Chapter 2.  Harmonious Coexistence Between Nature and Humankind

1. Basic Direction
 The soundness of the ecosystem, in all of the various regions, must be 
restored and maintained through a wise use of  the environment. Everyday 
life, business activities and leisure activities, wherever they may be, 
must be an enriching experience for both nature and humankind.  Thus 
harmonious coexistence between nature and people will be attained. 
 Taking into consideration the land's natural and social properties, the 
government shall implement various measures along the following 
directions.  Consideration shall be made to maintain coordination with 
measures, to conserve the atmosphere, the water and the soil.

1.1. Preserving Primitive Nature
 Primitive nature of international, domestic and regional importance 
shall be carefully conserved through public acquisitions and strict 
regulations of human activities in such regions, as priceless and 
dwindling treasures which form the core of Japan's ecosystems.  They can 
also be utilized as symbols to obtain spiritual inspiration, as places 
to perform ecological research and, with appropriate administration for 
preservation, can be used as a place to study and experience nature.

1.2. Conserving Superior Nature
 With wildlife's habitats, reproduction, landscape and scarcity in mind, 
places of important natural value shall be conserved by regulatory 
measures and conservation activities to keep ecosystems found in such 
places healthy.  Necessary basic facilities shall, likewise, be 
established to ensure that these places, where radiant landscapes and 
wildlife come together, can be used as a type of natural laboratory.

1.3. Forests, Farmlands and Waterside Areas
 The appropriate use of wood, agriculture and marine products from our 
forests, farmlands and waterside areas shall be maintained.  By 
constructing public facilities and promoting civil conservation 
activities the natural environment shall be maintained.  The entire 
natural environment, as a habitat and breeding ground for wildlife, must 
be ensured as well as possible.  It is the place where life's resources, 
plants, water and fresh air can be experienced. 

1.4. Expanding the Natural Environment
 Natural environments have been decreasing in places.  By promoting the 
enterprise of public facility maintenance and civil conservation 
activities natural and semi-natural environments like small animal 
habitats, parks, green spaces and shorelines shall be maintained.  The 
natural characteristics of the region shall be considered when the 
environment is being restored and maintained.  The natural environment 
can be used as a place where people can come into contact with nature 
such as plants, water and small animals in everyday life.

1.5. Management of Fauna and Flora
 The plant and animal kingdom, their species, each individual, their 
habitats and breeding grounds are a fundamental elements of the 
ecosystem's structure.  Their conservation shall be appropriately 
managed.

2. Comprehensive and Systematic Policy Implementation
 Measures must be designed with scientific clarity as to the workings of 
each ecosystem, whether regional, national or global in scale.  They 
must be designed so that they take into account people's need to come in 
contact with nature.  The ecosystem must be restored and maintained in a 
sound and healthy manner.  It must ensure that people and nature can 
coexist with one another harmoniously everywhere.  The measures given 
below shall be systematically implemented and targets shall be set up as 
needed.

 Section 1. Coexistence Compatible with the Region's Natural/Social 
            Characteristics

 Places where people can interact with nature should be secured so that 
people can learn, experience and feel the fullness of nature.  Of course,
 this can only take place if the nature in these regions is conserved 
according to its natural characteristics.  The natural environment is 
the basis for sustaining food and wood production and its riches must be 
ensured.  
 To accomplish this objective, the following measures shall be 
comprehensively and systematically promoted, keeping in mind the 
particular characteristics of each region, such as mountainous areas, 
countryside areas, areas with high human impacts, or coastal seas.1  It 
is important to carefully consider that first, Japan's climate ranges 
from the subtropics in the South to the sub-Arctic in the North.  Second,
 the mountains, forests, grasslands, farmlands, roadsides, residential 
areas, lakes, marshes, rivers, streams, swamps, tidelands, coasts and 
coral reefs found in nature each have their own special characteristics. 
 Third, it is necessary to consider natural areas in wide areas such as 
river basins. 

 In implementing these measures, attention must also be paid to the 
forest's function as a carbon dioxide sink.   

