareholders volunteer employees. tal education activities related to instead of just receiving conventional forestation and forest management. shareholders’ special benefit. Asahi Another area of activities recently at- Breweries is also carrying out forest tracting many Japanese private companies 58

Since its creation in 1992, KNCF invested some 2.4 billion JPY into more than 800 conservation projects

is participatory environmental educa- support from many other relevant or- from nature and natural conditions. tion through volunteer activities in rice fields. ganizations, including the World Bank. The Taisei Corporation and Shimizu Corpo- Sekisui Chemical Co, Ltd., in collaboration objective of the symposium was to ration, two Japanese construction gi- with an NPO called Tanbo - a Japanese word send a message from Asia, including ants, established a study group together of rice field - is actively implementing par- Japan, that rice field with its natural, cul- with an NPO called KEEP foundation in 2003 ticipatory environmental education tural, social and economic functions is an to create animal pathways for small program through rice planting in paddy field important element for biodiversity con- tree animals like Japanese dormouse and restoring abandoned rice terraces. NEC servation in this region and an ideal (Glirulus japonicus) so that they can Corporation is also implementing a par- place for environmental education ac- safely cross roads in the forests. They have ticipatory environmental education tivities as a symbol of sustainable society. been working together to develop a program for their employees in collabo- prototype product and to implement, ration with an NGO (see page 48). As Using own technology and prod- monitor and evaluate it. Another con- this kind of environmental education ucts for conservation struction giant, Kajima Corporation, is al- activities related to rice fields is In the meantime, some other compa- so actively working on biodiversity by spreading, the first international sym- nies started to implement conservation ac- developing corporate guidelines on posium on environmental education tivities using their own technologies ecosystem conservation. (see page 52) and rice fields was organized last year by and products. Typical examples can be seen Electric appliance manufacturers are Nippon Keidanren Committee on Na- in the construction industry since their busi- also supporting conservation activities ture Conservation and NPOs with the ness activities cannot be separated through their products and technolo- 59

Sekisui Chemical succeeded in develop- ing a new engineered timber product by using natural tannin to bind wood chips. With this successful new tech- nology, Sekisui Chemical has created a new grant program to assist academic research projects which exploit wisdom gained through nature. These are some of the examples which indicate that Japanese companies have started to explore new manufacturing horizons by using nature technology thus contribut- ing to create a sustainable society.

Towards a sustainable society Various activities have already started and are underway in Japan towards CBD COP10 which will be held in 2010. Initiatives on biodiversity by the

KNCF members visiting a project site in Borneo Japanese business sector are likely to be further accelerated and diversified While many companies are supporting in the near future. At the same time, and implementing various kinds of con- we can say there is no unique answer servation programs, we have another or solution regarding the private sector kind of approach to biodiversity which engagement for biodiversity. Various is designing products and technologies approaches are being used by compa- by learning from nature. Some people nies depending on their own technolo- call this approach Biomimicry. It stud- gies, business activities and environ- ies nature’s best ideas and then imi- ment. The positive side of this trend is tates these designs and processes to that this diversity of activities carried

Tropical rainforest conservation project in Borneo sup- solve human problems. In Japan, Dr. out by the private sector - which has a ported by KNCF Hideki Ishida, a professor of Tohoku huge social and economic impact on University, called this approach Nature today’s world - could spread beyond Technology and some companies have their boundaries through employees, gies. Canon Inc., for example, is sup- started to study and develop new prod- customers, local communities and their porting conservation activities of Tokyo ucts according to this principle. business partners resulting in increased metropolitan government by providing support for biodiversity not only in digital cameras and binoculars. NEC INAX Corporation, a sanitary ware man- Japan but also in the rest of the world. Corporation together with Wild Bird ufacturer, was struck by the fact that Society of Japan carried out a study on no snail in the world lives in a dirty References the migration of Steller's Sea Eagle shell. They studied snail shell structure Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund and Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature (Haliaeetus pelagicus) using NEC’s in detail, as well as its mechanisms to Conservation, Beyond the Border, (2007)(in small transmitter technology and com- prevent dirt and then imitated this Japanese). puter simulation technology. Panasonic mechanism to develop new tile and Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature (Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., sanitary ware products which are more Conservation, KNCF News No.42, (2007)(in Ltd.) also provides imaging products resistant to dirt and easy to clean with Japanese). and technical assistance to high school water. The surface of snail shell is not Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature children for nature watching and smooth if analyzed by microscope. Conservation, KNCF News No.43, (2007)(in recording activities. There are many fine ditches on its sur- Japanese). face. INAX discovered this structure on Nippon Keidanren, Keizai Trend, (March What could nature teach us? the snail shell surface and found out 2008)(in Japanese). Japan is one of the most advanced that this is key to prevent dirt on its manufacturing countries in the world. shell. 60 Formulation of the Third National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan

Global Biodiversity Strategy Office Ministry of the Environment of Japan

The Third National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan was decided by the cabinet in November 2007. The National Bio- diversity Strategy is the plan that puts together the principles and government’s measures and policies concerning con- servation and sustainable use of biodiversity in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Japan became a party to the CBD in 1993 and formulated the first National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan in 1995. The 2nd National Biodiversity, the full-fledged revision of the first strategy, was formulated in 2002. The Third National Biodiversity Strategy, the current revision, aims at “Building a Sustainable Society Coexisting with Flourishing Biodiversity” where rich biodiversity is nurtured through harmonious coexistence of man and nature and by secured better balance between man and nature.

