OOggaassaawwaarraa IIssllaannddss MMaannaaggeemmeenntt PPllaann (English translation for World Heritage nomination)
January 2010
Ministry of the Environment Forestry Agency Agency for Cultural Affairs Tokyo Metropolitan Government Ogasawara Village Japan
Contents
1. Introduction ------1 2. Basic Information of the Plan------1 1) Objectives of the Management Plan ------1 2) Scope of the Management Plan ------1 3) Goal and Target Period of the Management Plan------1 4) Relation with the Action Plan and Other Plans ------1 3. Overview of the Ogasawara Islands ------3 1) Location of the Ogasawara Islands ------3 2) General Information ------3 3) Natural Environment ------3 4) Social Environment ------5 4. Management Goals and Basic Principles ------7 1) Management Goals ------7 2) Basic Principles ------7 (1) Conservation of the Outstanding Natural Environment------7 (2) Removal and Avoidance of Impacts of Alien Species ------7 (3) Harmony between Daily Life of Humans and Nature------7 (4) Adaptive Conservation and Management------8 5. Management Measures ------9 1) Proper Enforcement of Protective Instruments------9 2) Strategic Conservation of Ecosystems by Island------12 3) Prevention of Introduction and Dispersion of New Alien Species ------21 4) Environmental Considerations in Individual Projects and Research ------26 5) Promotion of Lifestyle in Harmony with Nature ------27 6) Promotion of Wise Use and Ecotourism ------28 7) Monitoring and Information ------30 6. Management System------32 1) Coordination among Stakeholders------32 2) Adaptive Management System based on Scientific Findings ------32 3) Management Authorities ------32 4) Management of Implementation of the Plan------33 7. Conclusion ------34
Islands, the management authorities aim to achieve 1. Introduction close mutual communication and cooperation with other administrative agencies, the residents of the The Ogasawara Islands, located in the northwestern Ogasawara Islands, business stakeholders engaged in Pacific Ocean to the south of the Japanese tourism, agriculture, and fishery, researchers, Archipelago, consist of sporadically distributed nonprofit organizations (NPOs), visitors including islands extending approximately 400 km from north tourists, and other stakeholders (hereafter referred to to south. Each component island is an oceanic collectively as “stakeholders”). island that, since time of origin, has never been connected by land to the continent. The Ogasawara 2) Scope of the Management Plan Islands were uninhabited until 1830 and were The nominated property is composed of all the therefore called the “Bonin Islands” (“bonin” derives islands of the Ogasawara Archipelago excluding from the Japanese word meaning no inhabitation). Chichijima and Hahajima, most parts of Chichijima The ecosystems of these oceanic islands have been and Hahajima, as well as the whole islands of preserved very well. Nishinoshima, Kita-iwoto, and Minami-iwoto. The Ogasawara Islands were formed by island arc For the purpose of conservation and management volcanic activities approximately 48 to 44 million of the natural environment of the nominated property, years ago. In no other place in the world is it is actions such as the removal of the impacts of alien possible to observe on-land records of the initial species need to be taken. Because most of these stages of island arc formation at the subduction zone actions must be implemented integrally without of oceanic tectonic plates. In addition, the distinction between the nominated property and its organisms of the Ogasawara Islands have diverse surroundings, this Management Plan covers the entire origins. Not only have many endemic species been Ogasawara Islands including the nominated property, produced through unique evolutionary processes, but surrounding land, and marine areas, in addition to many of these species still survive today, providing ship navigation routes. the opportunity for us to observe their ongoing The geographical area covered by this evolutionary processes. Management Plan is shown in the figure below, In recognition of the value of the natural together with the area that is nominated for environment of the Ogasawara Islands, which feature inscription on the World Heritage List. globally rare ecosystems and geologic characteristics, and to pass this environment on to future generations as the common property of all humanity, the 3) Goal and Target Period of the Ogasawara Islands Management Plan (hereafter Management Plan referred to as the “Management Plan”) has been This Management Plan contains management prepared and is presented herein. measures necessary to achieve the overall management goal. It sets out activities to be implemented over the next 5 to 10 years to achieve 2. Basic Information of the Plan long-term goals. The plan will be reviewed and 2. Basic Information of the Plan revised as necessary, in response to changes in the natural environment and social circumstances. 1) Objectives of the Management Plan The objectives of the Management Plan are to 4) Relation with the Action Plan and clarify basic policies concerning the enforcement of Other Plans various conservation and management instruments Other Plans and to promote appropriate and smooth conservation The Action Plan is a detailed plan under the and management of the natural environment of all the Management Plan that complements the Management Ogasawara Islands (for the purpose of this Plan. The Action plan demonstrates the priority Management Plan, the phrase “Ogasawara Islands” sequence and process of short-term targets and refers to the Ogasawara Archipelago, the Kazan activities. Island Group (known as Volcano Islands), Individual plans based on different laws created by Nishinoshima Island, and the surrounding marine each management authority and individual project area), including the area constituting the natural implementation plans shall take into account the property nominated for inscription on the World Management Plan and Action Plan. Consolidated Heritage List (hereafter referred to as the “nominated planning framework shall therefore be established. property”). The Ministry of the Environment, the Forestry Agency, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Ogasawara Village (hereafter referred to as the “management authorities”) are responsible for the various instruments for conservation and management of the natural environment. For the conservation and management of the
1
Fig. 1-1 World Heritage Management Area
Nominated property World Heritage Management Area
Hahajima Island Group Chichijima Island Group
Ototojima Island
Anijima Island Nishijima Island Hahajima Island Higashijima Mukohjima Island Island Hirajima Island
Meijima Island Chichijima Imotojima Island Island Anejima Island Minamijima Island
Kita-iwoto Island Mukojima Island Group Mukojima Island Group
Yomejima Island Kitanoshima Island
Mukojima Island Minami-iwoto Island Nishinoshima Island
Nakodojima Island
2
islands are securely conserved. 3. Overview of the Ogasawara Islands 3) Natural Environment i) Geology 1) Location of the Ogasawara Islands The Ogasawara Islands make up an oceanic island The Ogasawara Islands lie in the northwestern arc that was formed on an oceanic crust (Fig. 2-1). Pacific to the south of the Japanese Archipelago, with The Izu-Ogasawara (Bonin) Arc, on which the Chichijima Island, located approximately 1,000 km Ogasawara Archipelago and the Kazan Island Group from Tokyo, and other islands sporadically rest, is an island arc-trench system extending 1,500 distributed over 400 km from north to south. The km in length that was formed along the eastern edge islands are divided into the Ogasawara Archipelago of the oceanic Philippine Sea plate as a result of the (consisting of the Chichijima Island Group, the subduction of the Pacific plate 48 Ma (Ma: Hahajima Island Group, and the Mukojima Island megaannum, or million years ago). The Group), and the Kazan Island Group and surrounding Izu-Ogasawara Arc is one of the most studied in isolated islands such as Nishinoshima. Chichijima, terms of geophysics, geology, and petrology because the home of the local government office of of its scientific importance as a typical example of an Ogasawara Village, is located at 27°40’N latitude, oceanic island arc. 142°1’ E longitude. The central point of Hahajima Within the geological features of the is located at 26°0’N latitude, 142°44’ E longitude. Izu-Ogasawara Arc, a continuous history of island arc growth, from its birth to the present date, is recorded 2) General Information in the form of changes in Chemical magma composition and volcanic activity. In addition, The Ogasawara Islands are oceanic islands midlle crust, origin of continental crust, has been located 1,000 km away from the main islands of formed beneath the arc, which demonstrates the Japan. Geologically, the islands are unique in the ongoing evolution procees from an oceanic island arc world in that they provide a rare opportunity to to a continent. directly observe, on land, the normally The geology of the Ogasawara Islands exhibits hard-to-observe phases of the development of an the typical growth process for an oceanic island arc, oceanic island arc. Their large areas of exposed rock from the formation of the subduction zone until strata tell the tectonic story from the beginning of settling into a steady state, which is the why the plate subduction 48 million years ago, through islands provide an evolutionary record of how transitional periods, and into a stable phase 40 continental crust formed and grew on the earth. million years ago. The islands are the subject of the world’s latest research into the development of island arcs, and are extremely valuable from a scientific ii) Climate perspective in that they provide insights into the The nominated property belongs to a relatively evolutionary history of the earth, especially the warm subtropical climatic zone. Because both the mechanisms behind the formation of continents. annual and diurnal temperature ranges are small and Biologically and ecologically, the Ogasawara the level of humidity is high, the climate there is Islands are peculiar island ecosystems with many considered to have maritime nature. The mean annual endemic species as a result of unique processes of temperature of Chichijima in the nominated property adaptive radiation and speciation on the oceanic is 23.0° C. The mean temperature of the coldest islands formed in the way mentioned above. The month (February) is 17.7° C, and the mean of the Ogasawara Islands preserve the common hottest month (August) is 27.6° C. The mean annual characteristics of isolated oceanic islands, and offer precipitation is 1,276.7 mm. As for precipitation by the opportunity to witness the ongoing evolutionary month, February receives the least (61.4 mm) and process of speciation. They are also valuable as one May receives the most (174.4 mm). of the few isolated land masses in the northwest The nominated property is located at the center of Pacific Ocean region conserving globally significant the Ogasawara High that develops at the western species, making it very important to maintain this edge of the North Pacific High. Because of this, the characteristic island ecosystem. area is slightly affected by typhoon raifall, and the The Ogasawara Islands are protected by amount of precipitation is low. In the summer months, designation as a Wilderness Area under the Nature the amount of evaporation exceeds that of Conservation Law, a National Park under the Natural precipitation, and the soil and topographic conditions Parks Law, a Natural Monument under the Law for are characterized by shallow soils and precipitous the Protection of Cultural Properties, a Forest coast areas, so the soil moisture condition becomes Ecosystem Reserve under the National Forests extremely dry in this season. In addition, because of Administration and Management Bylaw, and a the differences in elevation and wind direction National Wildlife Protection Area under the Wildlife whithin the nominated property, there is a wide range Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law. As a of climatic characteristics seen locally. As an result, the characteristic topological and geological example, cloud belts develop at the elevated area of features and unique ecosystems of these oceanic relatively tall Minami-iwoto.
