Biodiversity
is Life
Biodiversity
is our Life

The National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010

Japanese Nature
The Japanese archipelago runs parallel tothe eastern rim of the Eurasian continent,
extending some 3000 kilometers from45°33’ N to 20°25’ N, with climatic zones
ranging widely from subarctic to subtropical.
In general, however, Japanese climate istemperate and humid, with marked monsoons and spectacular seasonal changes.
With a geographical history of being
alternately connected to and separated fromthe Eurasian continent, and composed ofseveral thousand islands of various sizes,
Japan hosts a unique and rich biota withmany endemic and relict species. Nearly
40% of mammals and nearly 80% of amphibian species are endemic. The number ofknown species in Japan is around 90,000
and estimates place the total number atapproximately 300,000. This rich biota is
contained in a relatively small land area of
about 378,000km².

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A school of pigmy sweepers (Parapriacanthus ransonneti) off Tokashiki Island,
Okinawa Prefecture Photo: Ikuo Nakamura

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ince the birth of the earliest forms, life on earth has adapted to diverse environments andevolved into myriad species. Estimates of the total number of current species, including
those not yet discovered by science, range as high as 30 million. Each of these lives is interconnected with others and over the years these connections have created an intricate tapestry oflife and today’s global environments. We, humans are not only part of this global dynamic ecosystem, our lives and livelihoods depend on it. We humans, however, have spoiled our ecosystems across the globe, and driven numerous species to the brink of extinction. Today, species
are disappearing at a rate much faster than that at which dinosaurs died out. Being aware that
all lives on the earth, including humans, are mutually connected and supportive of one another, we should be moved to conduct ourselves in a humble and cautious manner.

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The Fourth National Biodiversity Strategy of JapanThe Cabinet adopted the “National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010” on March 16, 2010, as thebasic plan for achieving the objectives of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
After Japan joined the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993, the National Biodiversity Strategy
was formulated in 1995, which has been revised in 2002 and 2007. The Basic Act on Biodiversity,
enacted in June of 2008, now legally mandates the National Biodiversity Strategy. The National
Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010 is the first national strategy with a foundation in law.

3

Fountain of Life and Basis for
Human Livelihood
Biodiversity Supports Life and Livelihood

Air and Water Nourished by
Living Organisms
The very oxygen that we breathe has been produced
over the course of several billion years by the processof photosynthesis engaged in by plants. Plant leaves
also transpire water, and forests and wetlands serve as
natural reservoirs. In this way living organisms help
keep the water cycles running smoothly, and in doing
so stabilize the earth’s temperature and humidity.
Fertile soil is produced by decomposition of deadanimals and plants, and nutrients such as nitrogen andphosphorus are transported from forests through rivers
to the sea, eventually nurturing rich marine life.
In this manner, biodiversity provides the “basis ofexistence for all life” —including we humans.

Basis for Human Livelihood
Agricultural crops are grown in environments characterized by complicated interactions among variousorganisms such as insect pests and the predators thatfeed on them, pollinators, and soil microbes. Seafoodis also a blessing of marine ecosystems that include
plankton, seaweeds, invertebrates, fishes and various
other interrelated organisms.
Genetic information, as well as functions and shapesof living organisms are indispensable to our daily lives.
The molecular structure of aspirin, for example, wassynthesized from chemical components found in
willow bark. In our agricultural crops, abundant genetic input from wild species is required to produce

4superior genetic characteristics such as
delicious taste and strong resistance todiseases. Even in the industrial sector,
biomimicry provides the inspiration for
innovative technology. New stain-resistantpaints, for example, mimic the watershedding surface structure of a lotus leaf.
In the future, the shape and function ofliving organisms can offer up a treasure
trove of new technologies.
In this manner, biodiversity offers a“useful value” to support humans.

Biological andCultural Diversity
We Japanese people nurture a uniqueperspective regarding our nature. We
maintain a sense of awe for the harsh
power that we know nature is capable of,but at the same time we deeply appreciate
the changing seasons, such as songs ofbirds and insects, as well as the myriad
blessings of the land and sea. In the face ofour rich but violent natural environment,
we have cultivated a wealth of knowledge,
skills and deep sensitivities towards thenatural world. We have also developed
varied food cultures unique to each region,
with products such as “tsukemono” (traditional Japanese pickles), “miso” (fermented soybean
paste), soy sauce, and “sake” (Japanese rice wine). These
kinds of food are produced from complicatedcombinations of microorganisms and ingredientsindigenous to each region, and thus represent
unique integrations of nature and culture.
Having opportunities to make direct contact
with our rich natural world, playing in it andlearning from it, is indispensable for soundgrowth of the children who will leads our future
generations.
In this manner, biodiversity is a “fountain ofrich culture” that fills Japanese hearts and spirits.