Developments at national and cantly affected by warming in the actions taken by local governments, international level after the future. corporations and private entities as to approval of the 2nd National conservation and sustainable use of Biodiversity Strategy After the 2nd National Biodiversity biodiversity. In the comments on a In April 2002, after the 2nd National Strategy of Japan was adopted, various series of check results, the Central Biodiversity Strategy of Japan was efforts were undertaken within the Environmental Council highly evaluated established in March of that year, the country. These are institutional actions the progress of the measures at the “2010 Biodiversity Target” which concerning biodiversity such as the various levels, but often suggested fur- “commits Parties to achieve a signifi- enactment of the Law for the ther promotion of biodiversity educa- cant reduction of the current rate of Promotion of Nature Restoration tion and popularization activities, as biodiversity loss by 2010” was present- (2002), the Law Concerning the well as encouragement of efforts at ed at the 6th meeting of the Conservation and Sustainable Use of regional level. Conference of the Parties (COP6) to Biological Diversity through Regulations the Convention on Biological Diversity. on the Use of Living Modified In January 2007, Nagoya City’s (Aichi Biodiversity assessment including Organisms (Cartagena Law, 2003), the Prefecture) bid to host the 10th meet- Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Landscape Law (2004), the Invasive ing of Conference of the Parties of the (MA), the first comprehensive assess- Alien Species Act (2004) and the Convention on Biological Diversity ment of global ecosystem announced National Spatial Planning Act (drastic (2010) was approved at a Cabinet by the United Nations in 2005 and revision of the Comprehensive National meeting. Now that the main agenda of Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 (GBO2) Land Development Act, 2005) and revi- the G8 Environment Ministers’ Meeting announced by the secretariat of sion of the Natural Parks Law (2002), held in Germany in March of this year Convention on Biological Diversity Wildlife Protection and Appropriate included biodiversity, as well as cli- revealed that the 2010 target was diffi- Hunting Law (2002, 2006) and the Law mate change, and the declaration by cult to attain. for Protection of Cultural Properties leaders at the G8 Summit contained (2004). the critical importance of biodiversity, With respect to global warming, the as well as the intensification of efforts Kyoto Protocol came into force (2005) Every year since the adoption of the to achieve the 2010 target, biodiversity and actions are already under way at 2nd National Biodiversity Strategy, the draws the highest degree of attention home and abroad with scientific knowl- Inter-Ministerial Committee on the ever from all over the world. edge as to the global warming accumu- National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan lated. The Fourth Assessment Report of has checked the implementation of Current status of biodiversity in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate government measures to announce the Japan Change (IPCC) (2007) revealed that results, that is the status of the imple- The number of known species in Japan biodiversity has been affected by glob- mentation of the measures of the min- is estimated to be over 90,000 and it al warming and will be more signifi- istries concerned, as well as of the exceeds 300,000 when unclassified 61

Background of The National Biodiversity Strategy Review

The Convention on Biological Diversity  Came into effect  ■ in Dec. 1993 - adopted in May 1992 Parties : (Article 6 of the Convention) 189 countries and EC "Each Contracting Party shall develop national strategies, plans or programmes (as of July 2007) for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity."

■ The National Strategy of Japan on Biological Diversity  - decided in October 1995

The Ministry of the Environment - established in January 2001

■ The National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan- decided in March 2002

(2002) ・Enactment of the Law for the  Promotion of Nature Restoration Amendment of the Natural Parks Law ・ 2010 Target (COP6, 2002) ・Amendment of the Wildlife ■ Protection and Hunting Law

(2003) Cabinet approval on Japan's ・Enactment of the Cartagena  offer to host COP10 (2010) Law (January 2007)

(2004) ・Enactment of the Invasive  Alien Species Act G8 Environment Ministers Meeting in Potsdam, (2006) Germany (March 2007) ・Amendment of the Wildlife  Protection and Hunting Law ■ IPCC Fourth Assessment Report  ■ Informal Committee on the  Working Group II Report : Review of the Strategy  "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability (August 2006 ～ March 2007) (Published in 2007) ■ Deliberation at the Central  Environment Council  (April ～ November 2007)

■ Cabinet Decision on The Third National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan  -November 27, 2007 

species are included. Japan with a developed countries) and many other Although rapid development during the small land area has rich biota and also medium and large wildlives such as postwar economic growth has now features a high rate of endemic bears and deer live.However, more slowed down, the area of agricultural species. than 30% of reptiles, amphibians and and forestry lands converted to urban Furthermore Japan – with 67% of the brackish/freshwater fishes, more than use and the area of reclaimed lands in total land area being covered by 20% of mammals and vascular plants the coastal areas have increased at a forests – is rich in natural environment and more than 10% of birds living in steady rate, continuing to affect biodi- where wild monkeys (only among Japan are threatened species. versity. The population of our country 62 that decreased in 2002 currently view of biodiversity, “Scientific for our daily life. Biodiversity allows remains at the same level, but it is Recognition and Preventive and us to apply the functions and mor- projected to significantly decrease in Adaptive Attitude” and so forth; four phology of living things to industry’s the future. A change in the relation basic strategies including mainstream- use and to indirect or potential uti- between man and nature – typified by ing biodiversity in our daily life; and lization including breeding of farm increased serious conflicts between orientation for the period of the forth- products in the future. These values man and wildlife causing damage to coming 5 years of activities to promote lead to a good life at present and in agriculture and forestry or causing conservation and sustainable use of the future. other troubles – the reduced number of biodiversity in the light of the situation people engaged in agriculture or at home and abroad. Part 2 systemati- 3 “basis for enriching culture” forestry, accelerated demographic cally described all our measures and Since ancient times, Japanese have aging and other situations around bio- policies on biodiversity as practical had an attitude towards nature that diversity of our country, are reaching a action plans and itemized particular maintained that all living beings are turning point. With an increased glob- measures and policies to show the path interconnected and mutually sup- alization of economy, the increase of towards their implementation. portive. We have thought highly of cross-border distribution of goods or and co-existed with nature to culti- transnational movement of people was Importance of biodiversity and its vate enriched sensitivity, as well as followed by the invasion of Japan by rationales beauty sense which has led to the alien species or other phenomena that What is biodiversity? Why is it impor- creation of diverse culture in Japan. affected the biodiversity of our coun- tant? These questions are seemingly Biodiversity has built up a basis of try. The increase of the world popula- not easily understood, thus biodiversity has such spirit. Moreover it provides a tion and the high economic growth in not been mainstreamed into society. source for these cultures as should India and China may possibly change Therefore, Part 1 of the Third National Strat- be called indigenous assets such as the circumstances surrounding our egy describes firstly that it was none foods, crafts, festivals and so forth country that has long been depending other than innumerable lives that fostered by the local natural envi- on overseas natural resources. formed the environment of the earth ronment. and also that lives that have been nurtured To cope with such changing situations over the long history of the earth are 4 “security of livelihood” at home and abroad, the Third irreplaceable, then it explains the Proper forest conservation to create National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan “Importance of Biodiversity” with the diverse and sound forests and was formulated through an open way following four rationales, using the abstention from inappropriate con- such as the Central Environment term “Biodiversity that supports life version of landscape contribute to Council and public comments etc. and livelihood” in a comprehensible the prevention of sediment discharge way. and disruption and to ensuring safe Third National Biodiversity drinking water. From a long-term Strategy of Japan 1 “basis for existence of all life on perspective, this leads to efficiently earth” ensuring life safety over generations. The outline of the Third National Living organisms on the earth are Biodiversity Strategy of Japan closely related to each other thanks Biodiversity crisis The Strategy consists of 2 parts, “Part to a link: the ecosystem. They live Biodiversity is important, as described 1: Strategy for Conservation and linked one to the other. Basic above. However, although a wide Sustainable Use of Biodiversity” and requirements for the existence of range of efforts have been made “Part 2: Action Plan on Conservation the entire life at present and in the throughout the nation, biodiversity is and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity”. future are prepared through func- still declining. The current status of Part 1 gave a new description of the tioning including oxygen release and biodiversity loss in Japan is organized importance of biodiversity that sup- CO2 absorption by plants or forests, into the following three crises: ports life and livelihood and biodiversi- climate control or circulation of Crisis 1: Decrease/extinction of species ty’s relationship with global warming atmosphere through transpiration, that is directly brought about that may significantly affect biodiversi- creation of soil by decomposition of by human activities or devel- ty; 5 fundamental frames of reference dead animals and leaves and others. opment, or reduction/loss of including performance of a comprehen- habitats through destruction, sive assessment of biodiversity in our 2 “use value including culture” fragmentation and deteriora- country, grand design as a future vision We, human beings, rely on food, tim- tion of ecosystems of the national land from the point of ber, medicines or diverse organisms Crisis 2: Changes in environmental 63

