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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