3 iii) Plants iv) Animal Many oceanic islands of the world are tropical, 【Terrestrial animals】 but the nominated property is located in a milder The structure of the fauna on Ogasawara Islands subtropical zone. For this reason, it has many plant is quite distinctive: some taxa are completely absent, species that have origins in the subtropical regions of or conversely proportions of certain taxa are large. Southeast Asia, such as Schima mertensiana, These phenomena account for the extremely Planchonella obovata, Elaeocarpus photiniaefolius, disharmonic biological communities typical of Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata, Distylium oceanic islands. As for the terrestrial fauna on the lepidotum, Syzygium buxifolium, and Ardisia Ogasawara Islands (except birds, which can migrate sieboldii. In addition, there are many northern species relatively easily), there are only one mammal species, that have originated in the mainland of Japan, such as the Bonin flying fox (Pteropus pselaphon), two Stachyurus praecox var. macrocarpus and Rubus reptile species, the Ogasawara snake-eyed skink nakaii, as well as southern species including (Cryptoblepharus nigropunctatus) and the Meterosideros boninensis and Santalum boninense. Micronesian gecko (Perochirus ateles), and no These species with diverse origins are a characteristic amphibians. feature of the property and have achieved unique On the other hand, it is clear that the area is speciation, so despite the islands being oceanic and of characterized by an abundance of endemic species small size, there are many plant species and the and subspecies that evolved on the islands. proportion of endemic species is high. A total of 138 BirdLife International has recognized the islands families, 445 genera, and 745 species of vascular as one of the Endemic Bird Areas of the World, plants (including subspecies, and varieties) have been because they are the habitats for the endemic recorded, of which, 441 are native, and 161 are Ogasawara Islands honeyeater (Apalopteron endemic. familiare) and the endemic subspecies of Japanese The typical vegetation of the nominated property wood-pigeon (Columba janthina nitens). The five includes sclerophyllous scrub that adapted to dry regions of the nominated property is identified as climates, and subtropical rainforest that occurs in Important Bird Area. Matsudaira’s storm-petrel cloud belts at high elevations. (Oceanodroma matsudairae) breeds only on one Sclerophyllous scrub is a forest composed of the island in the world, Minami-iwoto, although it has shrubs and small trees range in height from around wide home range from the African coast through five to eight meters. Three types of sclerophyllous Southeast Asia to the western Pacific Ocean. The scrub communities can be seen covering the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) breeds relatively gentle slopes atop Chichijima and Anijima: on both the Ogasawara Islands and Hawaiian Islands, Distylio-Pouterietum dubiae, Distlium lepidotum but the Hawaii group differs genetically from the one variant of Machilus kobu-Schimetum mertensianae, which breeds in the Ogasawara Islands. These and Osteomeles lanata association (sclerophyllous examples show that the Ogasawara Islands are scrub), the latter being one of the plant communities important habitats for wider-ranging seabirds as well. in rocky desert on a continent. On Hahajima Island 106 native species of land snails have been Group, Pittosporum parvifolium var. beecheyi, recorded, of which 100 are endemic. For the insect endemic to this island group, grows in the fauna, 1,380 species have been recorded to date, 379 sclerophyllous scrub of of which are endemic species (with an endemic ratio Wikstroemio-Pouterietum-dubiae dominated by of 27.5%). There are a large number of beetles in Planchonella obovata var. dubia, Rhaphiolepis particular, 442 species are recorded. Further, as a indica var. umbellata and other such species. These result of evolution unique to each island or island characteristic sclerophyllous scrubs of the Hahajima group, the islands are home to many insect species, Island Group have formed on steep slopes, ridges, such as Chlorophorus kusamai, which is endemic to and wind-beaten terrain with poorly developed soil Mukojima Island Group, Morion boninense, which is In the Sekimon locality of Hahajima, the endemic to Hahajima Island, and Satozo Pisonio-Elaeocarpetum photiniaefoliae subtropical minamiiwoensis, endemic to Minami-iwoto Island. rainforest community grows to a height of 20 m or so. In addition, with respect to freshwater animals, 40 It contains many plants of Southeast Asian origin, fish species, 17 gastropod species, nine shrimp such as Elaeocarpus photiniaefolius, Pisonia species, seven crab species, and six hermit crab umbellifera, Ardisia sieboldii, Planchonella obovata species have been reported. These include some Morus boninensis, Celtis boninensis and Melia peculiar species whose life histories were marked by azedarach. The forests dominated by Ardisia transitions from coastal waters to brackish water or sieboldii and Schima mertensiana are the Machilus from brackish water to fresh water, making the boninensis-Ardisietum sieboldii and are spread over a Ogasawara Islands a valuable area to study the large area in Hahajima. Sclerophyllous shrubs of evolutionary processes from saltwater to fresh water. Dendrocacalietum crepidifoliae dominated by 【Marine animals】 Dendrocacalia crepidifolia (Asteraceae), the species With regard to marine fauna, although 23 whale endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, occur on the steep species, 795 fish species, 1031 gastropod species, and slopes and wind-beaten terrain in the cloud belts of 226 hermatypic coral species have been reported Hahajima. around the coastal waters of the Ogasawara Islands, barriers such as ocean currents and distance from 4 continental coasts have limited the number of species. Most of the component species arrived at the islands 4) Social Environment coincidentally. In addition, fewer endemic species of marine animals are generally seen in small areas i) History of human settlement compared with terrestrial animals. However, in The Ogasawara Islands are traditionally said to areas separated from large land masses by large have been discovered in 1593 by Sadayori distances, such as the Ogasawara Islands, a number Ogasawara. The first settlements on the Ogasawara of endemic species exist, most notably those that Islands were established on Chichijima in 1830 by inhabit coastal and brackish water environments. five Westerners and about ten Pacific Islanders, Among these, six families and 23 species of mainly from the Hawaiian Islands. Surveys and whales have been recorded in waters adjacent to the pioneering efforts by the Edo Shogunate and later by Ogasawara Islands. Eighty-six known species of the Meiji government of Japan followed. In 1876, cetaceans exist in the world. Excluding the four the islands were internationally recognized as species that spend their entire lives in freshwater, 82 Japanese territory. species are found in the world’s oceans. This means In the late Taisho and early Showa Periods, from that about 30% of all Cetacean species inhabit waters the 1920s to the 1930s, the subtropical climate was adjacent to the Ogasawara Islands. These species exploited to grow fruits and maintain a supply of represent nearly all cetacean species that are vegetables during winter. The fishery industry grew, distributed or migrate in the subtropical waters of the with bonito, tuna, whales, and coral as the chief North Pacific. The number of species is comparable products. At its height during these periods, the to that observed in the Gulf of California, the Gulf of population of the islands exceeded 7,000 people. Mexico, and the coastal waters of the Hawaiian In 1944, as the tide of the Pacific War turned Islands and Ryukyu Islands, indicating that the waters against Japan, all island residents (6,886 persons) off the nominated property are an important habitat except for military personnel were forcibly evacuated for cetaceans. to the mainland of Japan. In 1945, after the end of the war, Ogasawara was placed under the control of US military forces and island residents of Western descent were allowed to return to the island. The islands were returned to Japan in 1968, after which Japanese former island residents began to return. On August 20, 1970, the Ogasawara Islands Reconstruction Plan was announced, based on the Act on Special Measures for the Ogasawara Islands Reconstruction (enacted in December, 1969). The Plan included the land use plan, which designated the areas for residents, agriculture, and nature conservation. Approximately 2,400 people now live on the islands of Chichijima and Hahajima.
ii) Visitors The only way to get to the islands is by boat. Most commonly, visitors take the Ogasawara Maru ocean liner, a journey that takes about 25.5 hours one way from Tokyo Takeshiba Pier to Chichijima. Under this condition, about 25,000 people visit the islands per year.
iii) Major economic activities The main industries of the Ogasawara Islands are tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. For tourism, appropriate use of nature has been promoted through ecotourism. Out of 25,000 tourists per year, approximately 16,000 people visit Ogasawara for its unique ecosystems and the beautiful sea. On the other hand, farming in the area takes advantage of the warm climate to produce agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables, and inshore fishing mainly of swordfish has been conducted.
iv) Land ownership National forest, which is under the authority of the Forestry Agency, accounts for about 80% of the
5 nominated property. Other than the national forest, the property includes state-owned land administered by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), etc., and land owned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and Ogasawara Village, as well as privately owned land.
6
genetic level, and conserving the ecosystems over the 4. Management Goals and Basic long term. Principles (2) Removal and Avoidance of Impacts of Alien Species 1) Management Goals i) Promotion of alien species countermeasures The management authorities and stakeholders share based on integrated ecosystem management the overall goal stated below. Since 1830 when the first settlers arrived, the ■Overall goal Ogasawara Islands have been affected by the
The Ogasawara Islands are a globally combined impacts of alien species deliberately or
precious place that records the evolutionary accidentally brought to the islands by the movements
processes of the Earth and life. They of island residents and government or economic
illustrate the formation process of a marine activities.
island arc, which was the origin of the It is now known that once an environment has
continental crusts characterized by unique allowed alien species to enter and establish certain direct or indirect interspecific relationships, such as ecosystems consisting of endemic species in the ongoing evolutionary process of adaptive an ecological food chain or symbiosis, expelling only the specific alien species can increase the number of speciation. Through proper understanding of this place of outstanding universal value, and other alien species or adversely affect the endemic with co-existence between nature and people, species that have become dependent on the expelled the exceptional natural environment of the alien species. Therefore, it is crucial to adaptively Ogasawara Islands shall be passed on in manage the islands’ ecosystems by monitoring any sound condition to future generations. change in the ecological dynamics among all species after implementing alien species countermeasures. Thus, the alien species countermeasures introduced 2) Basic Principles on the Ogasawara Islands shall not include only the To achieve this overall goal, the management expulsion of specific alien species. Rather, efficient authorities will implement systematic management of and effective measures aimed at removing the the entire Ogasawara Islands area, with the adverse effects of the alien species will be understanding and proactive cooperation of all implemented based on knowledge and methodologies stakeholders, based on the basic principles listed for sound conservation obtained through the study of below. regionally different and complex interspecific relationships. (1) Conservation of the Outstanding Natural Environment ii) Prevention of the introduction and dispersion i) Conservation of “evidence” of the process of of new alien species oceanic island arc formation In addition to removing pre-existing alien species, The Ogasawara Islands are the only area where the prevention of the introduction and dispersion of new development process of an oceanic island arc, which alien species is also important. Prevention of the triggered the formation of continental crusts, can be introduction and dispersion of new alien species must observed from its formation to the present day. be promptly undertaken by all management Topographical and geological features of the authorities and stakeholders, such as island residents, Ogasawara Islands including boninite, dike, pillow visitors, and businesspeople as part of their daily lava, and sulfide ore deposits will be protected by activities on the Ogasawara Islands. appropriate enforcement of protective instruments. Therefore, all people on the Ogasawara Islands These resources will protected also by raising must recognize how their activities may risk awareness to promote adequate understanding of their introducing alien species that adversely affect island values among stakeholders such as island residents. ecosystems and act appropriately to avoid or reduce this risk to prevent the introduction and dispersion of ii) Conservation of endemic species, threatened new alien species. species, and unique ecosystems The management authorities will protect the (3) Harmony between Daily Life of Humans endangered endemic species that have evolved on the and Nature Ogasawara Islands, the unique ecosystems that have i) Environmental considerations when developed on individual islands, and the breeding implementing individual projects sites for various marine species and subtropical When conducting projects and research, including seabirds by introducing appropriate protection conservation and management measures, on the systems and conservation and management measures. Ogasawara Islands, not only the alien species but also Thus, conservation and management measures all possible risks shall be adequately considered, and shall focus on removing factors such as alien species projects shall be carefully and meticulously that adversely affect the mechanisms of the islands’ conducted to avoid any detrimental effects to the unique ecosystems, protecting endemicity on a unparalleled natural environment.
7
ii) Lifestyle and livelihood in harmony with nature Lifestyle and livelihood in harmony with the islands’ natural environment will be promoted. This measure will focus on island residents to ensure that they adequately appreciate the value of the outstanding natural environment of the Ogasawara Islands, consider the natural environment in daily or commercial activities, and actively participate in ecosystem conservation and management activities. At the same time, island residents will be able to enjoy the benefits of these measures.
(4) Adaptive Conservation and Management i) Adequate monitoring and information Preliminary data will be obtained before introducing any conservation and management measure, and monitoring will be carried out to detect any change of the natural environment after implementing such a measure. Thus, it will be possible to implement adaptive conservation and management activities that utilize the information obtained from monitoring results based on the island-specific long-term goals described in this document. In addition to long-term monitoring of ecosystem dynamics and continuous implementation of alien species measures for some species, the growing concern about the effects of climate change on World Heritage sites must be taken into account. Therefore, a long-term continuous monitoring program will be implemented to determine the effects of climate change. ii) Scientific approach and consensus building To implement conservation and management measures for the Ogasawara Islands in an adaptive manner, each step of a conservation and management measure needs to be scientifically evaluated. For this purpose, scientific advice will be obtained from the Ogasawara Islands Natural World Heritage Nominated Property Scientific Council (hereafter referred to as the Scientific Council), established in 2006. Research findings and recommendations will be shared with the management authorities, and the measures will be continuously implemented. On the other hand, to effectively implement conservation and management activities, not only the management authorities concerned, but also all island residents need to understand, agree upon, and participate in the conservation activities. For this purpose, mutual understanding will be promoted for issues that require coordination with the life of residents etc. via the Ogasawara Islands Natural World Heritage Nominated Property Liaison Committee (hereafter referred to as the Regional Liaison Committee), established in 2006 to serve as a liaison and coordinate between the management authorities and stakeholders.