quality in Satochi-Satoyama daily life areas (rural landscapes formed 2. Rebuilding a sound relationship “Securing linkage among forests, coun- by sustainable use of natural between man and nature tryside, rivers and sea” includes: resources),decrease in species 3. Securing linkage among forests, - Developing conditions towards the and habitat status change due countryside and sea formulation of ecological network to reduced or discontinued 4. Taking action with a global perspec- plans at various levels and mapping of human approaches to nature, tive ecological networks at country level, changes in society and econo- - Conducting a comprehensive review my, like changes in lifestyle “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in our of National and Quasi-National Parks, and industrial structure and daily life” includes: the core of the ecological network at decrease in population - Developing guidance for local govern- country level and actively conducting Crisis 3: Disturbance of ecosystems ments to develop local strategies assessments on laurel forests, caused by artificially-intro- with a view to lead the national strat- Satochi-Satoyama areas and sea duced factors including alien egy to local actions and guidelines for areas, species private companies to promote conser- - Reviewing nature restoration from a In addition to these three crises, the vation and sustainable use of biodi- wide-area perspective and system of progress of global warming is seriously versity in their business activities, supporting nature restoration activi- affecting global biodiversity, which is - Citizen participatory monitoring with ties taken in privately-owned lands, predicted to cause various problems, local experts and NGOs taking the - Creating diversified forests and net- including extinction of many species lead, working of water and green in urban and disruption of vulnerable ecosys- - Creation of places for hands-on expe- areas as well as networking of water tems. With this background, the rela- riences through children’s interaction areas including rivers, wetland areas tion between global warming and bio- with indigenous nature of the region and paddy fields, diversity is described as “the crisis after school and for primary five - Collecting more data on marine biodi- brought about by global warming” indi- senses experiences, and versity and increasing designation of cated as an inevitable and serious - Proposals for a change in lifestyle protected areas in neritic areas, and problem for biodiversity. including purchase of biodiversity- Reviewing self-imposed resource man- friendly food and timbers. agement consistent with various uses Grand design targeting the next 100 including fisheries and Marine years and four basic strategies “Rebuilding a sound relationship Protected Areas to promote conserva- In the light of the current situation between man and nature” includes: tion of biodiversity. described above, the targets aiming at Selecting important Satochi-Satoyama the next 100 years of the grand design areas which should be bequeathed to “Taking action with a global perspec- in each of the following seven areas the future, tive” includes: are presented from the perspective of - Developing a system where Satochi- - Proposing the “SATOYAMA Initiative” biodiversity: Natural mountain area; Satoyama areas are maintained as to the world as a model for harmo- Satochi-Satoyama (Rural area/country- common resources by a wide range of nious coexistence with nature, side); Urban area; River/wetland area; actors including urban residents and - Technical support to the Asia Pacific Coastal area; Oceanic area; Island corporations, countries based on the country-wide area. These images are elaborated on - Developing communities coexistence comprehensive ecosystem assessment the basis of the understanding that the with wildlife through separating habi- of Japan, restoration of natural ecosystems tat and capacity building, - Developing a comprehensive ecosys- requires long time and efforts devel- - Promoting primary industry which tem monitoring system including oped in a long term perspective are contributes to conservation of biodi- effects of global warming, and needed for the realization of a versity, - Promoting mitigation measures “Society in Harmony with Nature”. - Managing habitats for rare wild fauna against global warming from the and flora including storks and ibis, viewpoint of biodiversity and review- Then the main direction of the national and ing adaptation measures such as eco- policies on which to focus on in the - Further promoting preventive mea- logical networks highly adaptive to forthcoming five years or so towards sures against alien species including global warming. conservation and sustainable use of those unintentionally introduced as biodiversity is described with the fol- adhering to other living organisms or Concrete measures lowing four basic strategies: materials, or introduced by domestic Part 2 describes, systematically and 1. Mainstreaming Biodiversity in our migration. exhaustively, specific measures and 64