Drops of water on east indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaf,
Yamanashi Prefecture Photo: Hidekazu Kubo

Paddy cultivation on terraced hillsides, Hamanoura of Genkai-Cyo, Saga Prefecture
Photo: Toshitaka Morita

Our Life Secured by Nature
Forests help prevent landslides and soil runoff
on steep slopes. They also filter our water, keeping it safe to drink. It has also been reported
that the damage from tsunamis is lessened along
natural coastlines where the coral reef andmangrove are intact.
Reducing the use of pesticides and chemicalfertilizers contributes help ensure safe foodproducts, and at the same time keeps the ecosystems healthy. In these ecosystems microbes
work to revitalize the soil, and a balance ismaintained among insect pests and their natural
predators.
In this manner, rich biodiversity “ensures safe
human livelihood for many years to come.”

Mt. Fuji and sun-dried sakura shrimp in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Photo: Takaji Ochi

5

Biodiversity in Crisis

Current Status of Biodiversity in Japan“Three Crises” in Progress
The Japanese archipelago extends a long way in thenorth-south direction, is surrounded by the sea, andblessed with abundant precipitation. These conditions have produced a rich biodiversity, which now
faces several severe crises.
Biodiversity is being negatively
impacted by human activities suchas excessive development, and overexploitation andillegal collection of rare species. Vital wetland habitats
are destroyed or degraded by reclamation work, andforest habitats are lost to urbanization and suburban
sprawl.

First Crisis

contrast to the First Crisis,
Second Crisis In
biodiversity in the countrysidelandscape, which the Japanese affectionately call
‘Satochi-Satoyama’ or ‘Satoyama’ for short, is impacted
by abandonment or underutilization of secondary habitats such as coppice woodlands and grasslands. These
habitats were traditionally managed in a unique sus-

tainable fashion, and supported a rich biota. Forestsand grasslands that traditionally provided people with
firewood, charcoal and thatch for roofing are no longer
being utilized, and the resulting changes in habitat are
threatening some species with extinction. Meanwhile,the distributions and population densities of sika deer
and wild boars are currently expanding, causing damage to local agriculture and forestry, and also destroying
ecosystems through overgrazing and tree barking.
Ecosystems are disrupted by artificial introduction of invasive alien
species and chemicals. Alien species introduced fromabroad, such as mongoose and black bass, as well as
species introduced from other areas within Japan, preyon native species and deprive them of habitat andfood. Introduced species can also hybridize with closely related native species, diluting their unique genetic
diversity. In addition, ecosystems are adversely affectedby the introduction of chemical substances that are
toxic to plants and animals.

Third Crisis

Ratios of Threatened Species to Total Assessed Species in Japan(Source: Ministry of the Environment, the Red List)

Birds(Number of species assessed: 180)

(Number of species assessed: ca.700)

2.2%

2.0%
23.3%

13.1%
2.6%

10.0%

64.5%

82.3%

Expanding Distribution of Sika Deer
Comparison of sika deer distribution
over 20 years period, based on the
results of the 2nd and 6th (2003)
National Survey on the Natural
Environment.

Status and Problems ofBiodiversity in Japan
Threatened Species

Mammals

Japan is blessed with a unique and rich biota withmany endemic and relict species. Forests accounts for
two-thirds of total national land area, providing habitat for larger animals such as Japanese macaques, bears
and sika deer.
This rich biota, however, is currently under threat.
More than 30% of Japan’s reptiles, amphibians, andbrackish/freshwater fishes, more than 20% of mammals and vascular plants (grasses and trees), and morethan 10% of birds living in Japan are now classified as
threatened species. These data indicate the seriousnessof Japan’s biodiversity crises.

—Japan’s Red List, compiled by the Ministry of theEnvironment, was revised in 2006 and 2007, andthe number of threatened species (CR, EN and
VU) listed increased from 2,694 to 3,155.
—The status of some species, such as Okinawa rail
(Gallirallus okinawae) and Iriomote cats (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) , were upgraded due tohabitat degradation and adverse impacts from alien
species. On the other hand, other species such as
white egret orchid(Habenaria radiata) weredowngraded due to the success of conservation
efforts. Still other species, including several speciesof bats were removed from the List when increased
data became available.