8
extracting soil and stones, clearing land or changing 5. Management Measures the feature of land, and collecting designated plants. In a Special Protection Zone, in addition to the acts 1) Proper Enforcement of Protective listed above, acts such as collecting and capturing 1) Proper Enforcement of Protective plants and animals, collecting fallen leaves or Instruments branches, and making fire require permission from To conserve and manage the outstanding natural the Minister of the Environment. In a Marine Park environment of the Ogasawara Islands, which Zone, permission from the Minister of the includes exceptional geological and topographical Environment is required for acts such as collecting features of island arc formation and unique and capturing tropical fish and coral, and changing ecosystems composed of endemic or threatened the feature of the seabed. In an Ordinary Zone, acts plants and animals, the management authorities will such as constructing large-scale structures beyond a engage in mutual collaboration and obtain certain limit and reclaiming the surface of the sea understanding and cooperation from stakeholders to require sending a notification to the Minister of the enforce the protective instruments described below. Environment. Most of the terrestrial area of the Ogasawara (1) Wilderness Areas Islands was designated as Ogasawara National Park Wilderness Areas are designated and administered in 1972 based on the Natural Parks Law. Most parts by the Minister of the Environment based on the of the islands are designated as Special Protection Nature Conservation Law. Its purpose is to provide Zones, which are the most stringently protected areas, necessary protection for virgin natural environments or Class I Special Zones, where protective measures of a significant scale without being influenced by similar to these of Special Protection Zones are taken. human activities. In these wilderness areas, acts that There are 51 families and 138 species of vascular may affect the conservation of the natural plants, including endemic species such as environment, such as constructing, reconstructing, or Rhododendron boninense and Callicarpa parvifolia, expanding buildings or other structures, felling trees which are legally protected from collection or and bamboos, collecting animals and plants, damage as “designated plants” within the Special collecting fallen leaves and branches, and making fire, Zone. In the same way, the endemic damselfly are prohibited, except for special cases such as (Indolestes boninensis) and the endemic dragonfly scientific research. For areas where human entry is (Hemicordulia ogasawarensis) are protected as likely to cause impact on the environment, strict “designated animals” and their capture or harm are conservation measures, such as designating these restricted. areas as Restricted Entry Zones, will be implemented. These measures statutorily conserve unique Minami-iwoto, one of the Ogasawara Islands, has topographical and geological features, plants, and been designated as the Minami-iwoto Wilderness animals, including endemic or threatened species, and Area since 1975, and the entire Minami-iwoto area the habitat environments of these species. became a Restricted Entry Zone in 1983 to statutorily protect the pristine ecosystems unique to the oceanic (3) Forest Ecosystem Reserves island. Forest Ecosystem Reserve is a designation for areas of primitive natural forests representative of (2) National Parks forest zones in Japan that exist in a reasonably large National Park is a designation that protects places scale. Its purpose is to maintain the natural of natural scenic beauty and promotes their utilization environment of the forest ecosystem, protect plants for the purposes of the health, recreation and and animals, preserve genetic resources, develop education of the people, as well as ensuring the forest operation and management technique, and conservation of biodiversity. The Minister of the promote scientific research etc. In its planned Environment designates and manages National Parks administration and management of the national based on the Natural Parks Law. forests based on the Law on the Administration and National Parks are operated according to park plans, Management of National Forests, the Forestry which divide parks into different classification, Agency designates and administers the reserve as including Special Zones for areas of preserving their stated in National Forest Operation Plan, created in distinguished state of nature, Special Protection accordance with the National Forests Administration Zones within Special Zones for such areas of most and Management Bylaw which stipulates details on stringent protection for their sate of virgin nature, plan creation for the actual administration and Marine Park Zones for such areas of characteristic management activities of each region. seabed topography and of rich marine fauna and flora, In 1994, the eastern coast of Hahajima was and Ordinary Zones for protection of integrated designated forest ecosystem reserve. Then, in 2007, landscape and seascape with above-mentioned zones. after a review of the areas covered by the system, the Each zone has certain restrictions that apply. area was expanded to cover national forests on nearly In a Special Zone, permission from the Minister of all of the main and subsidiary islands of the the Environment is required for acts such as Ogasawara Islands (aside from areas being used for constructing, reconstructing or extending structures, public works projects), in order to conserve the felling trees and bamboos, mining minerals, unique forest ecosystems of the Ogasawara Islands
9 for future generations. Forest Ecosystem Reserve (Thalasseus bergii), and others. Kita-iwoto and its now covers more than 80% of the nominated surrounding marine area were designated as a property. National Wildlife Protection Area in 2009, because of The Preservation Zone subcategory in Forest its importance as habitats or a breeding site for Ecosystem Reserve includes the area where the seabirds including the red-footed booby (Sula sula) typical biota as well as endemic and threatened and the red-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda). species is found. Its purpose is to maintain, restore, As described above, most areas of the Ogasawara and properly preserve forest ecosystems in their Islands and marine areas surrounding the islands have original form. This designation allows for acts been designated as a national wildlife protection area, deemed necessary based on established scientific and birds including seabirds and animals including evidence to preserve or restore endemic diversity or the Bonin flying fox (Pteropus pselaphon) are forest ecosystems, but in principle dictates that the statutorily protected. area is left to follow its course of nature, without human interference. (5) National Endangered Species of Wild The Conservation and Utilization Zone Fauna and Flora subcategory is designed as a buffer zone that prevents National Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and the direct influence of external environmental Flora are the designated species of wild fauna and changes that might affect the forest ecosystem of the flora that are in danger of extinction based on the Preservation Zone. As a general rule, the Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Conservation and Utilization Zone aims to conserve Wild Fauna and Flora. It is therefore illegal to capture, and restore forest ecosystems of the same quality as harm, kill, collect, damage, transfer, etc. these species, the Preservation Zone and is thus treated in a similar except for activities such as scientific research for manner. Additionally, the use of forests is permitted which permission is obtained. Conservation program for educational and other purposes to the extent that defined by the law will be implemented, including such use does not adversely affect its function. activities such as breeding and habitat maintenance, These areas represent approximately 70% of the as necessary to preserve National Endangered entire (land) area covered by the Management Plan, Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. which systemically conserves the forest ecosystem Of the wildlife on the Ogasawara Islands, one that sustains biological communities and endemic and species of mammals, the Bonin flying fox (Pteropus threatened species etc. pselaphon) (designated in December 2009), five species of birds including the albatrosses, the (4) National Wildlife Protection Areas endemic subspecies of the Eurasian buzzard (Buteo National Wildlife Protection Areas are designated buteo toyoshimai) and the Japanese wood-pigeon by the Minister of the Environment based on the (Columba janthina nitens), five species of insects Wildlife Protection and Appropriate Hunting Law to including an endemic tiger beetle (Cicindela bonina), protect wildlife of national and international and 12 species of plants including Rhododendron importance. The purpose is to provide protection to boninense and Callicarpa parvifolia, have been wildlife and enforce appropriate requirements on designated as National Endangered Species of Wild hunting, thereby ensuring the conservation of Fauna and Flora. Conservation programs as defined biodiversity that in turn enables people to enjoy the by the Law for the Conservation of Endangered blessings and benefits of nature. Hunting is Species of Wild Fauna and Flora have been drawn up prohibited in Wildlife Protection Areas. In addition, for 19 species, including the wood-pigeon and the the areas where the protection of wildlife and their endemic orchid (Calanthe hattorii), by the Minister habitats is deemed especially necessary are of the Environment and the heads of national designated as Special Protection Areas and administrative agencies, and these programs are permission must be obtained from the Minister of the being implemented. For the Bonin flying fox, Environment to carry out certain development acts. designated as national endangered species in 2009 The Ogasawara Islands National Wildlife (designated in December), the conservation program Protection Area was designated in 1980 because of is currently being prepared. the islands’ status as habitats for threatened wildlife, Conservation and management of these species such as the endemic subspecies of Eurasian buzzard within their habitats will be conducted in (Buteo buteo toyoshimai), the Bonin honeyeater coordination with the conservation programs defined (Apalopteron familiare), the endemic subspecies of by the law for the Conservation of Endangered Japanese wood-pigeon (Columba janthina nitens), the Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the endemic greenfinch (Carduelis sinica kittlitzi), and Management Plan. the albatrosses. In 2009, the area was renewed with extension as Ogasawara Archipelago National Wildlife Protection Area to include the surrounding marine area. Nishinoshima was designated as a National Wildlife Protection Area in 2008 because it is a breeding ground for the colonies of the masked booby (Sula dactylatra), the Tristram’s storm-petrel (Oceanodroma tristrami), the great crested tern
10
overseas that harm or may harm ecosystems are Table 1-1 List of designated species in the designated as “Invasive Alien Species”. conservation program defined by the law for the Among alien species that are found in the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna nominated property, the green anole, the cane toad, and Flora the American bullfrog, and the predatory flatworm Group Species (Platydemus manokwari) have been designated as Plant Hymenasplenium cardiophyllum Piper postelsianum Invasive Alien Species, and pursuant to the above Pittosporum parvifolium Act the importation, rearing, growing, storage, Melastoma tetramerum transport, etc. of these species are restricted. Rhododendron boninense Symplocos kawakamii Callicarpa parvifolia Ajuga boninsimae Crepidiastrum grandicollum Calanthe hattorii Calanthe hoshii Malaxis boninensis Birds Phoebastria albatrus Columba janthina nitens Insects Indolestes boninensis Rhinocypha ogasawarensis Hemicordulia ogasawarensis Cicindela bonina Celastrina ogasawaraensis
(6) Natural Monuments Natural Monuments are designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology based on the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Its purpose is to protect animals or plants (including their habitats, breeding sites, stopover points for migratory birds and native habitats) and geological minerals (including areas of unique natural phenomenon) which have significant scientific value for the country. Acts which change the current state of Natural Monuments or affect their preservation require permission from the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Of the animals that occur on the Ogasawara Islands, one mammal species of the Bonin flying fox, (Pteropus pselaphon), four bird species including the Bonin honeyeater (Apalopteron familiare) (a special natural monument) and the endemic subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon, 10 insect species including Celastrina ogasawaraensis and Boninthemis insularis, and a land snail group (including 12 families such as Helicinidae and Euconulidae), as well as two other species have been designated as National Natural Monuments. The entire area of Minami-iwoto is a Nature Protection Area and designated as a National Natural Monument, and the submerged karst at Minamijima is also designated as a National Natural Monument for its geological features and minerals. The protective instruments described above statutorily protect the outstanding natural environments that sustain unique land snails and topographical or geological characters showing adaptive divergence radiation.
(7) Systems Related to Alien Species Measures According to the Invasive Alien Species Act, animals and plants introduced into Japan from
11
been defined for each island. Ecosystem 2) Strategic Conservation of conservation and management measures will be Ecosystems by Island implemented based on these individual goals and Various activities focused on alien species directions. countermeasures have been initiated by the For the ecosystem conservation and management, management authorities on the Ogasawara Islands. knowledge and expertise will be developed, and by Based on the results of these activities, the focusing on island-specific complex interspecific management authorities will continue effective relationships, changes in interspecific relationships conservation of Ogasawara ecosystems through that accompany project implementation on each cooperation and close coordination of stakeholders island will be estimated. Based on these estimates, based on long-term goals and activities. efficient and effective measures will be implemented, As a short-term strategy, an Ecosystem including measures to protect endemic species and Conservation Action Plan under the Management remove the adverse effects of alien species, Plan has been evaluated and prepared. The action concurrently or alternately. plan presents short-term targets, priorities, and details of countermeasures based on knowledge of ◊ Ecosystem conservation with a focus on the interspecific relationships that vary by island. movement of wide-ranging species between Ecosystem conservation and management measures, islands including alien species countermeasures, will be Ecosystems on the Ogasawara Islands are appropriately and systematically implemented based influenced by and connected to each other in a on this action plan. (Interspecific relationships on complex manner by flying mammalian, avian, and Anijima are described below as an example.) insect species and by the “flying” seeds of plant species. ◊ Strategic conservation of ecosystems by Flying animals, including the endemic subspecies island based on interspecific interactions of Japanese wood-pigeon, Bonin flying fox, The Ogasawara Islands are composed of many albatrosses, seabirds, and endemic dragonflies, small oceanic islands, and island-specific species migrate among islands and play important roles in the differentiation has occurred such that each island has ecosystems of oceanic islands (e.g., by seed dispersal its own ecosystem and unique species composition. or “seeding”). To preserve these flying creatures In addition, relationships between humans and the and sustain their roles, including seeding, and to environment, changes in the relationships, and the conserve and manage the entire Ogasawara Islands effects of alien species have affected each island region, the adverse effects of alien species must be differently. Therefore, each island is taken as a base eliminated, and breeding sites and habitats must be unit, and island-specific goals and activities have preserved in coordinated efforts among islands.