Outline of the Third National Biodiversity Strategy

― For "Building a Sustainable Society Coexisting with Flourishing Biodiversity" where Human and the Nature Live Together in Harmony ― Part 1 : Strategy Importance of Biodiversity Biodiversity Supports Life and Livelihood ①Basis for existence of all life on earth ― eg. oxygen supply, forming rich soil ― ②Use value including future options ―eg. food, timber, medicine, breeding, uninterpreted genetic information ― ③Basis for enriching culture ―eg. cultural diversity fostered by local natural environment, Japanese traditional attitude toward nature: cherishing all life on earth― ④Security of livelihood ― eg. disaster reduction, food securiy ― Challenge Crisis 1 Species and habitat degradation due to excessive human activities  Crisis 2 Degradation of satochi-satoyama* due to insufficient levelof management  (*Rural landscapes formed by sustainable use of natural resources )  Crisis 3 Ecosystem disturbances caused by the introdced alien species and chemical contaminations

Crisis caused by Global Warming ―inevitable and serious― ・Huge potential for species extinction and ecosystem collapse

Long-term perspective Involvement of various stakeholders Grand Design, targeting Involvement of local governments and 100 years ahead the private sector   ・Grand design of the national land from ・Needs for efforts by local governments the viewpoint of biodiversity is presented and businesses are emphasied with a as the "Centennial Plan", which aims to view to linking biodiversity conservation recover the nation's ecosystem over the to local activities next hundred-year period

FOUR "BASICSTRATEGIES"

Ⅰ Mainstreaming biodiveristy in our daily life ) Ⅱ Rebuilding sound relationship between man and nature in local communities) Ⅲ Securing linkages among forests, countrysides, rivers and the sea) Ⅳ Taking action with global perspective

Part 2 : Action Plan ・Approx. 660 specific measures and policies ・Ministries and agencies in charge of implementation, specified ・34 numerical targets polices aimed at ensuring conservation and for National Land Area and Cross-Sec- wide and other wide-area measures sustainable use of biodiversity in the toral and Fundamental Measures and under the title of Measures and Policies form of government action plans for policies. Based on Wide-Area Coordination, the next five years. Since the measures and which is divided into four sections: polices cover a wide range of areas, Chapter 1 “Measures and Policies for Ecological networks; Conservation of they are categorized and compiled for the National Land Area” consists of two Priority Areas; Nature Restoration; following two areas; Measures and Policies bodies. The first body specifies nation- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The 65

Examples of numerical targets(targeting 2012FY) ・Ramsar sites 33 sites (2007)_43 sites ・The population of Japanese crested ibis introduced to the wild and settled 60(2015) ・Nature restoration commitees 19 (2007) _ 29 ・Specified Wildlife Management Plan 90 (2007) _ 170 ・Certified "Ecofarmers" 110,000 (2007) _ 200,000 (2009) ・Awareness rate of the term "Biodiversity" 30% (2004) _ 50% and more ・Species to be protected by Law for the Conservation of Endangered species of Wild Fauna and Flora 73 (2004) _ 88 ・Hands-on activities in rural villages for elementary school children 23,000 schools

second body describes measures in line Protection and Appropriate Hunting to human life to help the public eas- with the characteristics of individual Law from 90 plans as of November ily understand the concept regions under the title of Measures and 2007 (Ministry of the Environment) 4. It provides the image of a long-term Policies for Local Areas, which is divid- - Increase the number of certified target for ecological management of ed into five sections: Forests; “ecofarmers” to 200,000 by the end national land under the so called Countryside and Satochi-Satoyama of 2009 from 110,000 as of September “Centennial Plan”, in particular Areas; Urban Areas; Rivers and 2006 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry referring to its relation to global Wetland Areas; Coastal Areas and and Fisheries) biodiversity Oceanic Areas. Chapter 2 “Cross- - Increase the awareness rate of the 5. It suggests that local governments, Sectoral and Fundamental Measures term “biodiversity” to 50% and more private enterprises, NGOs and the and Policies” has seven sections: from 30% as of 2004 (Ministry of the people should be encouraged to par- Conservation and Management of Environment) ticipate in the activities Wildlife; Sustainable Use of Genetic - Promote hands-on activities for ele- Resources; Communication and mentary school children to stay in Towards the future Implementation;International rural villages for about a week and Awareness of biodiversity is increasing Approach; Information Management develop conditions of acceptance, internationally as biodiversity includes and Technology Development; Efforts aiming at participation of 23,000 effects of global warming and our life against Global Warming; Environmental schools (1.2 million students per largely depends on natural resources. Impact Assessment. In total, Part 2 has grade) in five years (Ministry of Japan needs to further increase efforts 16 sections. Internal Affairs and Communication, based on the Third National Ministry of Education, Culture, Biodiversity Strategy. Specific measures and policies are Sports, Science and Technology and itemized with clear indications of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Although the National Strategy is a contents of the measures and policies Fisheries) plan of the government, active efforts by to be implemented and the ministries a wide rage of actors are essential to and agencies in charge of implementa- The Third National Biodiversity realize conservation and sustainable tion. Numerical targets are also set if Strategy of Japan has the following use of biodiversity. We, the govern- possible so as to make descriptions features: ment, are determined to enhance the more concrete. 1. It was set up as an action plan that cooperation between ministries con- included as many targets and indica- cerned and implement steadily the Part 2 shows about 660 specific mea- tors of individual efforts as possible measures and policies responding to sures and policies in total, for 34 of so as to represent a clear path the Third National Biodiversity Strate- which numerical targets are included. towards the implementation of the gy, while increasing various parties’ The below are examples of those tar- Strategy (including citizens and private compa- gets: 2. It lists the tasks of individual min- nies) awareness of “biodiversity” to - Add ten more inscribed wetlands istries as clearly as possible, the promote proactive actions. under the Ramsar Convention to the Strategy arranged them in groups current 33 sites (Ministry of the under the categories such as coastal Japan is also offering to host Environment) area, oceanic area according to the CBD/COP10 in 2010 and will continue - Increase to 170 Specified Wildlife respective roles of ministries to contribute to global conservation Management plans based on Wildlife 3. It describes biodiversity in relation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 66 The First Prefectural Biodiversity Strategy of Chiba

Environmental and Community Affairs Department ,Nature Conservation Division Chiba Prefectural Government

The first prefecture government biodiversity strategy in Japan was adopted at 26th of March 2008 in Chiba Prefecture, with the overarching philosophy of “Handing down the riches of biodiversity to our children” in order to conserve biodi- versity through close cooperation and collaboration with citizens, NPOs, experts, as well as government.