■ Distributed only on 2nd Survey (20 years ago)
■ Distributed on both 2nd and 6th Survey■ Distributed only on 6th Survey (expanded distribution areas)

An example of the “Third Crisis” in the Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo Prefecture
The nonnative green anole (Anolis carolinensis) preying upon the endemic cicada (Meimuna boninensis). The green
anole has had a significant on the indigenous ecosystem. Photo: Japan Wildlife Research Center

Comparison of Wildlife Distributions at
Present and 20 Years Ago
Brackish/Freshwater Fishes

Vascular Plants(Number of species assessed: ca.400)(Number of species assessed: ca.7,000)—The distribution areas of sika deer (Cervus nippon),
Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), wild boars
and bears are expanding, causing serious frictions
between wildlife and humans.
—Distribution of some breeding birds, such as thegreat cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) increased,
while that of others, species such as Japanese quails(Coturinix japonica) and brown shrikes (Lanius
cristatus) decreased.

0.6%

1.0%

24.1%

36.0%

3.6%

56.5%

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● Extinct (EX)

6.5%
● Threatened (CR, EN, and VU)

71.7%● Near Threatened (NT) ● Non-threatened, Others

Loss of Ecosystems—The land area covered with natural and secondary
forests decreased rapidly from the mid-1950s to
the mid-1970s, and each now accounts forapproximately 18% of the national land area.
—More than 50% of natural coasts were lost in themain islands of Japan, and approximately 40% of
tidal flats have disappeared since 1945 due to land
reclamation.

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The Satoyama
The Traditional Japanese Countryside Landscape

The Satoyama and Japanese Biodiversity

Changes in the Satoyama LandscapeThe traditional Satoyama provides people with foodand natural resources. Natural resources were constantly recycled and utilized in a sustainable manner.
Recently, however, replacement of traditional products
by manufactured substitutes and the shift from wood
to fossil fuels in the post war era, as well as a decreasein rural population and aging of the agricultural workforce, has resulted in abandonment or underutilizationof countryside biotopes. The species that depend onthese managed countryside biotopes are thus now
threatened with extinction. The delicate ecologicalbalance maintained by careful management is also
being lost, and this may be one factor in increase inpopulations of deer, boar and macaque, which in turnleads to more problems for farmers and foresters andfurther disruption of ecosystems through overgrazing
and tree-barking.

Japan’s traditional rural landscape, called Satochi-Satoyama
or Satoyama, consists of various
biotopes, including secondary
forests, paddy fields, irrigation
ditches and ponds, dry vegetable
farmlands and grasslands, mixed
together in a complex mosaic
pattern. This secondary landscape is found over a wide area
between the cities and deepmountains, and accounts forapproximately 40% of Japan’sland area. The Satoyama landscape has been managed bycultivation of crops, periodic
tree-cutting for firewood, charcoal and mushroom cultivation,collection of leaf litter for fertilizer, harvest of grasses for roof
thatch, and other economic
activities. Such continuous
management created ecosystems
similar to those created by natural disturbances, resulting in
unique environments with richbiota that differ from those of
untouched wilderness. The traditional lifestyle which created theSatoyama landscape can bethought as an ideal model ofhuman coexistence with nature.

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Satoyama, Niigata Prefecture
Photo: Image eye

9Crossing National Boundaries
The Critical Global Issue

The Global Warming Crisis
In addition to the three Crisis, global warming issignificantly impacting biodiversity. The Fourth Assessment Report (2007) of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that approximately
20 to 30% of plant and animal species will face a higher
risk of extinction if the rise in the global average temperature exceeds 1.5 to 2.5°C.
Various cases suggesting the serious effects of global
warming can already be observed. For instance, thecondition of adult polar bears has recently been reported to be declining significantly, and the reproduc-tive rate of this species is seen to be dropping in western Hudson Bay, Canada. This is because the breakup
of sea ice has been occurring earlier and the available
period for catching seals on the ice has been reduced.
In central Japan, the blooming date of Yoshinocherry (Prunus × yedoensis) has been pushed forwardfrom the early April to the mid-March.