1.  Mountainous Areas
 The mountainous areas, where population density is low and covered by 
vast forests, contain much of Japan's natural forests and are home to 
many large wild animals including deer, bears and monkeys.  The 
mountains are characterized by a low degree of human interference, as 
compared to other areas.  They form the skeletal framework for the 
entire ecosystem of Japan.  It is necessary to conserve primitive nature 
as well as places of important natural beauty which are found in 
mountainous areas.  These areas must be available for people to interact 
with nature and for people to perform research in them.  As communities 
within these areas experience population decreases and increases in the 
percentage of elderly persons, the environmental conservation capacity 
of these areas becomes more problematic.  For the aforementioned reasons,
 the following measures shall be promoted.

1.1. Primitive and Outstanding Nature
A. Closely interrelated primitive nature with their ecosystems, combined 
with splendid landscapes is typically representative of Japan.  These 
areas shall be conserved by designating special areas, such as nature 
conservation areas , forest ecosystem conservation areas and national 
parks.  They shall further be protected by strictly regulating 
activities within their borders and by promoting public acquisition.
B. The habitats and breeding grounds found in places of important 
natural beauty, places blessed with beautiful landscapes, which are 
delicate, rare and unique shall be conserved.  These areas shall be 
conserved by designating special areas, such as wildlife conservation 
areas, national parks, nature conservation areas or by designating 
certain areas as national treasures or conservation forests and by 
regulating activities within their borders.  Areas which should have 
been conserved, but for some reason, artificial or natural, have not, 
shall be reforested and/or have their landscapes restored.
C. Ways to ensure close cooperation between the conservation areas 
mentioned in A and B shall be closely examined.
D. In these conserved areas, facilities should be systematically 
promoted to ensure experience and interaction with nature.  Such 
activities should include nature explorations, wildlife observations and 
nature interpretation activities.  In particularly important areas, land 
acquisition and the establishment and/or maintenance of facilities shall 
be promoted.  These activities shall all be performed in a comprehensive 
and systematic manner, with the appropriate administrative systems 
provided.

1.2. Forests, Farmlands and Waterside Areas
A. According to the region's particular characteristics, forest 
maintenance projects, to create, nurture and manage forests shall be 
promoted.  These will ensure that appropriate forestry methods are 
employed like indigenous wood and multiple layered forestry.  
B. Environmentally friendly farming techniques shall be promoted.  This 
includes consideration on wildlife habitats and breeding grounds,and 
reduced use of agricultural chemicals.  This shall be suited to each 
region's own special characteristics and in cooperation with consumers.
C. Comprehensive measures to ensure job opportunities and to maintain 
the environment in agricultural villages located in the mountains must 
be introduced.  Human resources, responsible for maintaining and 
creating forest and farmland environments, shall be secured.  
D. Proper maintenance of agricultural land shall be promoted through 
community activities with the participation of local residents.  Public 
assistance shall be considered if necessary.

1.3. Environmental Considerations in Public Works
 When implementing public projects for such things as roads, rivers or 
farming communities, proper consideration shall be given to wildlife 
habitats, breeding grounds and landscape conservation.

2. Countryside Areas
 Countryside areas are marked by relatively low population 
concentrations, a moderate amount of forest land, a great deal of 
secondary nature and many medium to large animals.  Countryside areas 
have been shaped by human activities such as agriculture, forestry and 
fishing.  These areas are witness to many different relationships 
between wildlife and humans and form what has become known as the 
archetypal Japanese 'hometown.'
 It is necessary to attempt to conserve natural areas and to utilize 
them as places for human interaction with nature.  It is also important 
to attempt to maintain forests and farmlands, particularly in regions 
with shrinking populations and a high proportion of elderly people.  
Likewise, secondary nature, such as wooded areas, should be 
appropriately managed.  To achieve the aforementioned goals, the 
following measures shall be promoted.