Background of the strategy Chiba, one of 47 Japanese prefectures, consists of 5,157Km2 of land, forming the Boso Peninsula that sticks out from the middle of Honshu Island into the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, and possessing mild cli- mate and fertile soil, this land has long supported rich biodiversity. For exam- ple, its some 2,700 species of vascular flora rival that of the whole of Germany.

Being located at an Eastern fringe of the Asian continent that is washed by both warm and cold ocean currents, this area received biota of various ori- gins from tropical to boreal. The north- ernmost spawning river for chum Chiba is located in the middle of Honshu Island and forms a peninsula with mild climate and fertile soil salmon on the western Pacific coast is in Chiba.

Such rich biodiversity has supported and consequent devastation of sato- Chiba was drawn up, followed by two local human life for a very long time. yama, satonuma and satoumi. year of thorough discussions among As a matter of fact, Chiba has the high- Accordingly, the traditional culture – experts and people of diverse lifestyles est density of Neolithic shell mounds in rooted in the natural environment – also and livelihoods. the world. Rice cultivation that dates started disappearing. In addition to from around the first century has grad- these, global warming presents another Overview of the strategy ually shaped a sustainable farmland unignorable threat to biodiversity. The strategy employs three major landscape that has come to be reof- viewpoints or approaches which consist of: fered to in the form of satoyama. Considering that every single organism - A comprehensive approach to address Similarly, wisely and sustainably used on earth is a consequence of both climate change and biodiversity; seashore and lakes are known as sato- 4,000,000,000 years of evolution of - Taking into account people’s various umi and satonuma respectively. life, the current biodiversity crisis can- lifestyles and livelihoods; and not be overlooked. With a population - Integrating biodiversity into every Industrialization and urbanization, of more than six millions, roughly policy development and implementa- however, caused considerable deterio- equivalent to that of Israel, Chiba tion. ration of the biodiversity and land- Prefecture cannot ignore its responsi- scapes of Chiba in the last century. A bility towards biodiversity conserva- The strategy is also characterized by decreasing population in the primary tion. To address this issue, The First its participatory development process. industry resulted in the abandonment Prefectural Biodiversity Strategy of The strategy was elaborated by citi- 67 zens during dozens of meetings with more than 2,800 participants from its very beginning. This participatory plan- ning process of the strategy was named Chiba method.

The strategy’s overarching philosophy is “Handing down the riches of biodi- versity to our children” and with three specific goals namely: - A society which embraces the diversi- ty and interconnectedness of life; - A sustainable society that recycles biological resources; and - A society where humans and nature live together in harmony.

The strategy also specifies policy direc- tions to be implemented by the prefec- tural government:

- Conservation and restoration of biodiversity Chiba is surrounded by the sea on three sides and its coastal environment is very rich in biodiversity through the promotion of counter- measures against global warming, conservation and restoration of vari- ous type of ecosystems, management of wildlife, and control of alien species and genetically modified organisms; - Sustainable use through promoting sustainable use of biological resources by primary industries, improvement of regulation and stabi- lization functions of ecosystems, pre- serving culture and health of mind and body cultivated by biodiversity, and development and use of bio-indi- cators; - Research and education through promotion Satoyama in summer in Chiba of research and monitoring activities concerning biodiversity and popular- ization of biodiversity education; and - Institutional development through establishing Chiba Biodiversity Center, collaboration with various stakeholders, and enactment of regu- lations.

Chiba prefecture government will try to implement this strategy in collabo- ration and cooperation with various stakeholders including national govern- ment, municipalities, private sectors, schools and other educational institu- tions, experts, citizens and NPOs in the region. Satoyama in autumn in Chiba 68 Home Building with Artisans: Helping Rebuild Forests

Kiyotaka Suzuki Director, Head Office of the Association of Creative Tokyo House for the Future

Members joining in the cutting down of a Japanese cedar Building a house with Tokyo timbers - the framework completed

environment downstream as a result. es with timbers produced in Nishitama, However, this cycle has ceased func- Tokyo, to help regenerate forests and tioning due to the rise of cheap export- mountain forests and conserve the ed timbers and new construction meth- urban environment. The ACTHF is not ods. With forestry going into a steady merely driven by the desire to increase decline, the mountain forests of this the demand for wood – it also seeks country have been ruined, and those in ways to make home building more the Nishitama region in particular are transparent by promoting vigorous about to disappear. cooperation between forest producers,

Planting a ceremonial tree in a mountain in Tokyo timber merchants, architects, builders It all started when Tokyo was struck by and home owners. It was incorporated heavy snow and the mountains suffered as a cooperative in September 2001. severe snow damage about 20 years Philosophy ago. Teams of weekend volunteers The ACTHF set forth the following Few people seem to know Tokyo has started working on the mountains and cooperative philosophy: forests or the fact that about one third through these activities they developed 1. We aim to promote the building of of its land area consists of forests. In collaborative relationships with forest environmentally-friendly houses particular, the Nishitama region has producers and gradually became com- using living wood and the skills of long engaged in vigorous forestry oper- pletely attracted by the mountains. artisans that give life to the materi- ations. Traditional Japanese houses Among these volunteers, those al; used to be built by local artisans using involved in the building industry set up 2. We aim to promote the mutual local wood. The use of locally pro- the Association of Creative Tokyo understanding between those living duced timbers would help renew local House for the Future ("ACTHF") in April at the foot of mountains and urban mountain forests and protect the urban 1996. The objective was to build hous- residents downstream to build hous- 69