Coral bleaching in Sekisei Lagoon, Okinawa Prefecture
Algae called zooxanthellae live symbiotically in the body of the coral. The coral provides zooxanthellae with shelter and CO2, and receives nutrients in return. When water temperature rises, however, zooxanthellae leaves the host coral or die. Without zooxanthellae, the coral loses its color,
and weaken. If the sea surface temperature rises by 1 to 3°C, coral bleaching and death will occur more frequently. Photo:Kazuyuki Shimoike

Mitigation and Adaptation
The top priority is to slow down the speed of global
warming by reducing the emissions of greenhousegases, such as carbon dioxide. In addition, we need to
implement measures that are effective for both theconservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of
global warming. Forests and wetlands, for instance,
store large amount of carbon, and are also vital forbiodiversity. The biomass produced from the management of conifer plantations and Satoyama can be usedas alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. The state ofbiodiversity must be monitored on a long-term basis.
Furthermore, it is important to secure sufficient habitat amount and connectivity (ecological networks), as
well as to maintain the health of ecosystems, so thatspecies can adapt to the expected effects of global
warming in the future.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus japonicus) with chick,
Mount Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture
Ptarmigans inhabit high mountains of the Japan Alps, and are thought
to be a relict of the glacial epoch. Species like this are considered tobe most susceptible to global warming. Photo: Toshiaki Ida

Ears of rice and dragonfly (Sympetrum eroticum)
If global warming continue, the yield and quality of rice will likely decrease in
all parts of Japan, except for Hokkaido. Other serious impacts on crops, suchas proliferation of insect pests, are also of concern. Photo: Kazuhiro Tomaru

Biodiversity Connects the World

10

With the progress of globalization, our livelihoods
become deeply connected to, and more and more
dependent on world biodiversity. For example, theJapanese people depend on imports for about 60% of
all food consumed, 80% of timber, and most energy
and mineral resources used. We should recognize thatsuch imports affect biodiversity in other countries, andnot just Japan.
Such international biodiversity connections are notlimited to trade. Animals such as whales, sea turtles

and migratory birds travel over a vast range, constantly
crossing national borders. It is recently revealed that
eels, a popular seafood dish in Japan, spawn in the seas
off the Mariana Islands in the North Pacific, andmigrate from there to Japan. International cooperation
measures are absolutely essential for the conservationof these migratory species.

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Sunrise in a Satoyama, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture

Photo: Hideo Kamijo

Efforts by Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Citizens’ Groups

Working Together
Widespread Participation in Biodiversity Conservation
Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
cannot be achieved only through government measures, but requires active participation and partnership efforts among various groups and individuals.

Efforts by Local Governments
Nature varies widely from area to area, and biodiversity conservation thus needs strong local and regional components. Local governments are expected tobring the national strategy down to concrete action in
local communities.

biodiversity. Companies should thus begin incorporating efforts for conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity into their business activities.
Examples—The participation of companies in global frameworks for the inclusion of biodiversity issues into
management considerations and incorporatingthem into their business activities.
—Some private companies distribute and market
aquatic products with the eco-label issued by the
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), showing
consumers that these products are from sustainablefisheries.

Examples—Many local government have drafted regional biodiversity strategies based on the Basic Act on Biodiversity.
—In Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, the local government, NGOs and local residents have cooperated in conducting a program for rehabilitating theoriental stork (Ciconia boyciana).

Businesses benefit financially from biodiversity not
only by utilizing raw materials, but also through accessto genetic information derived from living organisms.
These business activities, however, have an impact on

Examples—A citizens’ group is involved in a project aimed at
the restoration of seagrass beds in the few remaining
natural coasts of Tokyo Bay, in cooperation withlocal government, schools, colleges, research institutes and private enterprises.
—An organization involving agricultural cooperatives
and individual farmers is engaged in a project for
restoration of healthy rice paddies, where diverse
living organisms such as diving beetles can live, byreducing amounts of agrochemicals.

Efforts by Academic Societies andScientific Groups
Furthering research and surveys in both Japan andelsewhere into biodiversity, sharing findings on a
global scale, cooperating with government authorities
to ensure that strategies reflect findings, and conveying
information to the people in a salient manner.

MSC logo

Efforts by Businesses

NGOs and citizens’ groups are expected to take anactive role in strengthening community-based conservation activities. They are also expected to operate
programs or devise systems that invite participation bya wide range of individuals, with various expertise andexperience. These efforts should be conducted incooperation with entities such as private enterprises
and museums.

www.msc.org/jp

Products with MSC eco-labels attached

Medaka ricefish (Oryzias latipes) in a rice paddy

Photo: Kamewa Shouten

Efforts by Individuals
Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity areclosely connected with our daily lives, and it is important for each of us to recognize that even small actions
can accumulate and eventually make a difference.
For instance, Japan imports a great amount of food,lumber, and live animals and plants; and individuals
can selectively purchase products from a company
which makes positive efforts for biodiversity conservation. We can also help out by never releasing pets orother animals into the wild. These are just some examples of the lifestyle adjustments necessary for theconservation of biodiversity.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery of
Low-impact on Biodiversity