Fig. 1-2 Interspecific Relationship by Island (Example of Anijima Island) MOE: Ministry of the Environment, FA: Forestry Agency, TMG: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Refer to the Ogasawara Islands Ecosystem Conservation Action Plan (page 12) for the original figure. 12
boninense, Symplocos kawakamii, Pittosporum (1) Chichijima Island (Chichijima Island parvifolium, Melastoma tetramerum, and Calanthe Group) hattorii, habitat conservation will involve the continuation of periodic patrols, monitoring, and (i) Existing condition alien species measures that build on already Chichijima is the largest island of the Ogasawara obtained results. Islands and has diverse environmental aspects including a mountain peak of approximately 300 m Habitat conservation for wood-pigeon 【H / S】 above sea level. This island is home to more than A sanctuary to conserve important habitat for the 80% (129 species) of all endemic plant species on endemic subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon the Ogasawara Islands. Dense sclerophyllous (Columba janthina nitens) has already been scrubs, distributed from the Higashidaira and Mt. established in Higashidaira by the Forestry Agency. Chuosan region to the Yoakedaira and Nagasaki Various protective measures are being employed, region, are important habitat for various threatened such as securing water holes and conducting endemic plants and animals and are important for patrols. Other additional measures to recover and conservation of biodiversity on Chichijima. conserve the wood-pigeon breeding grounds and Chichijima also provides important habitats for habitat will include a preliminary exclusion of feral the endemic subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon cats, for example by setting up fences, and the and Bonin flying fox. The southern and eastern removal of other alien species impacts. regions of the island have important habitats for Because the wood-pigeon moves among islands, endemic land snails although adverse effects of including Hahajima, Anijima, and Ototojima, alien species have been noted. unified conservation measures will be conducted for habitats in all these areas with the aim of (ii) Long-term goals achieving steady habitation. ●To conserve sclerophyllous scrubs and other Habitat conservation for land snails 【S / Y】 ecosystems The southern region and Yoakedaira are ●To conserve Schima mertensiana forests important habitat for land snails such as Mandarina and other ecosystems chichijimana, which are valuable in ecological and ●To conserve the habitats of the endemic evolutionary biology studies. In these regions, subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon, with measures will focus on preventing the introduction the goal of stabilizing the habitation of this of predatory flatworm and conserving the habitat of species in combination with actions to be existing land snails. implemented on the other islands Habitat conservation for the Bonin flying fox ●To conserve the habitats of land snails. Chichijima has the largest population of the ●To conserve the habitats of the Bonin flying Bonin flying fox (Pteropus pselaphon) in fox, with the goal of stabilizing the habitation Ogasawara. This species is designated as a of this species in combination with actions National Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and to be implemented on the other islands Flora and a Natural Monument and legally protected. Their main habitat overlaps with areas of human (iii) Activities activities including farmlands and residential areas. Conservation of sclerophyllous scrub and Various conservation issues exist, including Schima mertensiana forest 【target area: Y / H / entanglement in nets set up to protect against crop S】* damage by the flying fox. Groups of Bonin flying The sclerophyllous scrub vegetation in the entire foxes use group gregarious resting sites especially Higashidaira region, where Chichijima’s original in winter, which is assumed to be related to their vegetation is still well preserved, will be breeding behavior; thus, conservation of resting appropriately conserved. In Schima mertensiana sites is very important for conservation of the forests, which are widely distributed in the central species. However, concerns have been raised that to southern parts of the island, conservation and tourists’ coming too close to roosts or feeding sites management measures such as elimination of alien may have adverse effects. species will continue to be conducted in an For this situation, conservation measures for this adaptive manner, considering already established species should be created assuming co-existence interspecific relationships. Feral goats are the with humans in the same place. The population of major impact factor. Expulsion of goats will be this endemic animal is continuously monitored, and conducted (e.g., by setting up fences) in activities such as selecting suitable agricultural nets conservation priority areas of endemic plant and correct installation methods, and providing species. In addition, alien plants such as Casuarina these instructions to farmers in nearby areas are and Bischofia will be eliminated mainly in currently carried out to reduce entanglement in nets. important regions for conservation, and In addition, the bat resting sites were designated as sclerophyllous scrub and Schima mertensiana a Designated Special Protection Area of a Special forest will be conserved. Protection Area of a Wildlife Protection Area in For endemic plants such as Rhododendron 2009 and activities which may impact the species, 13
such as taking photographs, are now prohibited. Henceforth, building awareness among farmers as (ii) Long-term goals well as farmer-support measures will continue to ● To conserve sclerophyllous scrub and other be carried out and measures that allow for ecosystems as well as the habitats of coexistence and coordination of conservation and Cicindela bonina ecotourism use within the resting site and its ● To conserve the habitats of land snails surroundings will be promoted. As this species was designated as the National ● To conserve the habitats of the endemic Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon with 2009, the conservation program defined by the a view to stabilizing the habitation of this Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species species in combination with actions to be of Wild Fauna and Flora will be created for the implemented on the other islands species to achieve steady habitation on Ogasawara Islands and collection of scientific information and (iii) Activities habitat maintenance will be promoted for Conservation of sclerophyllous scrub conservation of this species, in addition to the Among alien animals, feral goats, which had measures mentioned above. been the main impact factor for sclerophyllous Habitat conservation for endemic insects scrub vegetation, have nearly been eradicated. Now, Habitat conservation for endemic insects will be elimination of the black rat targeting its eradication promoted by area exclusions of the green anole and is planned. Appropriate conservation measures will cane toad, and re-colonization by insects flying also be carried out for the sclerophyllous scrub from nearby islands such as Anijima is anticipated. including rocky desert vegetation and natural Schima mertensiana forests distributed in Other measures surrounding hollows and ravine bottoms through At Futami Port, the gateway to the Ogasawara the removal of impact factors, including the black Islands, and nearby areas, an intensive campaign rat, and monitoring. will be conducted to reduce green anole numbers In addition, the habitats of precious endemic to a low-density level and prevent them from animal and plant species, including Cicindela spreading to peripheral islands. bonina, Crepidiastrum grandicollum, and For all of Chichijima, countermeasures against Callicarpa parvifolia, will be conserved by cats, including those in residential areas, will be eliminating invasive plants such as Casuarina, prepared based on the action plan established by focusing on areas where suppressive pressure by the Ogasawara Cat Liaison Committee. Based on alien species is anticipated, and maintaining rocky the action plan, cat -keeping codes will be desert vegetation. enforced to decrease the number of feral cat supply sources. In addition, programs to catch feral cats Habitat conservation for land snails will be continuously carried out in mountain areas Anijima is an important habitat for many land around the designated exclusion zone. snails, such as Mandarina anijimana, which are Coordinated feral goat measures covering all of important for ecological and evolutionary biology Chichijima are currently being prepared; the studies. Elimination of the black rat, which is elimination will be based on evaluations of believed to cause grazing damage, is planned, elimination methods. Henceforth, continuous targeting its eradication. However, the black rat is implementation of strategic elimination will be also a known food of the endemic subspecies of conducted to promptly reduce the population to a Eurasian buzzard; thus, careful and adequate low-density level, with the ultimate aim of measures are being conducted under continued island-wide eradication. monitoring. *Target area codes: 【H】 Higashidaira and Mt. Habitat conservation for wood-pigeon Chuosan region, 【Y】 Yoakedaira and Nagasaki Anijima is one of the habitats of the endemic region, 【S】 Southern region subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon (Columba janthina nitens). Wood-pigeon habitat is being
conserved by excluding feral cats, which are ( ) (2) Anijima Island (Chichijima Island Group) assumed to inhabit the wood-pigeon habitat in (i) Existing condition small numbers. In addition, because the Anijima has a dry climatic condition. This wood-pigeon moves among islands such as island supports the largest sclerophyllous scrub Chichijima and Ototojima, unified conservation forests among the Ogasawara Islands, as well as measures are being conducted in these habitats rocky desert plant communities. Of the vascular with the goal of achieving steady habitation. plants on the island, approximately 41.3% (95 species) are endemic. Rare endemic plants and (iv) Verification model focusing on interspecific animals inhabit Anijima, including the tiger beetle interaction Cicindela bonina, which is found only on Anijima, An Ecosystem Conservation Action Plan has and a number of land snails. The level of been prepared for the Ogasawara Islands focusing human-induced disruption is also lower than that on interspecific interactions in all islands and on other islands. 14
regions based on the results etc. of various surveys boninensis. and studies. On the basis of this action plan, Habitat conservation for endemic insects ecosystem conservation measures are being including five endemic species of dragonfly promoted. Bullfrogs and feral pigs, which likely impacted A typical ecosystem of Anijima is endemic dragonfly species, have been eradicated. sclerophyllous scrub, and Anijima is one of the Endemic insect habitats will be conserved by important islands for conservation. However, removing alien impacts while conducting ongoing multiple alien species have been identified that monitoring. Additional measures include required urgent measures. Therefore, preventing desiccation of waterside areas that serve comprehensive monitoring surveys have been as dragonfly breeding grounds. conducted on Anijima, and a verification model focused on interspecific interaction is being Habitat conservation for wood-pigeon developed. Based on this model, conservation Ototojima includes the endemic subspecies of measures are being developed through estimation, Japanese wood-pigeon (Columba janthina nitens) implemented, evaluated, and improved. Using habitat, which is being conserved by removing the this proactive approach, carried out on Anijima as a impact of feral cats. model, efficient and effective measures will be Because the wood-pigeons move to other islands developed considering interspecific interactions such as Chichijima and Anijima, unified and adaptation for all the other islands and regions. conservation measures will be implemented to attain steady habitation.
(3) Ototojima Island (Chichijima Island Group) (4) Nishijima Island (Chichijima Island Group) (i) Existing condition Ototojima has a moderately humid climate and (i) Existing condition relatively rich soil compared to the other islands of Nishijima is one of the peripheral islands of the Chichijima Island Group. Schima Chichijima and has a relatively small total area. mertensiana forests are widely distributed on Endemic plant species including Cirsium Ototojima. These forests provide the habitats and boninense, and various endemic land snails have breeding sites for biological communities of been found on this island. As feral goats have been woodland. Ototojima is currently the only island eradicated, ecosystems recovery is expected on the that has all five dragonfly species endemic to island. Ogasawara, including Indolestes boninensis. In addition, a pure population of Morus boninensis is (ii) Long-term goals also found on the island. ● To conserve ecosystems of native vegetation as a long-term effort (ii) Long-term goals ● To conserve Schima mertensiana forests (iii) Activities and other ecosystems Ecosystem management considering endemic species ● To conserve the habitats of endemic ● To conserve the habitats of endemic Endemic species such as land snails still inhabit dragonflies dragonflies Nishijima. For conservation of endemic species, ● To conserve the habitats of the endemic elimination of alien species such as black rats, subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon with Casuarina species, and Leucaena will be conducted a view to stabilizing the habitation of this in an adaptive manner considering the already species in combination with actions to be developed interspecific relationships on the island. implemented on the other islands In addition, ecosystems of this island will be conserved as the habitats of endemic plants such as (iii) Activities Cirsium boninense. Conservation of Schima mertensiana forests Activities such as exclusion of alien species will (5) Higashijima Island (Chichijima Island continue to be conducted in an adaptive manner in Group) highly natural forests of Schima mertensiana that (i) Existing condition occupy a large area of Ototojima, particularly in Although Higashijima is a peripheral island of the central part of the island, considering already the Chichijima group and has a relatively small established interspecific relationships.. total area, it provides the breeding grounds for Extensive invasion by Bischofia was a concern. seabirds such as Audubon’s shearwater (Puffinus However, this species has been eradicated at the lherminieri bannermani), an endemic breeding early stage of its invasion. Now, feral goat, black subspecies of the Ogasawara Islands, and the rat, and Casuarina will be eliminated. However, as wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus). As the black rat is a food source of the endemic feral goats and black rats have been completely subspecies of Eurasian buzzard, an appropriate eliminated, ecosystem recovery is expected. approach is required.
In addition, the forests will be conserved as the (ii) Long-term goals habitats of other endemic species such as Morus 15
● To conserve the breeding sites of seabirds such as Cenchrus echinatus will be continued in an adaptive manner, considering already established ● To conserve the ecosystems of native interspecific relations. Approaches such as limiting vegetation as a long-term effort utilization will also be enforced. Conservation of the island also protects the (iii) Activities habitats of endemic and threatened plants such as Conservation of seabird breeding grounds Lobelia boninensis, Ixeris longirostra, and Lycium To conserve the breeding grounds of seabirds sandwicense. such as Audubon’s shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri bannermani), the wedge-tailed (7) Hahajima Island (Hahajima Island Group) shearwater (Puffinus pacificus), and Bulwer’s (i) Existing condition petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) that currently breed on (i) Existing condition Hahajima is the second largest island after Higashijima, monitoring and follow-up measures Chichijima among the Ogasawara Islands. It has will be conducted following the elimination of a humid climate, including a cloud belt that forms black rats, which preyed on seabirds. at a mountain peak approximately 400 m above sea Ecosystem management considering endemic level. Under this climatic condition, a subtropical species rainforest, vegetation unique to Hahajima has For conservation of endemic species still developed in the Sekimon region, and Ardisia inhabiting the island, measures such as elimination sieboldii forests cover a large area of the island. of alien plants will be conducted in an adaptive Various endemic plants and animals including manner considering the already established Procris boninensis and Celastrina ogasawaraensis interspecific relationships. inhabit these areas of advanced forest vegetation. Habitats and colonies of endemic plants such as In addition, this island also provides important Lobelia boninensis and Ixeris longirostra will be habitats for the endemic subspecies of Japanese conserved. wood-pigeon.