A house built with Tokyo timbers

es with a renewable material – wood building their houses with natural – to help bring the blessings of materials to those who need healthier nature to the urban environment, houses for their atopic children. We regenerate mountain forests and always ask home owners what they thus conserve the natural environ- want from their house to give them a ment in Tokyo; and chance to stop to think about what 3. We aim to promote coordinated they really want from their house. home building efforts through direct Once the design process has started, communications between forest pro- they may be too involved in details to

ducers, timber merchants, builders, keep the whole picture. We know for Wooden frames under the roof architects and home owners. experience that taking time to let them do this before starting the design This philosophy has not changed since process makes the whole process much establishment in 1996, and will remain smoother. bers. Looking at the bark and shapes of effective in the future. branches, observing how trees are People in the building industry and maintained, harvested and sawed, Sharing the philosophy home owners might have certain experiencing thinning and planting – all The ACTHF links the mountains with knowledge about wood as a building these activities help them understand cities, consisting of members from material, but may not be very familiar the simple and precious fact that trees upstream (forestry producers and tim- with how trees are grown and become are grown for decades with the help of ber merchants) and those from down- timbers. We invite them to visit the humans before they are turned into stream (builders, architects and home mountains to see how Japanese cedar timbers. Through these experiences, owners). Its Head Office receives vari- sugi and cypress hinoki are grown and people gradually come to understand ous inquiries, from those keen on taken care of before becoming tim- that wood has a life of its own as a 70

Interior view of a house made with Tokyo timbers Japanese style tatami room

material. We also introduce forest pro- join on-going site tours, visit newly the whole home building process (i.e. ducers and timber merchants to archi- completed houses, have hands-on from production to disposal). tects and home owners to ensure they mountain work experiences and partic- are motivated by the positive feed- ipate in various other events. As a project to revive Tokyo forests, backs from home owners - a huge Interested non-members are also invit- we have launched the “TAMAKI” brand, change from the conventional modern ed to these events which may be avail- which represents a novel concept of practice. able at the time of inquiry. We also creating a sustainable recycling soci- issue a bimonthly newsletter “Fudoki” ety. The brand color is hunter green, Home building system and sales and provide bimonthly lecture sessions and the word “TAMAKI” means a ring, channel called “Home and Forests.” All these circulation or cycle in Japanese, which We have built about 100 houses since events and publications are aimed at rhymes with “Tama no ki” meaning the establishment. On average, it takes promoting communication between “trees in the Tama region”. Various about 6 months from the beginning to members and further developing their products made of wood and other the completion of work. We ask home understanding towards mountain materials produced from forests in owners to spare enough time for us to forests and home building. The owners Tokyo will be designated under this prepare wood before starting the work. of newly completed houses actively brand. Purchasing the products of this We invite them to the mountains and participate and collaborate in these brand is expected to help protect to the timber merchant to deepen activities – they are a precious asset of forests, as well as our lives, support their understanding and in the spring, the ACTHF and represent the success the forests and ultimately contribute after the completion of their houses, of our activities, as they always think, to the prevention of global warming. we invite them to the mountains again give advice and take actions regarding to plant commemorative trees by how sustainable and recyclable moun- Fundamental issues themselves. tain work and home building should be. When the ACTHF was founded about 10 years ago, the building industry We have not made any particular PR Ongoing initiatives expected wood to be one of those efforts. People come to us because One of the initiatives we have taken is homogeneous and dimensionally pre- they learn about our activities from the a joint research on LCA (life cycle cise member materials that should be media, such as magazines, books and assessment) for wooden houses. We delivered straightaway at cheap prices. the Internet. While we are aware that have been engaged it for the past 5 The real challenge for the ACTHF did we may need to make ourselves known years as part of an industry-govern- not lie only in winning customers but in a little more, we also believe people ment-academia collaboration with choosing either to accept this industri- who really need us can somehow reach Tokyo Norinsuisan Shinkozaidan (Tokyo al attitude as it was and get on with it us – we will continue to be this way. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery or to seek ways to change the attitude, Promotion Foundation) and Tokyo however hard it would be. We chose Public education University of Agriculture and the latter path. It seems that many We adopt a membership system Technology. In this research, we focus other wood promotion initiatives have through which members are invited to on environmental loads induced during taken the former, and as a result, the 71 sales of wood products have increased. tainable way, we are still in the we are winning customers, even though On the other hand, what happened to process of establishing a system that not many. We will stay committed to our forests and local economy, builders will allow deeper understanding by the promotion of wood utilization with and artisans? The ACTHF has been home owners, effective utilization by new perspectives and home building by struggling to a certain extent, but carpenters, efficient processing by tim- artisans. never changed the original course of ber merchants and sustainable produc- action. Aiming to supply wood in a sus- tion by forest producers. Fortunately,

A Home Owner Talks about Being Part of the ACTHF

I heard about the Association of Creative Tokyo House for the Future (ACTHF) from my sister, who learnt about their activities while listening to the radio. At that time, I was planning to have my 60-year-old house rebuilt with domes- tic wood and wondering how I could go about it. As a matter of fact, I did not know that forestry existed in Tokyo. I of course knew we had forestry in Japan, but did not care that much about it to be honest – I had this vague image of mountains naturally growing forests on their own or something.

Having become a member of the ACTHF, I started visiting mountains and participating in various programs. I gradual- ly came to know that mountains and forests needed our care and realized their conditions were closely linked with cities downstream. After I decided to commission the rebuilding of our house to the ACTHF, I was very excited about having a new house and, at the same time, felt that I was assuming some sort of a social role in my small way. I grew interested in mountains and forests.

They say “wooden houses are forests in town.” I found it true after seeing for myself the process of using wood everywhere in the house, from structural frames to the interior finish. I was also amazed to see how alive wood real- ly was even after incorporated it into the building – the cracking sound of pillars and beams during dry winter and the disappearance of gaps between floor boards in the rainy season at the beginning of summer all made us realize wood was still breathing, shrinking and expanding. The house consists of wood that is alive – it is indeed a “forest in the town.”

It’s been about 18 months now since we moved into the new house. The colors of pillars and floor boards are already different from they were at the time of completion. We seem to be accustomed to the scent of wood at home, but our guests always mention how nice it is. I’d like to take care of my house and keep this “forest in the town” healthy for as many years as possible.

I also appreciate the efforts of the architect and artisans, who revived some of the items used in the old house – like old balustrades and shoji screens. The old pine tree in the garden was also reborn as a material for the new house. All these would have not been possible if I had not joined the ACTHF.

I did not imagine my personal experience of having my house rebuilt would help save forests, rivers, cities and the sea, even though in a very small way. I will keep enjoying being part of the ACTHF activities.