Agriculture, forestry and fishery are directly associated with
our livelihoods, but are also significantly interconnected tobiodiversity. Recently, the demand has been increasing for
agricultural, forestry and fishery products that are biodiversityfriendly as well as safe for humans.
Typical examples are the “Ikimono-Brand Rice” - rice brands
named after species of wildlife, such as oriental stork. This riceis produced in paddies where the ‘brand’ species is being
conserved. These rice brands help out the local economies
and support biodiversity, and are welcomed by consumers
who recognize that rice grown in paddies where abundantfish and birds live is also safe and healthy for humans.
Fishermen are also engaged in activities to restore marine
resources. For example, fishermen engage in upstream reforestation projects under the slogan, “The Forest and Sea are
Lovers”. These projects aim to revitalize regional fisheries by
restoring the interconnections among living organisms and therecycling of nutrients between the land and the sea.
These efforts for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity can be maintained by incorporating them into theregional socioeconomic systems.

Photo: Yuzo Nakagawa

Oriental storks (Ciconia boyciana) and children, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Photo: The Kobe Shinbun

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Perspectives for the Next 100 Years
Targets and Approach
The 2020 and 2050 Targets
In the “society in harmony withnature,” biodiversity is maintained andprovide benefits to the society in a sustainable manner. To realize such society,Japan has established short-term andmid/long-term targets.

2010: Formulation of the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010
2020: Short-term Targets
Actions to be taken by 2020, so
as to halt the loss of biodiversity:

Released Japanese Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon),Sado Island,Niigata Prefecture Photo: Fumie Oyama
1) Conduct full observations andanalyses of the state of biodiversity in Japan based on scientific evaluation. Expand activities for biodiversity conservation, conserve
indigenous species of fauna and flora and ecosystems, and build ecological networks that can maintain and restore biodiversity at the national level.
In particular, stabilize and restore populations of species currently threatened with extinction, andtake measures to prevent new species form becoming endangered by proper measures.
2) Establish mechanisms for reducing adverse effects of human activities on biodiversity and promote
practical methods for sustainable use of national land and natural resources across generations.
3) Make ecosystem services respected in every aspect of human society. Mainstream conservation of
biodiversity and its sustainable use into socioeconomic activities of the general public, by ensuring
new steps taken by various stakeholders.

2050: Mid / long-term Target
Enhance the harmony between human being and nature at national and local levels, improve the state of biodiversity in Japan from the current level, and sustainably increase thebenefits of ecosystem services.
100 years into the future: Grand Design

How biodiversity should recover in JapanGood

Levels of Biodiversity
Poor

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Actions to be taken by
2020, so as to halt theloss of biodiversity

Short-term
Targets (2020)

Improve the state of biodiversity inJapan from the current level

Mid / long-term
Target (2050)

Recovery
Deterioration

Present state (2010)
2010

2020

2030

Biodiversity in Japan continues
to deteriorate

2040

2050

2060

2070

100 years in the future:
Grand Design forJapan’s land
A goal for biodiversity in Japan acentury from now

2080

2090

2100

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2110

Cherry blossoms and fresh green leaves, Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture

Photo: Takashi Yamaguchi

Grand Design
Image of the National Land in the Next 100 Years

The Meiji Shrine forest in Tokyo was designedwith a 100-year vision. Now, with the century nearlyup, the forest has developed into the current rich
ecosystem envisioned by the founders.
In the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan
2010, the “Grand Design” illustrating the objectivesof the “Centennial Plan” is presented. This is a plan
to restore, over the next 100 years, the ecosystems inJapan which have been depleted over the past 100
years. The following is a vision of our country that
we are striving to achieve in a 100 years.

Ⅰ Natural Mountain Areas
Wilderness environments are conserved in broad
swatches that are connected with one another. The
adverse impact on ecosystems generated by humanactivities is minimized by nature-oriented management principles.
The Meiji Shrine Forest and adjacent high-rise buildings, Tokyo Prefecture
Photo: David Ball

Ⅱ The Satoyama Countryside Areas
Rich biodiversity is found in countryside environments such as paddy fields and irrigation ponds, while
sustainable agriculture has also been revitalized. In
selected Satoyama areas the succeeding generations
have developed new methods of using natural resources, such as eco-tours and biomass energy. These areas
are maintained and managed through widespreadcooperation among various sectors of society, including
urban residents and private enterprises. Habitats andpopulations of larger animals, such as bears, sika deer
and wild boars, are separated from human settlements
by properly managed Satoyama buffer zones. Friction
between humans and wildlife has been reduced.