(6) Minamijima Island (Chichijima Island (ii) Long-term goals Group) ● To conserve subtropical rainforest and other (i) Existing condition ecosystems Minamijima is one of the peripheral islands of ● To conserve Ardisia sieboldii forest and Chichijima. The island has a relatively small other ecosystems total area. It is formed of elevated coral reef ● To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical containing limestone and has characteristic of the Hahajima Island Group and other drowned karst topography. The island also ecosystems provides breeding grounds for seabirds including the wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus). ● To conserve the habitats of endemic insects Feral goats have been eradicated and its such as Celastrina ogasawaraensis vegetation is starting to recover. Minamijima is ● To conserve the breeding sites and habitats used for ecotourism in accordance with the of Carduelis sinica kittlitzi and seabirds applicable rules for appropriate use. ● To conserve the habitats of the endemic subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon with a (ii) Long-term goals view to stabilizing the habitation of this ● To conserve the breeding sites of seabirds species in combination with other actions to ● To conserve the ecosystems of native be implemented on the island vegetation as a long-term effort ● To conserve the habitats of land snails
(iii) Activities (iii) Activities Conservation of seabird breeding grounds Conservation of subtropical rainforest, Ardisia To conserve the breeding grounds of seabirds sieboldii forest, and sclerophyllous scrub typical such as the wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus of the Hahajima Island Group 【S / NC / M】* pacificus) and Bulwer’s petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) Activities such as exclusion of alien species will that breed on Minamijima, appropriate continue in an adaptive manner considering the conservation will be promoted by elimination of already established interspecific relationships in the alien species such as the black rat, which creates following areas: subtropical rainforest covering the predation pressure on seabirds, with continued entire area of Sekimon, where Hahajima’s original monitoring, and by complying with the current vegetation is still well preserved; the Ardisia utilization rules to avoid impacts from human use. sieboldii forest and the Schima mertensiana forest, Ecosystem management considering endemic which occupy a large area and widely distributed in species the north-central part of the island. For conservation of endemic species still Among these activities, minimizing the impact of inhabiting the island, elimination of alien plants Bischofia, the major impact factor, is particularly important. Bischofia elimination is being
16
strategically carried out. board and disembark from the Hahajima Maru, a In addition, conservation of the island protects cargo–passenger boat connecting the islands. the habitats of threatened and endemic plants, Information will continue to be provided to raise including Piper postelsianum, Claoxylon public awareness of this issue. centinarium, Morus boninensis, Hymenasplenium Feral cat measures for all of Hahajima, cardiophyllum, Dendrocacalia crepidifolia, and including residential areas, will be prepared based Calanthe hoshii, and animals, such as endemic on the action plan established by the Ogasawara land snails. Cat Liaison Committee. Based on the action plan, In the Minamizaki region, which tends to be a appropriate rules for keeping domestic cats will be relatively dry part of Hahajima, sclerophyllous enforced to reduce the number of feral cat sources. scrub typical of the Hahajima Island Group is Catching activities will also continue in mountain found, similar to on many of the peripheral islands areas around the designated exclusion zone for of Hahajima. To conserve existing endemic species feral cats. such as land snails, considering already established *Target area codes：【S】 Sekimon region, 【NC】 interspecific relationships, alien species such as North-Central region, 【M】 Minamizaki region Casuarina will continue to be eliminated. Habitat conservation for endemic insects (8) Mukohjima Island (Hahajima Island including Celastrina ogasawaraensis 【S / NC / Group) M】 (i) Existing condition Although the green anole has impacted the Mukohjima, one of the peripheral islands of endemic insects of Hahajima, precious endemic Hahajima, is surrounded by sea cliffs and has a insects such as Celastrina ogasawaraensis, very dry environment. It includes the Parnara ogasawarensis, and Rhinocypha sclerophyllous scrub typical of the Hahajima Island ogasawarensis still inhabit the island. Area Group, which has been preserved in a good exclusions of the green anole, as well as of the cane condition, with little apparent disturbance by toad, have already been carried out. Conservation human influences or alien species. The island is measures for the food plants of these insects have also extremely important as a habitat for endemic also been conducted. As these activities continue plants including Symplocos boninensis, which and expand, the existing habitat for endemic grows only in this island. In addition, the insects on the island will be conserved. endemic subspecies Carduelis sinica kittlitzi inhabits Mukohjima, and the endemic subspecies Habitat conservation for Carduelis sinica kittlitzi of Japanese wood-pigeon has also been identified. and seabirds 【M】
Feral cats have been removed from certain areas (ii) Long-term goals of the Minamizaki region, which is an important habitat for Carduelis sinica kittlitzi and seabirds ● To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical such as the wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus of the Hahajima Island Group and other pacificus). As feral cat expulsion continues and ecosystems expands, seabird habitat will be conserved. ● To conserve the habitats of Carduelis sinica kittlitzi and the Bonin honeyeater Habitat conservation for wood-pigeon 【S / NC】 (Apalopteron familiare) In the Sekimon region, an important habitat for the endemic subspecies of Japanese wood-pigeon (Columba janthina nitens), no major impact by (iii) Activities alien species has been observed to date. However, Conservation of sclerophyllous scrub typical of because wood-pigeons move between the the Hahajima Island Group Hahajima and Chichijima island groups, impacts of To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical of feral cats and other alien species will be removed the Hahajima Island Group, which remains in good to achieve steady wood-pigeon habitation within condition, the impacts of alien species such as the Ogasawara Islands as a whole. Casuarina will be removed in an adaptive manner considering already established interspecific Habitat conservation for land snails 【S / NC / M】 relationships. In addition, the forest will be On Hahajima, the entire southern area around conserved as the habitats of endemic plants such as Minamizaki, the ridge area including the Sekimon Symplocos boninensis. region, and the western coastal area are important habitat for land snails. By removing the impacts of Habitat conservation for endemic birds alien species such as black rats and by continuing Mukohjima is an important habitat for endemic to conduct monitoring, habitat for the characteristic birds such as Carduelis sinica kittlitzi and the land snails will be conserved. Bonin honeyeater (Apalopteron familiare). The habitat will be conserved by excluding the impacts Other measures of alien species and by continued monitoring. As a preventive measure to keep predatory flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) from invading (9) Anejima Island (Hahajima Island Group) Hahajima from Chichijima, visitors’ shoe soles (i) Existing condition will continue to be completely cleaned when they (i) Existing condition 17
Anejima is a peripheral island of Hahajima. It relationships. is a long island, stretching from north to south. In addition, the forest will be conserved as the Forests originating from forestation by early habitats of endemic plants such as Crepidiastrum settlers are still widely distributed, and linguifolium, Crepidiastrum ameristophyllum, and sclerophyllous scrub typical of the Hahajima Ajuga boninsimae. Island Group also occurs on the island. Endemic Habitat conservation for endemic birds plants including Juniperus taxifolia and Euonymus Imotojima is an important habitat for endemic boninensis inhabit this island. birds such as Carduelis sinica kittlitzi and the Bonin honeyeater (Apalopteron familiare). Their (ii) Long-term goals habitats will be conserved by excluding the impacts ● To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical of alien species and by continued monitoring. of the Hahajima Island Group and other ecosystems (11) Meijima Isalnd (Hahajima Island Group) (iii) Activities (i) Existing condition Conservation of sclerophyllous scrub typical of Meijima is a peripheral island of Hahajima with the Hahajima Island Group a highly dry environment. sclerophyllous scrub Sclerophyllous scrub typical of the Hahajima typical of the Hahajima Island Group is widely Island Group is distributed on the plateau. This distributed on the island, which is inhabited by scrub forest will be conserved through activities endemic plants including Crepidiastrum such as removing the impacts of alien species such linguifolium. This island is also a habitat for as Casuarina in an adaptive manner, considering endemic dragonflies including Boninagrion ezoin already established interspecific relationships. and Boninthemis insularis. In addition, the forest will be conserved as the habitats of endemic plants such as Juniperus (ii) Long-term goals taxifolia, Lobelia boninensis, and Euonymus ● To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical boninensis. of the Hahajima Island Group and other ecosystems (10) Imotojima Island (Hahajima Island Group) (iii) Activities (i) Existing condition Conservation of sclerophyllous scrub typical of Imotojima, a peripheral island of Hahajima, is the Hahajima Island Group the most humid island among the relatively dry Sclerophyllous scrub typical of the Hahajima peripheral islands. It includes the sclerophyllous Island Group is distributed on the plateau of scrub typical of the Hahajima Island Group, which Meijima. To conserve the scrub forest, which has been preserved in a good condition, with little remains in good condition, the impacts of alien apparent disturbance by human influences or alien species such as Leucaena will be removed in an species. This island is important as a habitat for adaptive manner considering already established endemic plants and includes species such as interspecific relationships. Crepidiastrum linguifolium, Crepidiastrum In addition, the forest will be conserved as the ameristophyllum, and Ajuga boninsimae. habitats of endemic plants such as Juniperus Endemic terrestrial birds including Carduelis taxifolia, Lobelia boninensis, and Crepidiastrum sinica kittlitzi have also been identified on this linguifolium, and endemic insect fauna. island. (12) Hirajima Island (Hahajima Island Group) (ii) Long-term goals (i) Existing condition ● To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical Hirajima is a peripheral island of Hahajima. It of the Hahajima Island Group and other has a relatively small total area and is the closest ecosystems island to Hahajima. Bischofia has been ● To conserve the habitats of Carduelis sinica eradicated. Endemic plants including Lobelia kittlitzi and the Bonin honeyeater boninensis also inhabit the Miscanthus boninensis (Apalopteron familiare) community distributed along the edges of the island.
(iii) Activities (iii) Activities (ii) Long-term goals Conservation of sclerophyllous scrub typical of ● To conserve the native vegetation and other the Hahajima Island Group ● To conserve the native vegetation and other To conserve the sclerophyllous scrub typical of ecosystems as a long-term effort the Hahajima Island Group, which remains in good condition, the impacts of alien species such as (iii) Activities Leucaena will be removed in an adaptive manner Ecosystem management considering endemic considering already established interspecific species To conserve endemic species still inhabiting the 18
island, the impacts of other alien species will be and Breeding Project Plan, continuous activities removed in an adaptive manner considering have been carried out to create a new breeding already established interspecific relationships. This ground for the short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria activity will be accompanied by ongoing albatrus) that formerly bred on the island. Toward monitoring. the goal of steady breeding and habitation by the three albatross species, overgrowth by alien plants (13) Mukojima Island (Mukojima Island will be removed and the site will be conserved to Group) serve as a persistent breeding ground. (i) Existing condition Although feral goats used to inhabit Mukojima, (14) Kitanoshima Island (Mukojima Island their eradication has been completed. Now, Group) grassland vegetation covers most parts of the (i) Existing condition island; some areas of Ardisia sieboldii forest and Kitanoshima, a peripheral island of Mukojima, other plants are distributed at various locations on includes much sloped land. Most of the island is the island. Insect species endemic to Mukojima, covered by natural grassland that includes endemic including Chlorophorus kusamai and Tamamushia plants such as the endemic thistle (Cirsium virida fujitai (an endemic subspecies), inhabit boninense). The island has not been invaded by these forests. feral goats and rats and it provides good breeding In addition, the black-footed albatross grounds for seabirds including the wedge-tailed (Phoebastria nigripes) and the Laysan albatross shearwater (Puffinus pacificus). (Phoebastria immutabilis) breed on Mukojima and Torishima. In addition to them, the short-tailed (ii) Long-term goals albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) once bred there, ● To conserve the breeding sites of seabirds and the sub-adult individuals of the species are still ● To conserve the native vegetation and other observed flying in from outside the island. Efforts ecosystems to create a new albatross breeding site are currently underway. This island is therefore an important breeding ground for albatrosses. (iii) Activities Conservation of seabird breeding grounds (ii) Long-term goals Kitanoshima is an important breeding ground for seabirds such as the wedge-tailed shearwater ● To conserve Ardisia sieboldii forest and (Puffinus pacificus) and Bulwer’s petrel (Bulweria other ecosystems bulwerii). Ongoing monitoring is being conducted ● To conserve the breeding sites of three to conserve their breeding grounds. species of albatross Ecosystem management considering endemic species (iii) Activities For conservation of endemic species currently Ecosystem management of Ardisia sieboldii inhabiting the island, suppressing factors will be forest and other habitat types excluded in an adaptive manner considering On Mukojima, ecosystem management of already established interspecific relationships. Ardisia sieboldii forest and other habitat types will be carried out in an adaptive manner. (15) Nakodojima Island (Mukojima Island Feral goats, a major impact factor, have been Group) eradicated, and other alien species will also be (i) Existing condition eliminated, including black rats, Leucaena, and Nakodojima is one of the peripheral islands of alien bamboo and dwarf bamboo species; these Mukojima. It has a concave landscape with cliffs species are inhibiting factors for forest recovery. on its eastern and western edges. This island was Habitat conservation for endemic insects once inhabited by feral goats, however, they have Mukojima is an important habitat for endemic already been eradicated. Although forest insect species of the Mukojima Island Group, such vegetation is distributed at the eastern end of the as Chlorophorus kusamai and Tamamushia virida island, soil erosion has occurred in some parts of fujitai (a Mukojima subspecies), both of which are the island, and soil erosion prevention measures forest insects. Therefore, insect habitat will be have been initiated. In addition, the island conserved by removing the impacts of alien provides breeding grounds for seabirds including species. the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes). Conservation and creation of breeding grounds for three albatross species (ii) Long-term goals Mukojima and the adjacent island of Torishima ● To conserve the breeding sites of seabirds are breeding grounds of two species of albatross, ● To conserve the native vegetation and other the Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) ecosystems as a long-term effort and black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes).
On Mukojima, following the Albatross Protection (iii) Activities
19
Conservation of seabird breeding grounds seabirds including the wedge-tailed shearwater Nakodojima is a breeding ground for seabirds (Puffinus pacificus) and brown booby (Sula such as the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria leucogaster). nigripes) and brown booby (Sula leucogaster). To conserve their breeding grounds, the impacts of (ii) Long-term goals alien species such as black rats, which cause ● To conserve ecosystems unique to oceanic predation damage, will be removed, and ongoing islands monitoring will be conducted. Ecosystem management considering endemic (iii) Activities species Determine the existing condition Following feral goat eradication, measures to Nishinoshima is a young island. Thus, it is prevent soil erosion and to eliminate alien plants expected that vegetation succession has been have been conducted to recover vegetation and progressing since land formation and will conserve endemic species. These activities will eventually create a complex ecosystem. The continue in an adaptive manner considering already ecosystem will be maintained appropriately, with established interspecific relationships. surveys conducted as necessary to determine the existing condition. By these surveys, successional (16) Yomejima Island (Mukojima Island changes in vegetation will be observed, and the Group) status of possible alien species introduction will be (i) Existing condition monitored. Yomejima, one of the peripheral islands of Chichijima, is composed largely of gently sloped (18) Kita-iwoto Island (Other Islands) land. This island was once inhabited by feral (i) Existing condition goats, however, they have already been eradicated. Kita-iwoto is surrounded by steep coastal cliffs Now, most of the island is covered by grassland and has a hilly landscape. The highest mountain vegetation including endemic plants such as the of the islands peaks at 792 m above sea level, endemic grass (Paspalidium distans). The island where a cloud belt forms with a characteristic also provides breeding grounds for seabirds humid climate. Various endemic plants and including the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria animals inhabit the island, including endemic nigripes). species of the Kazan Island Group such as the endemic tree-fern (Cyathea tuyamae), epiphyllous (ii) Long-term goals fern, and the Bonin flying fox (Pteropus ● To conserve the breeding sites of seabirds pselaphon).