The Association of Creative Tokyo 31 Professional members House for the Future (10 forest producers; 1 timber merchant; Head Office: 9-1-7-102 Kabemachi, 10 builders and 10 architects) Oume City, Tokyo. 198-0036 Phone: +81-428-20-1088 Fax: +81-428-20-1099 www.forest.gr.jp [email protected] 72 Targeting Sustainable Society by Utilizing Used Timber and Old Buildings

Kozai Bunka No Kai (Association for the Preparation of the Bank of Reusing Timber)

tion are the roof, columns and beams. Eaves are long and the wooden floor is built with a veranda, resulting in an open structure that connects the build- ing softly with the outside world. The ability to control humidity of the nat- ural materials used in the wooden architecture (timber, plaster, etc.) contributes to improving the housing environment characterized by high humidity in Japan.

Shrines and temples in Japan are very much affected by the Chinese architec- ture which was introduced in Japan ini- tially with Buddhist architecture among others. In addition to foreign influ- ence, simple and elegant designs, care- fully selected materials for each part and detailed fine techniques have been developed to form an architectural Beautiful design of a Kyoto machiya, the traditional tradesman's house style preserved in Kyoto style specific to Japan. Characteristics of Japanese traditional architecture Introduction lize architectural waste materials are the harmony with nature, focusing Buildings are the closest constituents including old timbers and plasters and how on horizontal lines rather on vertical of the environment surrounding us. to preserve and utilize old buildings so that ones and occasional deviation from They are doubtlessly materials but at they do not become waste. Our ulti- symmetry. the same time parts of our mental mate goal is to achieve a sustainable environment. Conservation of buildings con- society through these activities. On the other hand, folk dwellings - res- tributes to the conservation of the cultural idence of ordinary people - are influ- landscape, thus leading to the conserva- Wooden architectural culture in enced by various factors including tion of our environment. Based on such Japan regional nature, history, society and views, the Kozai Bunka No Kai is taking Japan has wide forest areas occupying lifestyle. They show distinct regional actions with the following three objectives: some seventy percent of the country. characteristics and contribute to the 1. Promoting the preservation and utilization Japanese people have fostered wooden richness of architectural styles and of old buildings and used timber as architectural culture utilizing rich for- spatial constructions. Folk dwellings part of the Japanese architectural est resources and natural materials were basically built by local workers culture; including plants for thatching. The using local materials and techniques, 2. Promoting succession and develop- Japanese climate is generally charac- so they show regional characteristics ment of traditional culture of wooden terized by relatively high-temperature with planes, structures, exteriors, architecture and architectural techniques; and high-humidity with a large amount designs, materials and facilities adjust- and of precipitation, so wooden architec- ed to the regional climate and 3. Aiming at a sustainable society that can ture based on a framework of linear lifestyle. Similar tendencies can be preserve natural resources. parts (column, beam, etc.) and observed in town houses that are the inclined roof have been developed. residences of merchants and crafts- We have been working on how to uti- The main parts of the spatial construc- men. 73

In Japan’s traditional architecture, people changed the details of their houses adjusting them according to the four seasons to make space rich and com- fortable. In the summer, removable doors and windows were replaced by those with good ventilation characteris- tics. The interior space of houses became thus open to outside and adjusted to summer. The architectural style made life comfortable and life inside improved the appearance of the architecture. Such good relationship between archi- tecture and residents is the basis of the architectural culture of Japan.

Folk dwellings and town houses used to be built on the assumption that they will be A traditional house style called Gassho-zukuri with steep thatched rafter roof handed to the following generations. Everyday life, annual events and ceremonies Average number of years after construction of demolished housings in life (wedding, funeral, etc.) are handed to the following generations Japan along with related equipments. The workers who built and maintained the USA buildings lived in the same region. Generally, families used to live in the same UK houses for a long time with occasional exten- 020406080 sion and repair even after some Figure 1 : Japan: Statistical survey on housing and land (1998-2003) changes in their lifestyle. It was also USA: American Housing Survey (2001-2005) common to rebuild old houses and to UK: Housing and Construction Statistics (1996-2001) reuse timbers for various purposes. Life and society were really based on recycling and But after World War II, simple housing houses in Japan is thirty, which is low succession. increased rapidly in order to solve the when compared to the USA and UK. problem of insufficient housing. In the Not only old shrines like Horyuji temple era of rapid economic growth, over- In recent decades, architecture and in Nara that was built more than 1500 population in urban area and depopula- living environment in Japan have years ago, but also old folk dwellings tion in rural area accelerated and become comfortable. Rational func- and town houses prove that they can nuclear families and single households tionalities and physical comfortable- be used for more than one hundred increased rapidly. The society changed ness have been adjusted to improved years if they are built and maintained from one that uses things carefully into design technologies and mechanical properly. one of mass production/mass consump- equipments like air conditioners. But tion/mass disposal. The lifestyle and mental comfortableness and cultural Current status related to wood- set of values changed enormously. richness are lacking. The depth and en architecture and changes in warmth that houses get after people cultural values The style of housing changed according have lived in them for long and care- Originally, Japanese wooden architec- to the social and economic changes fully are lost. Current houses only show ture was supposed to require only mentioned above. Building companies temporary characteristics. occasional maintenance. Builders and who regard housing as a commodity workers, who built the house, main- gained power. Housing that was creat- Nowadays, people do not pay attention tained it afterwards. The human net- ed by the techniques of workers in the to careful maintenance of houses, work in the region contributed to the region changed to a consumer product including daily cleaning. This is one of longevity of housing. There was a provided by the economic system the reasons why buildings need to be social system that did not allow to dis- called the “housing industry”. As a rebuilt more often. It is necessary for pose of buildings easily. result, the average age of demolished the whole society to generate people’s 74

Reuse rate of timbers in construction (percent) Reuse rate of timbers in construction (percent) 0 102030405060 10 0 Iron ore y = -0.08 x (0.17) Original coal y = -0.16 x (0.35) 0 -10 Aggregate y = -0.22 x (0.39) 01020 30 40 50 60 70 80 Limestone y = -0.28 x (0.77) -20 Fuel coal y = -0.31 x (0.81) -10 Energy (biological) y = -0.33 x (0.40) Natural gas y = -0.34 x (0.40) -30 Energy (fossil) y = -0.36 x (0.59) LNG y = -0.37 x (0.61) -20 CO2 (fossil) y = -0.38 x (0.62) -40 Crude oil y = -0.42 x (0.60) SOx y = -0.44 x (0.59) -30 -50 Waste (generated) y = -0.70 x (0.61) NOx y = -0.49 x (0.64)