ⅢUrban Areas
Urban areas contain spacious green areas that include
forests, and are dotted with smaller nature spots thatallow children to play on the soil and touch living

things. Conscientious consumers actively purchase biodiversity-friendly
products, while the concepts of sustainable lifestyles have taken firm root insociety.

ⅣRiver/Wetland Areas
Rivers have been restored to their
original dynamism, with plentiful flow
volume fed by groundwater and natural springs. Migratory birds flock totidal flats at the river mouths, whilecatfish and silver crucian carp can beseen moving between the streams andthe paddy fields. The Japanese people
have restored their traditional ways ofliving in harmony with water.

ⅤCoastal Areas
Coastal regions nurture diverse
marine life, and also serve as rich fishing grounds. Upstream reforestation
has restored the nutrient cycle andenriched costal habitats. Seals can beseen swimming in the northern seas
and dugongs in the south. Fiddler crabs
dance across expansive tidal flats, whilepeople enjoy digging for clams.

ⅥMarine Areas
Migrating whales and sea turtles areenjoyed by happy visitors participating The leaves changing colors on Mt. Asahidake, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido Prefecturein eco-tours that have revitalized theregional communities. Sustainable
Great purple emperors (Sasakia charonda) and giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia)
fisheries have been established on thebasis of scientific resource management. feed on tree sap, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture Photo: Kazuo Unno
Efforts are going on with international
cooperation to remove and prevent
marine contamination that affects
marine ecosystems.

Photo: Toshitaka Morita

ⅦIslands
Island residents now fully recognize
the value of their unique ecosystems
and biota. Eco-tourism based on thisunique nature is now an importantelement in the local economy. A strictly
enforced checking system prevents
alien species from reaching the fragile
ecosystems.
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19Four Basic Strategies
Directions and Measures
To move towards the 100-year vision in granddesign, four basic strategies have been specified.
These are the broad policy directions for measuresthough 2012.

Ⅰ Mainstreaming Biodiversity
In Our Daily Life

Increase the awareness of the importance of biodiversity throughout the society, and encourage action
by diverse actors.
—Conduct a nationwide campaign on public-private
partnership on biodiversity conservation.
—Encourage local governments to develop their own
regional biodiversity strategies, promote the“Guidelines for Private Sector Engagement in Biodiversity” and promote activities by various local
entities.
—Promote education/learning on biodiversity andone-week stay programs in agricultural, mountainand fishing villages; and encourage biodiversityfriendly consumption.

Ⅱ Rebuilding Sound Relationships between
Man and Nature in Local Communities

Explore new paradigms for the relationship between
modern lifestyles and natural environments, withparticular attention to the aging society and increased
urbanization as our population declines.
—Preserve, rehabilitate and find new ways of utilizing
Satoyama areas. Develop Satoyama buffer zones
that allow coexistence between wildlife habitat andlocal human settlements.
—Promote sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries that revitalize rural villages while at the sametime upgrading the quality of wildlife habitat.
—Enhance conservation measures for threatened floraand fauna, facilitate the reintroduction of endangered
species such as the Japanese crested ibis (Nipponia
nippon) and Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus
bengalensis euptilura), select “hot spots” and bolster
measures against alien species such as black bass.
—Promote integrative measures for the society inharmony with nature, sound material-cycle society,and low-carbon society.

ⅢSecuring Linkages Among Forests,
Countrysides, Rivers and the Sea

Promote conservation and restoration of forests,
countrysides, rivers and marine habitats, not only individually but as organically integrated ecosystem networks.
—Construct ecological networks with protected areas
such as national and quasi-national parks serving as
cores, with surrounding buffer zones. Promotenature restoration.
—Promote various types of forestation. Form networks of water and green spaces in urban areas; andconstruct integrated watershed networks that include rivers, wetlands, paddy fields, etc.
—Promote conservation and restoration of coastal
areas; Consider effective systems of self-imposed
resource management, and protected areas that
support both marine diversity and sustainablefisheries.