● To conserve the native vegetation and other (ii) Long-term goals ecosystems as a long-term effort ● To conserve ecosystems unique to oceanic islands (iii) Activities
Conservation of seabird breeding grounds (iii) Activities Yomejima is a breeding ground for seabirds Determine the existing condition such as the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria Kita-iwoto features ecosystems characteristic of nigripes) and wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus oceanic islands. Research to determine the pacificus). To conserve their breeding grounds, existing condition will be continued. predation impacts by alien species such as black rats will be removed, and monitoring will continue. Conservation of seabird breeding grounds Seabirds are an extremely important Ecosystem management considering endemic characteristic of the oceanic island ecosystem species found on Kita-iwoto. Seabird habitat will be To conserve endemic species that still inhabit conserved by eliminating alien species such as the island, elimination of alien species such as black and brown rats and also by continued black rats will be conducted considering already monitoring. established interspecific relationships, in an
adaptive manner. (19) Minami-iwoto Island (Other Islands) (17) Nishinoshima Island (Other Islands) (i) Existing condition (i) Existing condition Minami-iwoto is a steeply sloped conically Nishinoshima is the youngest of the Ogasawara shaped island surrounded by steep coastal cliffs Islands, and its current shape was created by a and containing the highest peak (916 m above sea volcanic eruption in 1973. Because it is isolated, level) of the Ogasawara Islands. A cloud belt has only a short history as an island, and is still forms around the mountain peak, where a under the influence of active volcanic activity, the characteristic humid environment exists. There is vegetation coverage is poor. On the other hand, no record of past human settlement on the island provides breeding grounds for many Minami-iwoto, and ecosystems typical to oceanic islands exist in a pristine condition. Species 20
endemic only to Minami-iwoto include Satozo minamiiwoensis. The island is also home to 3) Prevention of Introduction and many other endemic plants and animals including Dispersion of New Alien Species Cyathea tuyamae, the Bonin flying fox (Pteropus To achieve the long-term goals listed below, the pselaphon) and seabirds. management authorities will implement the following
actions against the introduction and dispersion of new (ii) Long-term goals alien species on the Ogasawara Islands with profound ● To conserve ecosystems unique to oceanic understanding and active voluntary involvement from islands that remain in a primeval condition the stakeholders. ■ Long-term goals (iii) Activities The management authorities and stakeholders will Determine the existing condition deepen their understanding of the unique On Minami-iwoto, an ecosystem characteristic ecosystems of the oceanic Ogasawara Islands, of oceanic islands is maintained in primeval proactively prevent risks of their own activities’ condition. Any possibility of human influence on causing the introduction and spread of new alien the environment will continue to be avoided as species, and work toward sustainable conservation much as possible, and surveys will be conducted as of the ecosystems of the Ogasawara Islands in necessary to determine the existing condition. By coexistence with human activities. clarifying the mechanisms of the primeval ecosystem of oceanic islands through these As people and commodities move within the activities and also by continuously monitoring the Ogasawara Islands, attention must be paid to the introduction of alien species, the ecosystem of introduction and dispersion of alien species, Minami-iwoto will be maintained. depending on the subjects and nature of the activities, routes, and targets. Main activities and introduction routes are presented below.
(1) Ecosystem Conservation, Management, and Research i) History of past efforts ・ As a part of ecosystem conservation and management measures, various activities, including measures against alien species as part of nature restoration projects, threatened species conservation activities, and various surveys and research projects, are carried out on the Ogasawara Islands. ・ When initiating a nature restoration project, the administrative agency executing the project orders the project contractor to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. In 2004, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has prepared Guidelines for Environment-conscious Public Works in the Ogasawara Islands, which describes precautionary measures to prevent the introduction and dispersion of alien species and to promote awareness. ・ Survey or research activities present the risk that an alien species may attach itself to or contaminate study equipment and luggage carried by the investigators, or to human bodies or clothing. ・ To deal with this risk, information on alien species that require attention and preventive measures has been promptly distributed and shared using researchers’ information networks (e.g., mailing list) to promote awareness. Each investigator or researcher implements these preventive measures voluntarily. ・ During the surveys conducted on Minami-iwoto in 2007 and Kita-iwoto in 2008, preventive measures against alien species were reviewed in detail, and dispersion prevention measures were practiced by all participants. ・ When conducting a survey or study in a Forest
21
Ecosystem Reserve of a national forest, permission must be obtained to enter the forest based on the (2) Greening and Construction Works utilization rules stipulated by the Conservation i) History of past efforts Management Plan. All study members are obliged 【Greening and landscaping work】 to attend a training seminar regarding forest use ・ Landscaping, “greening”, and windbreak creation before permission is granted. In addition, pose the risk of alien species dispersion if using researchers must submit an activity report. plants from places such as the mainland of Japan or the Ryukyu Island Group. ii) Future actions ii) Future actions ・ To address this issue, the Tokyo Metropolitan Preparation of common requirements applied to Government has developed Guidelines for Public all investigations and projects Facilities, which give due consideration to the Once the dispersion prevention measures and scenery of the Ogasawara(Chichijima and their details are clarified, agreement from relevant Hahajima) in 2008. The recommended tree species administrative agencies will be obtained, and the list identifies tree species that cause no adverse measures will be documented as common effect to the ecosystems endemic to Ogasawara; requirements. these tree species are currently produced on the Making the common requirements mandatory for Ogasawara Islands or expected to be produced in investigations and projects the future based on advice from academic experts. Compliance with the common requirements will ・ In addition, to avoid genetic mixing, environmental be made mandatory for all contractors involved in considerations are enforced during the construction conservation and management measures conducted of public facilities; examples include using only by administrative agencies, such as projects for domestic tree species that were produced within the nature restoration, protection, and breeding islands and avoiding the use of closely related projects. species that may crossbreed with endemic species. In addition, for survey or research activities, ・ Among private operations, the Chichijima Futami applicants are strictly instructed to follow the Port area is designated as a Special Scenic Zone by common requirements for the Ogasawara Islands; the Tokyo Cityscape Plan. Parties involved in instructions are given during legal processes such port landscaping are given instructions based on as when applying for permission to enter a Forest the recommended tree species list described above. Ecosystem Reserve and permission based on Natural Parks Law and other regulations. 【Construction works】 Provision of facilities required to carry out ・ Construction work carries some risks. For preventive measures example, alien species may be attached to or Facilities and other items needed to carry out contaminate construction materials, machinery, and preventive measures will be assessed and prepared. other vehicles and may be dispersed by the Execution of additional measures for a specific construction work. area or action ・ The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has prepared For each individual nature restoration project, a Guidelines for Environment-conscious Public review committee of researchers will be assembled Works in the Ogasawara Islands, which describes as necessary to define additionally required precautions to prevent the introduction and measures and ensure their implementation. dispersion of alien species. In addition, the For peripheral islands and other areas such as Handbook for Construction Work in Ogasawara Minami-iwoto that require especially careful Islands has been prepared to promote awareness. approaches, additional measures will be reviewed and implemented as needed. ii) Future actions Establishing a collection and management Strict enforcement of government guidance and system for information on the introduction and enrichment of management schemes dispersion of alien species Greening and construction operations are often A system to allow investigators, researchers, and implemented outside the World Heritage project contractors to rapidly share information on nominated properties on Chichijima and Hahajima. the introduction and dispersion of new alien To conserve the nominated properties, guidance on species identified during monitoring surveys or preventative measures for alien species dispersal project executions will be established. will be thoroughly provided for various types of In addition, all information sources will collected operations conducted on these islands. In into one system. Information on the progress, addition, details of the existing guidelines will be results, and effects of all activities, including reviewed and revised as necessary based on the restoration projects, surveys, and research on the latest information. Ogasawara Islands will be integrated, and the data Greening and construction operations carried out will be appropriately managed. by other administrative agencies shall be conducted in the manner applied to the projects of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
22
from farmland and gardens. Alien species may (3) Tourism Use on the Ogasawara Islands also be attached to or contaminate agricultural i) History of past efforts supplies including seeds and seedlings, agricultural ・Tourism use of the natural environment on the products, commercial soil, livestock, and livestock Ogasawara Islands carries a risk of dispersing alien feed. species attached to tourists’ shoes and clothing. ・ However, undertaking an integrated investigation In addition, although the number of incidents may to collect information on seed and supply types and be limited, a risk of contamination of the boats and routes is difficult because no limit exists on other vehicles used for transportation between purchasing routes, and farmers often purchase peripheral islands must be considered. supplies directly from seed and seedling companies ・ To prevent the dispersion of predatory flatworms, on the mainland of Japan. the tourist associations, guides, and other related ・ On the other hand, the Plant Protection Act parties carry out measures such as cleaning prohibits the transfer of certain important passengers’ shoe soles with seawater prior to designated pests. To enforce this act, the Tokyo landing. Metropolitan Government is conducting insect pest ・ In addition, to promote awareness, the Ogasawara control activities in cooperation with relevant Ecotourism Association has prepared the agencies to promote sound agricultural practices in Ogasawara Rulebook and has been distributing it to Ogasawara. island residents, guides, and other stakeholders. ・ To control the introduced fruit fly (Bactrocera Furthermore, relevant administrative agencies and dorsalis), insect pest control projects had been other parties have been preparing and distributing carried out since 1969, and complete eradication of materials such as booklets, posters, and videos to this pest was confirmed in 1984. To avoid raise awareness among island residents and tourists reinvasion, monitoring has been carried out of how the use of the natural environment poses continuously, and systematic countermeasures have risks of alien species introduction and dispersion. been established for early detection and control in Awareness-raising seminars are also held for case of reinvasion. For the alien snail (Achatina guides and other groups. (Lissachatina) fulica), surveys and research have ・ On Minamijima and in the entire Sekimon region been conducted, and pest control activities are of Hahajima, tourists are requested to follow a currently being carried out focusing mainly on “Tokyo Nature Guide” approved by the Tokyo Hahajima, where endemic land snails have been Metropolitan Government as defined in Ecotourism designated National Monuments. by the TMG and to obey the Rules for Appropriate ・ In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Use. In addition, in the Sekimon region, tourists provides farmers with information on preventing are requested to follow the Guidelines for alien species introduction. Hahajima's Sekimon area established by Hahajima Nature Guide Administration Council. ii) Future actions ・In Forest Ecosystem Reserves in national forests, Providing information and technical assistance the routes available for tourists are limited by the for the prevention of existing alien species Conservation Management Plan. Utilization rules dispersion are set, such as requiring tourists to attend a With regard to the plant species that have training course or to be accompanied by a guide etc. already been introduced for agricultural purposes, who has completed the training course. In on the precondition that stakeholders undertake addition, guides etc. must submit activity reports responsible management of those species, a list for any conducted activities. of significantly invasive agricultural plant species has been prepared and is provided to farmers and ii) Future actions other stakeholders, along with information on Enhanced guidance for execution of preventive appropriate management methods to prevent measures for tourism use dispersion. Technical assistance on control The rules that must be adhered to and the actions techniques will be provided as necessary. that must be taken to prevent the introduction and Providing information and technical assistance to dispersion of alien species will be compiled and prevent dispersion of alien species that are not documented as a comprehensive action guideline yet introduced (guidebook) for tourists, island residents, To help guard against the introduction of new tourism-related businesses, guides etc. Instruction invasive plant species for agricultural purposes, a and guidance will continue to be provided through list of significantly invasive agricultural plant training courses and other measures. species will be prepared and released. Farmers planning to introduce new agricultural plant (4) Agricultural Activities species will be advised to have a preliminary i) History of past efforts consultation with the management authorities, who ・ Agricultural seeds and plant supplies from the will provide guidance on whether the species mainland of Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, or foreign should be introduced and how to manage it. countries carry a risk of alien species dispersal Handling of plants with soil 23
Transporting seedlings, plants, and other Information on the effects of abandoned pets on materials in soil presents the risk of introducing local ecosystems will be conveyed to island predatory flatworm or unknown pathogens. In residents to further their understanding and addition to conducting technical evaluations and cooperation regarding appropriate care and providing information, building a facility for safe management of domestic animals. handling of such materials will be considered. In addition, information will be provided to Preparation and operation of a control system island residents who bring in new domestic against alien species introduction animals and tourists who bring along domestic In cooperation among the management animals when visiting the islands to build authorities and other stakeholders, a management awareness of risks associated with bringing in system will be prepared to conduct activities such domestic animals and precautions and to promote as: provision of risk information regarding the strict pet management on the islands. introduction of new plant species or plants in soils Ensuring strict pet management from areas off the islands; technical assistance on For all pet animals, including not only cats and management methods following the introduction of dogs but also birds, tropical fish, insects, and such plants; removal of alien species that may be other types of pets, island residents and tourists attached to or contaminating plants and soil; and must responsibly care for and manage their pets to measures to reduce risks. Measures to encourage avoid the dispersion of abandoned or released the sustainable development of agriculture that pets. supports conservation of the outstanding natural Regarding pets etc. brought in from outside the environment of the Ogasawara Islands will be islands, a control system will be prepared to considered. provide appropriate measures including preliminary consultations and guidance. (5) Introduction of Domesticated Animals and The management authorities will compile Garden Plants comprehensive action guidelines, creating social i) History of past efforts imperatives original to the Ogasawara Islands as ・ Domestic animals present a number of risks in described above. The management authorities will regard to alien species dispersal. Domestic also continue to promote awareness among island animals may be abandoned or released by their residents to make sure that these guidelines will be owners or may carry pathogens. Because pets can followed by the residents and visitors thereafter.. be purchased by mail order etc. or brought directly Handling gardening plant species in the same onto the islands by island residents and visitors, it manner as agricultural species is difficult to collect integrated information on For plant species used in areas such as private domestic animals on the islands. gardens, island residents will be provided with ・Research conducted in 2008 identified almost all information and technical assistance on highly domestic animals kept on Chichijima and invasive garden plant species and on handling Hahajima. plants with soil and awareness-building will be ・ Domestic dogs must be registered by their owners promoted, in the same manner as for agricultural at their municipal government under the Rabies species. Prevention Act. ・ For domestic cats, the Ogasawara Village (6) Movement of Goods and People Domestic Cats Raising Ordinance stipulates that i) History of past efforts cats must be registered, and it prohibits behavior ・ Regular cargo and passenger ship services bring such as the abandonment of domestic cats. commodities and people to the islands. People ・ The Ogasawara Cat Liaison Committee was may bring in alien species deliberately; however, established when predation on wild animals and these activities may also cause accidental plants were identified. The committee has recently introduction of alien species attached to vehicles been promoting awareness of appropriate cat such as cars and motorcycles, carried on the ownership behavior and microchip implantation for luggage, clothes, and shoes of island residents and domestic cats. tourists, or contaminating foods and other materials. ii) Future actions ・ To address this issue, when passengers disembark Enhancement of appropriate cat ownership from the Ogasawara Maru or Hahajima Maru, Compliance with the Ogasawara Village visual inspection is conducted on products brought Domestic Cats Raising Ordinance will be into Chichijima and Hahajima from the mainland enhanced and necessary measures to promote of Japan, to determine whether any animals or appropriate care and management of domestic plants are being brought in. As a preventive cats, such as promoting microchip implantation measure to keep the predatory flatworm for domestic cats, will be carried out. (Platydemus manokwari), which has already invaded Chichijima, from entering Hahajima, Promoting awareness of the importance of passengers’ shoe soles are cleaned with sea water appropriate pet ownership before they disembark from the Hahajima Maru.