2.1. Superior Nature
A. Places of important natural beauty, such as wildlife habitats and 
breeding grounds, land blessed with tremendous landscapes and nature 
which is delicate, rare and unique shall be conserved.  By designating 
special areas, such as wildlife conservation areas, nature parks, nature 
conservation areas, national treasures, green spaces or conservation 
forests and by regulating activities within their borders, these areas 
shall be conserved.  Projects shall be promoted in areas, which should 
have conserved, but which, for some reason, natural or artificial, have 
not.  These projects shall include reforestation and landscape 
restoration activities.  
B. In Countryside areas, substantive interaction between people and 
nature takes place in many ways.  Field trips, camping, fishing and 
other outdoor activities in nature bring people in closer contact with 
nature.  To ensure these types of interaction, facilities shall be 
promoted and their utilization encouraged.  In areas of special 
importance, public land acquisition and the establishment or improvement 
of facilities, shall be promoted and administration systems provided.

2.2. Forests, Farmlands and Waterside Areas
A. According to each region's particular characteristics, forest 
maintenance projects shall be systematically promoted in order to create,
 cultivate and maintain forests, as well as ensure proper forestry 
techniques such as indigenous wood and multiple layered forestry.
B. Environmentally friendly farming techniques shall be promoted.  This 
includes consideration on wildlife habitats and breeding grounds,and 
reduced use of agricultural chemicals.  This shall be suited to each 
region's own special characteristics and in cooperation with consumers.
C. Comprehensive measures to ensure job opportunities and to maintain 
the environment in agricultural villages located in the mountains must 
be introduced.  Human resources, responsible for maintaining and 
creating forest and farmland environments shall be secured.  
D. Proper maintenance of agricultural land shall be promoted through 
community activities with the participation of local residents.  Public 
assistance shall be considered if necessary.
E. Nature determined to be in need of maintenance such as wooded areas, 
rice fields in valleys and aquatic areas shall be maintained and 
expanded.  These shall be accomplished by tax measures, local and State 
participation and the cooperation of private sector conservation 
activities.  To further promote interaction between people and secondary 
nature, the establishment of "nature paths" shall be promoted.

2.3. Parks and Green Spaces
 According to the characteristics of the region, provisions of public 
facilities, like parks and green spaces, shall be promoted.

2.4. Environmental Considerations in Public Works
 When pursuing public projects for roads, rivers, farming communities 
and the like, proper consideration shall be given to wildlife habitats, 
breeding grounds and landscape conservation.  Likewise, the 
establishment and improvement of accessible green spaces and water areas 
shall be promoted.

2.5. Wildlife Habitats
 With coordination between all of the conserved areas, the forests, 
farmlands and waterside areas, systematic wildlife conservation shall be 
promoted.

3.  Areas with High Human Impacts
 The "areas with high human impacts" have relatively high population 
densities, considerable areas of agricultural land and contain the 
majority of Japan's residential land.  These areas are characterized by 
high concentrations of human activity within their borders.  It is 
necessary to conserve the remaining natural forests and wetlands with 
their rich biological diversity.  Likewise, forest and agricultural 
lands need to be created and maintained where they have disappeared.  
Secondary nature, such as woods and wooded residential areas need to be 
maintained to encourage human interaction with nature.  Natural air 
purifiers and weather regulators, such as green spaces and aquatic areas 
are also needed.  To secure these objectives, the following measures 
shall be promoted.

3.1. Superior Nature
A. Superior nature, such as wildlife habitats and breeding grounds, land 
blessed with tremendous landscapes and nature which is delicate, rare 
and unique, as well as wooded areas in cities shall be conserved.  By 
designating special areas, such as wildlife conservation areas, nature 
parks, nature conservation areas, national treasures, conserved green 
spaces, scenic areas or conservation forests and by regulating 
activities within their borders, these areas shall be conserved.  
B. In the areas mentioned above, to ensure interaction in everyday life, 
necessary facilities shall be systematically maintained and used in an 
environmentally friendly manner.

3.2. Forests, Farmlands and Waterside Areas
A. Forest maintenance projects, tailored to each region's particular 
characteristics, shall be systematically promoted in order to create, 
cultivate and maintain forests, as well as ensure proper forestry 
techniques such as indigenous wood and multiple layered forestry.
B. Environmentally friendly farming techniques shall be promoted.  This 
includes consideration on wildlife habitats and breeding grounds,and 
reduced use of agricultural chemicals.  This shall be suited to each 
region's own special characteristics and in cooperation with consumers.  
Farms located within cities shall be used as green spaces. 
C. The woods, wooded areas and waters remaining in cities, which have 
for the most part been recognized as necessarily deserving maintenance, 
shall be maintained in the same way as in countryside areas.