ⅣTaking Action with Global Perspective
20

Iriomote cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis), Iriomote Island,
Okinawa Prefecture Photo: Makoto Yokotsuka

Recognize that Japan is having an impact on global
biodiversity, and take action with a global perspective.
Promote international cooperation, and assume aleadership role in conserving world biodiversity, andSalmonids (Oncorhynchus keta) swim upstream on the Shiretoko Peninsula (World Natural Heritage Site), Hokkaido Prefecture

its sustainable use in the Asia-Pacific and other criticalbiodiversity regions, in cooperation with other countries.
—Exercising international leadership for the success ofthe 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties(COP10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity
in 2010 a success and reaffirming international ties
with Asian and other countries.
—Communicating the “SATOYAMA Initiative” as an

Photo: Asou Fujitainternational model for harmonious coexistencewith nature and establishing a framework for its
international implementation.
—Study measures from the perspective of biodiversity,
including enhancement of monitoring systems, tomitigate global warming and adapt to its effects.
—Expand global monitoring networks for biodiversity
and strengthen the interface between science andpolicy.

Convention on the Biological Diversity COP10 in JapanThe Japanese government will host the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) in Nagoya, City, Aichi Prefecture, in 2010, which
the United Nations declared to be the “International Year of Biodiversity”. COP10 will be an important conference that will haverepercussions for the future of global biodiversity. At it, the next global target to follow after the COP6 2010 target, which was “toachieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss,” will be discussed, as will issues of international
efforts such as Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS). Japan will exert leadership, serving as the host nation up until COP11.

Japan Biodiversity Outlook
In order to take the proper action to achieve these targets, Japan will need to present clear and unambiguous scientific
data on the current state of biodiversity in our country, how this biodiversity has changed, and what effects have been
produced by various conservation measures to date. For this purpose, indicators will be developed for measuring thecondition of biodiversity and comprehensively assessing the current status. Furthermore, areas especially important forbiodiversity conservation, known as “Hot Spots”, will be selected.

21

Events Leading up to the Formulation of the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010
May, 1992

Preamble

Convention on Biological Diversity adopted

October, 1995

National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan adopted

March, 2002

Second National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan adopted● Enactment and revision of relevant laws

2002
● Enactment of the Law for the Promotion of Nature Restoration● Revision of the Natural Parks Law● Revision of the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law
2003● Enactment of the Cartagena Law (the Law Concerning theConservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity throughRegulations on the Use of Living Modified Organisms)
2004● Enactment of the Invasive Alien Species Act
2006● Revision of the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law
2007● Enactment of the Law for the Promotion of Ecotourism● Enactment of the Basic Act on Ocean Policy(Article 6) The signatory
nations shall formulate
their national strategies
aimed at conservationand sustainable use of
biodiversity.

● International Developments

2002 2010 Biodiversity Target…The target was adopted at COP6 of the Convention on Biological Diversitythat the Parties to the Convention commit themselves to achieving by 2010
a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss

July 7, 2009

Request for a report submitted to the Central Environmental
Council
Joint Committee on Natural Environment and Wildlife(1st meeting)22■ What is Biodiversity?

1. 2 Biodiversity that Supports Life and Livelihoods① Air and water nourished by living organisms: Supply of oxygen, recycling of water and nutrients, soil richness, adjustments to temperature and humidity② Basis for human livelihoods: Food, lumber, clothing, medicine, breed improvement, biomimicry③ Biological and cultural diversity: Knowledge and culture in harmony with nature, rich local cultures④ How our lives are protected by nature: Mitigating the effects of disasters, ensuring efficient safety, safe foods

2007

The Fourth Assessment Report by IPCC

2. 1 Biodiversity Crises■ Three Crises
First Crisis: Crisis brought about by human activities and development
Second Crisis: Crisis brought about by underutilization of Satoyama biotopes
Third Crisis: Crisis brought about by artificially-introduced factors■ Crisis Brought about by Global Warming
A serious problem that can no longer be avoided

COP9 to the Convention on Biological Diversity(Bonn, Germany)

G8 Summit (Toyako, Japan)
July, 2008
…Importance of biodiversity reaffirmed in Leaders' Declaration.
G8 Environment Ministers Meeting (Syracuse, Italy)
April, 2009
…Syracuse Charter on Biodiversity adopted.
G8 Summit (L'Aquila, Italy)
July, 2009
…Necessity of setting post-2010 targets stressed in Leaders' Declaration, andSyracuse Charter approved.