24
・ The management authorities and other of the same border controls will be developed for stakeholders are also promoting awareness by the irregularly scheduled boat services to the activities such as distributing booklets and Ogasawara Islands. displaying posters that inform island residents and visitors about how to prevent alien species introduction. Integrated lessons are also being presented in elementary and junior high schools. In addition, an informational video is played on the Ogasawara Maru ocean liner and in the waiting area of for the Hahajima Maru. On the Hahajima Maru, an announcement cautions passengers on the risks of bringing in soil. ・ Alien species including the tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminate) and the paper wasp (Ropalidia marginata) that have not been identified on islands such as Chichijima and Hahajima have been found on Iwoto. No regular transport of people or supplies to or from Iwoto occurs; therefore, awareness of the accidental introduction of alien species is being promoted among stakeholders associated with some of the limited activities on the island, including those by the Self Defense Forces or those visiting graves on the island. ii) Future actions Continuously promoting awareness among island residents and visitors On the Ogasawara Islands, Futami Port on Chichijima is the only port that allows persons and supplies from the mainland of Japan to be brought in, and the only route connecting Chichijima and Hahajima is the sea route between Futami Port and Oki Port. Programs to promote awareness of alien species introduction will be enriched and reinforced and shared with residents and visitors travelling between Chichijima, Hahajima, and the mainland of Japan. Awareness-promoting activities will also be actively initiated for tourism businesses and other parties. Stakeholders engaged in the limited activities on Iwoto will be continuously reminded to strictly follow precautions to prevent alien species from Iwoto from being transported to Chichijima and Hahajima via luggage, clothes, and other belongings. Development of conditions that will allow for successful execution of waterfront countermeasures To prevent the introduction and dispersion of new alien species with the movement of persons and supplies, activities to promote awareness and understanding among island residents and visitors will be carried out. With regard to periodical boat services, notification procedures concerning in-coming goods, animals and plants as well as the system necessary for their inspection and treatment will be considered and tested on a trial basis in an effort to put in place the infrastructure for effective border controls. In addition, conditions allowing for successful implementation
25
Ogasawara Islands. The management authorities 4) Environmental Considerations in and other stakeholders will share and update this Individual Projects and Research information when executing environmentally To achieve the long-term goals listed below, the conscious measures in their projects and surveys. management authorities and participants in various projects and surveys shall enforce the environmental 【Countermeasures against risks other than alien considerations described below, with understanding species】 and cooperation among stakeholders including Prevention of water pollution and conservation of researchers. river environments when executing a project i) Long-term goals The rivers in and around the nominated property on Chichijima provide important habitats for ●Thorough incorporation of environmental endemic species including the endemic freshwater consideration in individual projects and shrimp (Paratya boninensis) and the endemic surveys freshwater gobi fish (Rhinogobius sp. BI.). When The individual projects and surveys that are executing a project such as river improvement conducted on the Ogasawara Islands must not only work, these habitats shall be considered in the fulfill their own purposes but also avoid and project design, and the project contractors will be minimize negative impact on the environment; in instructed to conduct environmentally conscious this regard, the management authorities are measures including prevention of water pollution. responsible for ensuring that activity plans are Countermeasures against the risk of genetic carefully checked beforehand, due consideration is disruption posed by planting or reintroduction for incorporated thoroughly in the implementation reinforcement phase, and post-implementation evaluations are Planting and reintroduction for reinforcement as made. part of ecosystem conservation and management purposes must be carefully evaluated and ii) Past efforts and future actions implemented considering the risk of genetic 【 Strictly executing environmentally conscious disruption. Therefore, such planting or measures】 reintroduction projects must be planned carefully Preparation and adjustment of action plans for by evaluating the purpose, methods, sites, risks, various projects and studies effect, etc. of each project individually based on When executing projects and surveys including scientific knowledge. public work projects, coordination and collaboration among the management authorities and other stakeholders shall be instituted prior to the initiation of a project or survey. In addition, a review meeting will be organized as necessary to acquire advice from researchers in various fields and also to obtain understanding among island residents and stakeholders when executing projects and surveys. Strictly executing environmentally conscious measures based on characteristics of a project or study When executing projects and surveys, the management authorities and project contractors must ensure careful and meticulous implementation based on the characteristics of each project so as not to harm the natural environment. The management authorities and other stakeholders that implement projects or surveys will continuously enhance awareness-promoting activities and provide appropriate information, with advice and cooperation from researchers etc. The management authorities and other stakeholders will also promote understanding of the natural environment among all project workers and implement environmentally conscious measures. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has already implemented environmentally conscious measures based on the Guidelines for Environment-conscious Public Works in the
26
Prevention of the introduction and dispersion of 5) Promotion of Lifestyle in Harmony new alien species greatly related to island with Nature residents’ daily activities, including their To achieve the long-term goals listed below, the agricultural practices and pet care activities. management authorities will promote deep Understanding, cooperation, and participation of understanding and support from and will cooperate island residents are indispensable for conservation closely with island residents and business entities and management activities including measures engaged in tourism, agriculture, and fisheries on the against alien species. Therefore, all island Ogasawara Islands. Activities related to the residents will be asked to participate in the conservation and management of natural environment preparation of a declaration to establish a lifestyle will be promoted, as described below. that considers the natural environment of oceanic i) Long-term goals islands and to realize a livelihood in coexistence with nature. ●Realization of lifestyle in harmony with nature Conducting educational activities for children Toward the establishment of the symbiotic Numerous educational activities for children lifestyle and industry of the Ogasawara Islands, have been conducted to teach local children the every resident and business understands the value value of the Ogasawara Islands’ outstanding of the excellent natural environment of the natural environment and ways to conserve and Ogasawara Islands and the need for its manage that environment. For example, conservation and management, participates in researchers have been invited to classrooms. activities for the conservation and management of To continue to teach the children who will take the natural environment, and makes efforts to over the environmental conservation and build the symbiotic living environment so that management of the Ogasawara Islands in the future, people can enjoy bountiful life in harmony with sound educational materials will be developed and nature. provided. For this purpose, educational institutions, administrative agencies, researchers, ●Training human resources to support the local NPOs, and other stakeholders will cooperate future of the Ogasawara Islands to prepare educational programs for schools and Toward the vision of harmony with nature, homes, strengthen understanding among teachers, training is provided to build the human resources and enrich the base of natural environment to care for the islands into the future; this includes education. Other possible activities include strengthening the education of children at school providing opportunities for children to voluntarily and in the home. participate in environmental conservation and management activities. ii) Past efforts and future actions Elimination of alien species by volunteers Awareness-promoting activities for island From the perspective of the involvement of residents residents in the conservation and management of When conducting activities, especially measures the natural environment of the Ogasawara Islands, against alien species, purposes and methodologies voluntary participation of island residents in alien have been fully explained to island residents to species elimination have been promoted, including build common awareness, understanding, and projects to eliminate alien plants and lower the cooperation. green anole population around residential areas. Information on the value of the Ogasawara Such activities will be continued, and efforts will Islands’ outstanding natural environments (e.g., be made to ensure that the participants and other topographical and geological features, ecosystems, island residents properly understand these and biodiversity) and on the conservation and activities. management of the natural environments (e.g. In addition, to promote understanding of alien species measures) will continue to be peripheral islands among island residents, provided through various media. Opportunities implementation of alien species elimination to exchange opinions will also be expanded to activities by volunteers on peripheral islands will build further understanding and ongoing also be considered and initiated. cooperation among island residents. In addition, environmental awareness among island residents Industrial development in harmony with the will be promoted through activities such as natural environment promoting an Ogasawara Islands lifestyle that Activities such as proper utilization of natural achieves good harmony with nature. resources, inhibition and elimination of alien To raise awareness among all the island species, and appropriate management of land residents, new residents in Ogasawara Village will including fallow lands will be promoted. Various be provided with information on the rules for projects for self-directive regional development environmental conservation and other issues. and economic growth on the Ogasawara Islands will also be initiated through industrial Declaration of lifestyle with consideration of the development that incorporates conservation of the natural environment of oceanic islands natural environment as an added value. An
27
example is a farming enterprise that increases its asset value by executing appropriate 6) Promotion of Wise Use and countermeasures against alien species, confining Ecotourism adverse effects, or reducing impacts on threatened To achieve the long-term goals listed below, the wild plants and animals. management authorities will promote understanding Preparation of a structure to support good life and cooperation among visitors coming to the among island residents Ogasawara Islands for sightseeing or other purposes To achieve “Sustainable Islands” as presented as in close coordination with tourism business entities. a future vision in the Third Ogasawara Village Activities will be implemented to promote wise use Comprehensive Plan, Ogasawara Village will take and ecotourism, as described below. the role of contact point for island residents and i) Long-term goals prepare a structure to support life on the islands ●Sustainable use of the natural environment that includes factors such as awareness raising, through the promotion of wise use and education, volunteering, pet management, and ecotourism promotion of industrial undertakings that To conserve the natural environment of the contribute to conservation and management of the Ogasawara Islands vulnerable to the impacts of natural environment. This structure will be human activities and to achieve sustainable created in full coordination with activities tourism, rules for appropriate use will be set out conducted by the management authorities. and enforced, as well as nature-experiencing activities and voluntary activities being promoted.
ii) History of past efforts 【Terrestrial Areas】 Tourism use of the Ogasawara Islands has been carried out by establishing and enforcing rules for appropriate use, such as rules in place since 2003 requiring visitors to be accompanied by a nature guide etc. on Minamijima and the Sekimon region of Hahajima. For example, Minamijima, a peripheral island of Chichijima, has drowned karst terrain, a characteristic landscape that has become an important sightseeing spot on the Ogasawara Islands. Tourism use of the island without any utilization rules had led to severe degradation of vegetation. For this reason, based on the Guidelines for the Protection and the Appropriate Use of Nature on the Islands of Tokyo, the Rules for Appropriate Use were defined to allow for the coexistence of both tourism use and ecosystem conservation. These rules stipulate that tours must be accompanied by a nature guide, and they define the number of visitors allowed and the available routes for visitors, etc. Conservation measures, monitoring, and surveillance by park rangers have also been conducted. As a result, the island’s vegetation is recovering. In addition, to prevent tourism from harming the value of the fragile ecosystems in Preservation Zones of Forest Ecosystem Reserves, visitors are generally limited to a designated route and asked to accompany a guide etc. who has attended a mandatory seminar and has been certified to enter these areas; this measure was developed in 2008 to form a balance between use and conservation. In addition to these rules based on applicable guidelines, various voluntary rules, including the Ogasawara County Codes, have been defined and appropriately enforced.