3.3. Urban Areas
A. Comprehensive plans shall be made to encourage a natural environment 
in urban areas so that people can interact with nature everyday.  These 
plans shall include conserving the remaining greenery, building parks 
and promoting tree planting.
B. Tree planting and other activities which increase vegetation in 
cities shall be promoted in residential areas, factories and 
governmental facilities.

3.4. Environmental Consideration in Public Works
 When pursuing public projects for such things as roads, rivers, 
airports and farming communities, due consideration shall be given to 
wildlife habitats, breeding grounds and landscape conservation.  
Likewise, the establishment and improvement of accessible green spaces 
and aquatic areas shall be promoted.

3.5. Coordination
 There shall be coordination between all of the conserved environmental 
areas, the forests, farmlands, waterside areas and green spaces.  
Systematic and comprehensive efforts shall be promoted to ensure such 
integration.

4.  Coastal Seas
 "Coastal seas" refers to sea surfaces, underwater space and shorelines 
that fall within Japanese territorial waters.  These areas, with 
diversified ecosystems, are characterized by tidelands, coral reefs and 
beds of seaweed.  They are also especially rich in marine products.  
Superior nature must be conserved, while simultaneously ensuring that 
tidelands, coral reefs and seaweed beds be conserved.  Moreover, it is 
essential that people be able to enjoy the sea, to interact with and 
experience it.  The following measures, in coordination with marine 
pollution control measures, shall be promoted to ensure these objectives.

4.1. Superior Nature
A. Places of important natural beauty, such as marine habitats and 
breeding grounds, underwater formations and seashores shall be conserved.
  This shall be accomplished by designating special areas, such as 
underwater marine parks, marine life conservation areas and special 
underwater conservation areas and by regulating activities within these 
areas.  Restoration projects shall be promoted in areas which should 
have been conserved, but for some reason, artificial or natural, have 
not.
B. Measure to coordinate conservation activities between the areas 
mentioned above shall be examined.
C. To ensure that people are able to enjoy the sea, necessary facilities 
shall be created or maintained and their environmentally friendly 
utilization encouraged.  

4.2. Tidelands and Seaweed Beds
 Maintenance and administration of marine resources shall be ensured 
through fishery regulations.  Tidelands and seaweed beds shall be 
conserved by designating certain areas as conserved waters for example.  
Consequently, the ocean's purification capacity shall be enhanced and 
the habitats and breeding grounds of numerous marine species shall be 
safeguarded.

4.3. Environmental Consideration in Public Works
A. When pursuing projects to improve or establish harbors, fishing ports 
or coastal areas, careful consideration shall be given to conserving 
marine life habitats, breeding grounds and underwater formations.  The 
establishment of green spaces and marine areas accessible to the general 
public shall be promoted.  
B. When reclaiming coastal lands, the location and scale of the project 
shall be considered from a conservation perspective.  Tidelands must be 
given particularly careful attention.  Tidelands and beaches shall be 
established and maintained as circumstances dictate.

Section 2.  Conserving Biodiversity

 Biodiversity, as the foundation of humanity's existence and a necessity 
for a sound ecosystem must be conserved.  It is a basic element which 
ensures sustainable utilization of biological resources.  Every group of 
each individual species found in every region shall be conserved and the 
conservation of the entire ecosystem shall be ensured.
 To conserve biodiversity at each of the ecosystem level, interspecific 
level and intraspecific level, a national strategy based on the United 
Nations Convention on Biological Diversity shall be promoted.  Wildlife 
habitats and breeding grounds shall be conserved.  Simultaneously, 
proper plant and animal management shall be planned.  Measures provided 
the Section 1 to conserve wildlife habitats and breeding grounds, shall 
be coordinated with the following comprehensive and systematic measures. 
 