Waste (landfill) y = 0.76 x (0.56) Change rate of cost (percent) -40 y= -0.0124 x 2 + 0.2881 x -60 (0.99) Timber y = -1.09 x (0.92) CO2 (biological) y = -1.11 x (0.62)

Reduction effect of environmental-70 load (percent) -50

Figure 2 : Kozai Bank No Kai: Effect of rebuilding folk dwellings on reduction of environ- Figure 3 : Kozai Bank No Kai: Effect of rebuilding folk dwellings on mental loads and costs reduction of environmental loads and costs interest in saving housing and the life were built by using resources from emissions, waste and landfill utiliza- resources constituting them. overseas, forestry in Japan declined tion. The amount of CO2 (biological)

and many villages in the mountain area emissions is the amount of CO2 emis- Buildings, including houses, are basic that produced recyclable resource of sions mainly generated by the incinera- elements of the regional landscape and timber were destroyed. tion of waste timber. Additionally, we culture and are important also from an can reduce the consumption of energy educational point of view. As housing is Living in a traditional building might be resources (crude oil, natural gas, coal, a big social property, it is important to uncomfortable, even dangerous in etc.). promote the utilization of existing some cases. Traditional buildings that high-quality housing to protect became inadequate for living can be The results of the survey on the cost Japanese architectural culture and to recycled to a comfortable housing of comparison between rebuilding of folk work on the social issue of accomplish- good quality by using the original dwellings and demolition/new con- ing longevity of buildings. Protecting framework. Elements of old folk struction are shown in Figure 3. existing buildings is not enough. We dwellings can be used as constructional Rebuilding utilizes more than twenty must also improve the longevity of material if removed carefully. Used percent of the used timber of old folk newly constructed buildings in order to timbers that are damaged and cannot dwellings and thus it is more economi- sustainably use domestic natural be used as constructional material can cal than constructing a new building of resources, including forests. be reused as raw material for furni- the same size from the scratch. ture. Reduction of the environmental Rebuilding old folk dwellings and utiliz- load by rebuilding old folk Reusing timber contributes to the ing used timber contributes to the dwellings and utilizing used direct effect on the environment, reduction of environmental loads and is timber including reduction of disposal. But it also rational from an economic point of Conserving traditional architecture and also reduces energy consumption and view. We hope that our activities of historical cityscape can also contribute the amount of CO2 generated in the utilizing architectural waste materials to preventing global warming. As men- process of producing new materials. including old timber and plaster con- tioned before, timber was used in This is an indirect environment conser- tribute to the creation of a sustainable Japan in numerous phases. Buildings vation effect. society. We cannot hand a dirty global were used with occasional repair and environment to future generations. We improvement. Constructional materials Figure 2 shows the results of a survey continue our activities with a strong were reused as secondhand materials conducted by a researcher at our asso- will to solve current environmental and then used to make fittings and fur- ciation on the reduction effect of the issues responsibly. As for the activities niture. Such long-term usage of tim- reutilization of timbers in recycling of our association, please visit our bers enabled a recycling system that construction. It shows that higher website:http://www.wood.jp/kbank/i allows trees to grow up meanwhile. But reuse rates result in a bigger reduction ndex-e.htm. because many buildings with a short of timber consumption, CO2 (biological) About the Cover

“山川草木悉皆成仏”reads “San-sen-sou-moku-shikkai- joubutsu” and describes a traditional view of nature in Japan. It means "the mountains, rivers, grasses and trees all have Buddha Nature". In other words, Buddha Nature (the enlightened consciousness of the Buddha) is immanent in all nature elements. This view is also deeply influenced by ancient Japanese religion, Shintoism. (see page 32) Afterword

Biodiversity is closely related to cultural diversity and it cannot be discussed in a vacuum. One of the ambitions of this publication is to profile these cultural, historical, and even religious aspects of biodiversity which, we believe, have hitherto not been sufficiently illustrated or discussed in Japan.

We don't intend to present that the views and actions presented in this publication are the best or the only way, but we rather want to put them on the table to stimulate further discussion from a wider audience.

We sincerely hope that this publication will contribute to exploring more creative and innovative approaches to conserving biodiversity globally.

Naoya Furuta

Member of Editorial Committee Biodiversity Network Japan ABOUT BIODIVERSITY NETWORK JAPAN Biodiversity Network Japan was established in 1991 by biologists, politicians, attorneys, jour- nalists and citizens to disseminate and facilitate biodiversity conservation. Its mission is to conserve biodiversity through scientific research, policy advocacy, training, and dissemination of scientific knowledge. As a member of IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Biodiversity Network Japan works in close collaboration with experts and institutions around the world. Some of its achievements include organizing a series of symposia on global warming and inva- sive species, convening expert meetings, dispatching research missions, coordinating eco- tours and producing publications. http://www.bdnj.org

ABOUT COUNTDOWN 2010 Countdown 2010 is a powerful network of active partners working together towards the 2010 biodiversity target. Each partner commits additional efforts to tackle the causes of biodiversi- ty loss. The secretariat - hosted by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) - facilitates and encourages action, promotes the importance of the 2010 biodiversity target and assesses progress towards 2010. An Assembly of all partners meets annually to review the overall direc- tion of Countdown 2010. In its implementation, Countdown 2010 is guided by a core Advisory Board. http://www.countdown2010.net

ABOUT KEIDANREN NATURE CONSRVATION FUND (KNCF) The Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) was established in 1992 and authorized as a public trust by Japanese Government in April 2000. The Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. was selected as the Trustee of the Fund. After its establishment, a lot of corporations (mainly Nippon Keidanren member corporations) and the general people have been contributing dona- tion to the Fund on the approval of substance of KNCF. The KNCF has continuously supported the nature conservation projects every year with about the total amount of ¥200 million (JPY). The KNCF raises applicants for the Fund on this Web Page every fiscal year, and Project Selection Committee has assumed the rigid responsibility of appraising and selecting support- ed projects among submitted applications. http://www.keidanren.or.jp/kncf/en/