【Marine Areas】 Almost all of the whales that inhabit and migrate 28
within the subtropical North Pacific (composed of activity will be planned and developed with due 23 species in 6 families) have been identified in the consideration of the natural environments and ocean surrounding the Ogasawara Islands. The regulation by laws etc. Environments and systems humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and that can accommodate such activities will be sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) have also prepared. been observed to breed in adjacent ocean areas, In addition, information on outstanding natural making this an important marine area. environments (e.g., topographical or geological To utilize the value of this marine area, the first features, ecosystems, and biodiversity) which are whale watch in Japan was held on the Ogasawara the subjects of interest should be provided so that Islands in 1988. As part of developing whale island residents and visitors can experience these watching as an aspect of local tourism, voluntary environments in nearby places without stepping rules for conservation of whale habitats have been into important areas. introduced and successfully established. In Ogasawara Ecotourism Association and addition, various voluntary rules related to other promotion of ecotourism marine uses, such as dolphin swims and diving, Ecosystem-promotion activities will be led by have been defined and enforced appropriately. the Ogasawara Ecotourism Association composed of commerce and industry associations, tourist iii) Future actions associations, the Ogasawara Whale Watching Voluntary rules etc. Association, agricultural cooperatives, fisheries Voluntary rules for appropriate use of the natural cooperatives, local NPOs, and administrative environment, including the Ogasawara Country agencies in the village. Such activities will be Code and whale watching rules, are now deeply expanded in close coordination with ecosystem rooted in the local communities, contributing to conservation and management based on the Master ecosystem conservation on the Ogasawara Islands. Plan for Ecotourism. These rules will be strictly enforced, and will be revised and supplemented as necessary. The Rules for Appropriate Use, based on the Guidelines for the Protection and the Appropriate Use of Nature on the Islands of Tokyo, for Minamijima and for the Sekimon region of Hahajima, and rules from the Conservation Management Plan to properly conserve Forest Ecosystem Reserves, will continue to be applied adequately. Promotion of wise use by guides In areas where visitors must be accompanied by a certified guide, utilization rules will continue to be enforced. In other routes or areas with relatively pristine conditions, visitors will be recommended to accompany a certified guide. It is also a goal to be achieved in the future that all the residents recognize and understand their role as guides, as excellent guides help people understand correctly the value of the excellent natural environment including geological features and ecosystems and thereby contributes to the appropriate use of the natural environment. In addition, a registration system will be established for professional guides in order to improve their skills. Promotion of nature-experience activities and volunteer activities Nature-experience activities and volunteer activities by island residents and visitors are important in furthering understanding of the natural environments of the Ogasawara Islands and advancing citizen participation in conservation and management activities. On the other hand, the impacts associated with such activities in important areas must be minimized. Therefore, ecotours or other activities that include the elimination of alien species as an
29
activities, planning and implementation of projects 7) Monitoring and Information that influence the dynamics of use (e.g., sidewalk and road construction, consideration of flight To achieve long-term goals, the management service establishment) will also be monitored. authorities will promote monitoring activities and use of the information described below in close Long-term monitoring collaboration with researchers and NPOs and with To identify unexpected impacts on the natural understanding and cooperation from other environment caused by factors such as the stakeholders. introduction and dispersion of new alien species, i) Long-term goals climate change, or tsunami, drought, or typhoon events, long-term monitoring of the natural ●Monitoring and research environment of the Ogasawara Islands will be To obtain basic information for the adaptive initiated. conservation and management of the Ogasawara This long-term monitoring will be conducted in Islands, monitoring and research by the conjunction with ongoing monitoring activities, management authorities, researchers, and others such as the Monitoring Sites 1000 (by the Ministry shall be conducted to understand long-term of the Environment) and Forest Resource changes in the natural environment etc. Monitoring Program (by the Forestry Agency and ●Promotion of information sharing and use the Tokyo Metropolitan Government). By gathering, accumulating, and sharing the Promotion of study and research activities information, findings, and techniques obtained or Because studies of the natural environment are developed by monitoring and studying the natural indispensable when executing adaptive environment of the Ogasawara Islands, the conservation and management, the management management authorities and researchers can authorities and researchers will collaboratively establish more effective and sustainable promote research and survey activities. conservation and management measures. Researchers shall conduct studies that will have clear implications for conservation and ii) Past efforts and future actions management of the natural environment of the Monitoring of conservation and management Ogasawara Islands and will contribute to the activities Ogasawara Islands by sharing the study results When conducting conservation and management with relevant parties in Japan and overseas. measures, including those to remove alien species, To minimize the effects posed by entering the effects of these measures on natural important areas or other actions during these environments have been monitored and evaluated, studies, voluntary rules for researchers, describing and the results have been reflected in subsequent precautions applicable to each study field, have measures as necessary. been prepared and are enforced among researchers In the future, to further promote adaptive on an experimental basis. management, changes in natural environments will Sharing and utilization of information obtained be evaluated, and possible impacts of measures through monitoring, study, and research against alien species will be predicted beforehand When implementing conservation and considering interspecific interactions. These management measures, access to the latest estimates will then be reflected in the implemented information on an implementation site and its measures. surrounding area is indispensable. Therefore, a In addition, findings from previous activities database system to archive, update, search, and will be reflected in subsequent conservation and browse information, including geographic management measures, with the help of advice information, has been developed and is being from researchers of the Scientific Council or other continuously maintained. academic groups. As a part of effectively reflecting study results in To combat alien species, multiple measures are conservation and management measures, database sometimes conducted in parallel. Therefore, users can browse and share information on the when conducting monitoring, the management website. Information will be continuously authorities shall appropriately share roles, updated and maintained to successfully achieve collaborate with one another, and endeavor not to adaptive management. In addition, to strengthen cause any burden to ecosystems. bidirectional information exchange between the Monitoring of use management authorities and researchers, a system Use of the Ogasawara Islands has been of mailing lists and bulletin boards has been monitored to avoid impact to the natural created. Using this system, progress and mutual environment in areas including Minamijima and effects are monitored in a cross-sectional manner Forest Ecosystem Reserves. In addition, the at various steps from planning to numbers of persons using the connecting ocean post-implementation of each measure; this helps liners and main facilities, as well as the dynamics the management authorities and researchers of use, are being monitored. effectively and comprehensively implement In the future, in addition to these monitoring projects and studies in concert with one another.
30
To promptly correspond about an incident that requires an urgent response, such as the introduction of a new alien species, the mechanism of information sharing described above will be utilized to quickly report and share information among the management authorities and researchers. The management authorities and researchers will implement appropriate measures by sharing roles based on the management system described below.
Project Implementation Survey and Evaluation (Do) (Check)
Alien species Monitoring elimination survey
Endemic Other species information protection PDCA Cycle Information Sharing Prediction and Plan Improvement （Act）
Management Interspecific plan and action relation/impact plan prediction
Individual Exploration of project planning options for improvement
Fig. 1-3 Cycle of Adaptive Management
31
As necessary, review meetings will be held for 6. Management System each measure implemented by each of the management authorities; collaboration between the Appropriate sharing of roles and close Scientific Council and those involved in the review collaboration and cooperation among the meeting will be encouraged to establish an adaptive management authorities and stakeholders are conservation and management system that deals with necessary to adequately and smoothly implement a range of measures from individual projects to conservation and management of the natural overall conservation and management. environment of the Ogasawara Islands. Therefore, conservation and management of the 3) Management Authorities Ogasawara Islands shall be conducted under a system The management authorities will collaboratively that promotes close collaboration and cooperation implement the conservation and management among the members of the Regional Liaison measures described in the Management Measures of Committee, with advice from researchers of the this Plan. Scientific Council. Collaboration, cooperation, and role sharing among The Management Plan shall be reviewed as the authorities involved in various projects and necessary based on the results of monitoring surveys surveys will also be further enhanced. and changes in the social environment. Such revision will reflect appropriate scientific advice from i) Ministry of the Environment (Kanto Regional the Scientific Council and consensus from the Environment Office of Japan and Ogasawara Regional Liaison Committee. Ranger Office) Ministry of the Environment manages various 1) Coordination among Stakeholders systems related to areas such as the designated Conservation and management of the Ogasawara Wilderness Areas, National Parks, and National Islands will be conducted through close collaboration Wildlife Protection Areas. It carries out the and cooperation among the management authorities management at Kanto Regional Environment Office and stakeholders. of Japan and the Ogasawara Rangers’ Office. In The Regional Liaison Committee, established in addition, the Basic Plan for the Conservation and 2006, will serve as a liaison for coordination among Restoration of the Natural Environment of the management authorities and stakeholders, Ogasawara was drawn up. Based on this plan, various including other related organization, for conservation projects, including measures against alien species and and management of the Ogasawara Islands. the conservation program defined by the law for the In addition, to achieve a good balance between species designated as National Endangered Species of conservation of the outstanding natural environment Wild Fauna and Flora, are being promoted. Surveys and the life of island residents, opinions and of preventive measures against the introduction and suggestions from island residents and related dispersion of new invasive alien species are also organizations will be widely heard, and coordination implemented. and consensus formation will be promoted. On the other hand, among the conservation and ii) Forestry Agency (Kanto Regional Forest management measures targeting individual species, Office and National Forest Division, for those requiring collaboration and cooperation of Ogasawara General Office, Ministry of Land, the management authorities and stakeholders (e.g., Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) conservation of the Bonin flying fox, Pteropus Forestry Agency manages various systems related pselaphon; measures against feral cats, feral goats, to areas such as designated Forest Ecosystem Bischofia, and Casuarina), individual liaison systems Reserves. The Kanto Regional Forest Office of the or other appropriate schemes will be established so Forestry Agency and the National Forest Division, that the measures will be conducted effectively. Ogasawara General Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are currently 2) Adaptive Management System conserving and managing the national forests based on Scientific Findings including the areas designated as the Ogasawara Islands Forest Ecosystem Reserves. In 2008, the Adaptive conservation and management of the Conservation Management Plan was defined as the Ogasawara Islands based on research, surveys, comprehensive guideline for the Ogasawara Islands monitoring, and evaluations of the natural Forest Ecosystem Reserves based on the environment and their results will be conducted based recommendation of the Ogasawara Islands Forest on advice from the Scientific Council established in Ecosystem Reserve Conservation and Management 2006, the same year the Regional Liaison Committee Committee composed of scientists. Conservation was established. and management of the unique forest ecosystems of A system of close collaboration and cooperation the Ogasawara Islands are being carried out based on with the Regional Liaison Committee will be formed this plan. and maintained, and collaboration, cooperation, and Activities such as measures against alien species, information exchange with local NPOs and the conservation program defined by the law for the researchers will also be promoted. species designated as National Endangered Species of 32
Wild Fauna and Flora, population survey and preventing alien species introduction and monitoring for the endemic subspecies of Japanese dispersion. wood-pigeon, as well as coordination of utilization The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as a main and protection are also carried out. executer of public works, endeavors to conduct these activities in high compliance with the Guidelines for iii) Agency for Cultural Affairs (and Tokyo Environment-conscious Public Works in the Metropolitan Government Board of Education Ogasawara Islands. and Ogasawara Village Board of Education） The Agency for Cultural Affairs conserves and v) Ogasawara Village manages Natural Monuments and provides related Ogasawara Village is conducting various projects technical assistance. Its authority is partly including measures against alien species, raising transferred to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government environmental awareness, eliminating damage by Board of Education, and its activities are exercised alien species to livelihoods and agriculture, through the Ogasawara Village Board of Education. registering domestic cats, and controlling feral cat The Agency for Cultural Affairs also provides populations. support and instruction to projects aimed at The Ogasawara Village Board of Education shares coexistence of the Bonin flying fox (Pteropus the management of Natural Monuments with the pselaphon) and agriculture implemented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Ogasawara Village. 4) Management of Implementation of iv) Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Ogasawara the Plan Islands Branch Office etc.) This Management Plan as well as the Ecosystem The Tokyo Metropolitan Government shares the Conservation Action Plan and individual project responsibility for the management of National Parks plans are evaluated by the Scientific Council*, a with the Ministry of the Environment and subordinate body organized as necessary under the implements projects such as measures against alien Scientific Council, or by an individual evaluation species, erosion control, vegetation restoration, the organization. Evaluations are based on assessments conservation program defined by the law for the and estimates from monitoring surveys. Results of species designated as National Endangered Species evaluations are reflected in each plan, and project of Wild Fauna and Flora, and environmental progress is managed. monitoring surveys. It also shares management of Natural Monuments with Ogasawara Village. In *Although the organization that conducts the overall addition, it establishes and implements rules for the evaluation of this plan is the Regional Liaison appropriate use of Minamijima and of the Sekimon Committee, evaluation and progress management region of Hahajima in collaboration with Ogasawara from the scientific viewpoint are led by the Village and works to promote awareness on Scientific Council.
Fig. 1-4 Conceptual framework of relationships among reviewing systems and various plans 33
7. Conclusion
All of the Ogasawara Islands are oceanic islands, and each features a unique ecosystem consisting of many endemic species that have undergone unique processes of speciation. The islands provide a glimpse of the magnificent experiments of biological evolution. In addition, island arc volcanic activities that played an important role in the history of the Earth from its early stage up to the present activities can be seen on these islands. On the Ogasawara Islands with globally peerless natural environments, various actions shall be taken with the aim of increasing the beauty both of the natural environment of the Ogasawara Islands and of the local communities existing in harmony with that natural environment not only through coordination among the management authorities, but also through the active participation and cooperation of stakeholders.
34