1. Hunting and Trading
 The hunting, collecting and/or trading of scarce plants, animals, birds 
or other wildlife shall be regulated.  Projects for increasing 
conservation of their habitats and breeding grounds shall be promoted.

2. Managing Designated Species
 Regarding wildlife, hunting shall be properly managed and healthy 
populations maintained.  For certain designated species such as bears 
and monkeys the formulation and implementation of management 
conservation plans shall be promoted.

3. Introducing New Species
 Measures shall be examined to control the impact of introducing new 
species into environments on isolated islands and places of important 
scientific interest.

4. Environmental Consideration in Projects
 So that human activity does not impose irreversible burdens on wild 
animal and plant life, research and surveys shall be performed when 
implementing certain projects, tailored to the type and content of the 
project.  Habitats and breeding grounds, which could be adversely 
affected, shall be given due consideration.

5. Investigative Research
 Scientific research on wildlife species and ecosystems shall be 
promoted in the following manners.
A. To establish a research system, human resources shall be trained, 
museums and specialists shall be networked and private participation 
shall be encouraged.
B. To encourage research on primitive nature extensive basic facilities, 
open to all researchers, shall be systematically established.
C. The establishment of a system to collect, analyze, store and disperse 
information about biodiversity shall be promoted.

Section 3.   Securing and Utilizing the Blessings of a Sound Environment

1.  Various Efforts in Regional Planning
1.1. Ensuring Environmental Amenities
 To ensure an abundant natural environment and its amenities the 
following efforts shall be promoted in response to the various 
characteristics of regions.

1.1.a. Atmosphere
 To ensure a clear, tranquil and refreshing atmosphere ways to maintain 
excellent air, visibility and light quality shall be studied with the 
participation of local residents.  Voluntary efforts such as increasing 
the amount of vegetation in regions shall be promoted.

1.1.b. Water
 In order to secure high quality water resources with their ecosystems 
diverse in wildlife, measures shall be examined for the purpose of 
managing and maintaining rivers, streams, lakes, marshes, coastal waters,
 tidelands and other water areas.  These measures, with the 
participation of local residents, should take an integrated view of the 
entire aquatic environment, including water quality, quantity, aquatic 
life and surrounding vegetation.

1.1.c. Conserving Scenic Integrity 
 When establishing facilities, efforts should be made to conserve the 
scenic integrity of the region concerned.  Emphasis should be placed on 
maintaining harmony with the environment.

1.1.d. Conserving Historically Important Areas
 Various systems to conserve cultural environmental heritages are being 
employed and, as another part of the natural environment, historically 
important environmental areas shall also be conserved.

1.2. Environmental Conservation by Private Organizations
 In order to promote private environmental conservation activities, such 
as National Trusts, volunteer tree planting and cleanup campaigns, 
measures like tax incentives and tree planting agreements shall be 
employed.  The managing and restoration of nature by commercial 
enterprises shall be promoted presenting awards.

1.3. Rural and Urban Interaction
 To ensure human enjoyment of nature, leisure activities such as 
spending time in farming, mountain and fishing villages("green tourism") 
shall be promoted as part of a cultural exchange between urban and rural 
areas.  Also, forest maintenance by public organizations shall be 
promoted by means of agreements.  Additionally, the cooperation of 
forest owners and citizens to raise and cultivate new forests shall be 
promoted.

2.  Responsible Utilization of Nature
2.1. Promotion of Responsible Recreational Use of Nature
 To promote the responsible recreational use of nature, the following 
measures shall be promoted.
A. Information about places where nature can be enjoyed and about how it 
should be used shall be promoted.
B. The examination of different ways to experience nature shall be 
promoted.  Likewise, the training and securing of nature guides, the 
providing of opportunities to observe nature and to gather in nature and 
the providing of outdoor education shall be promoted. 
C. Appropriate management systems for natural areas, in cooperation with 
the region concerned and those who use it, including remuneration for 
especially substantial service shall be developed.

2.2. Natural Hot Springs
 For the enjoyment of nature's resources, the appropriate conservation 
and responsible use of natural hot springs shall be ensured.
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