2. 2 Global Warming and Biodiversity
2. 3 Background of Three Crises
2. 4 Status of Biodiversity
2. 5 Status of Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity

Chapter 3 Targets
3. 1 Targets and Assessment■ 2010 Targets and the Next Global Targets■ Japan’s Targets:
2050: Mid / long-term Target

Improve the state of biodiversity in Japan from the current level2020: Short-term Targets

Actions to be taken by 2020, so as to halt the loss of biodiversity:① Conservation of species and ecosystems, prevention of extinction andrestoration of threatened population② Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity③ Mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into

socioeconomic activities■ Comprehensive Assessment of Biodiversity of Japan

3. 2 Grand Design of the National Land
from the Perspective of Biodiversity■ National Land from the Perspective of Biodiversity■ Basic Stance: “Centennial Plan”① Restore ecosystems over a 100-year period② Develop unique and attractive regions③ Make investments into land management more important and more efficient, andperform ecological land management④ Improve the quality of nature throughout the country in an adaptive manner⑤ Accumulate scientific data, change people’s awareness and behavior patterns■ Grand Design in Accordance with
National Land Characteristics
Mountainous regions, Satoyama, paddy and farm regions, urban regions, river andmarsh regions, coastal regions, marine regions, and island regions

Chapter 4 Basic Policies
4. 1 Basic Perspective① Scientific recognition and preventive/adaptive attitudes② Community-oriented attitude and broad geographical perspectives③ Coordination and collaboration④ Use of socioeconomic systems⑤ Integrated and long-term viewpoint

4. 2 Basic Strategies① Mainstreaming biodiversity in society② Rebuilding sound relationships between man and nature in local communities③ Securing linkages among forests, countrysides, rivers and the sea④ Taking action with global perspective

Part 2 Action Plan

Chapter 1 Measures and Policies for National Land Area

December, 2009 to January, 2010

Report on the review was submitted by the Central Environmental Council

1. 1 Diversity of Life on the Earth■ Origin of the Earth and the Birth of Life ■ Mass Extinction and Human Activities

Chapter 2 Status and Problems

Local meetings held (7 locations)

March 1, 2010

Chapter 1 Importance of Biodiversity and its Rationales

Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 (GBO2)

December, 2009

Joint Committee on Natural Environment and Wildlife(2nd and 3rd meeting)Part 1 Strategy

2006

Subcommittee on National Biodiversity Strategy(1st meeting to 4th meeting)● Hearings with ministries and local governments,
NGOs, economic organizations.
● Examining the major new issue● Examining the draft of the national strategy

Opinions solicited from the public■ Checks and Reviews of the Implementation■ Roles of Entities

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA)

Basic Act on Biodiversity enacted● Review Process■ Background to Formulation

2005…Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, was selected as the site of the 10th Conferenceof the Parties (2010).
G8 Environment Ministers Meeting (Kobe, Japan)
May, 2008…Kobe Call for Action for Biodiversity agreed upon.

Article 11 of the Act requires the national government to formulatea National Biodiversity Strategy.
2009● Revision of the Natural Parks Law● Revision of the Nature Conservation Law■ Character and Role of the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010

1. 3 Rationales for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
Biodiversity, ① Provides the basis of all life’s existence: Essentials for life at present and in the future② Offers value that supports human life: Value that enriches lives at present and in the future③ Becomes a fountain of rich culture: Spiritual foundation and fountain of rich local cultures④ Ensures safe human livelihoods for many years to come: Efficiency and safety for generations present and future

May, 2008

June, 2008

■ Convention on Biological Diversity and National Strategy■ Review of Previous National Strategies

Third National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan adopted

November, 2007

OUTLINE of the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010

January, 2010 “International Year of Biodiversity” begins
January, 2010 Japan submits proposal for post-2010 targets…Japanese government submits a proposal concerning the post-2010 targets to
the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity to be discussed at
COP10.

March 16, 2010

National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010 approved by Cabinet resolution

October, 2010

10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10)
to be held (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)

Information about National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010 adopted on March16, 2010 is available at: http://www.biobic.go.jp/biodiversity/
Any inquiries or opinions concerning this brochure may be sent to NBSAP@env.go.jp

Measures and Policies Basedon Wide-Area Coordination
1.1 Ecological Networks
1.2 Conservation of Priority Areas
1.3 Nature Restoration
1.4 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Regional Space Measures
1.5 Forests
1.6 Countryside and Satoyama Areas
1.7 Urban Areas
1.8 Rivers and Wetlands
1.9 Coastal and Marine Areas

Chapter 2 Cross-sectional and Foundational Measures and Policies
2.1 Conservation and management of wildlife
2.2 Sustainable use of genetic resources
2.3 Communication and implementation
2.4 International cooperation
2.5 Information management and technology development
2.6 Efforts against global warming
2.7 Efforts to build a sound material-cycle society and low-carbon society
2.8 Environmental Impact Assessments
Photo Agencies

Examples of numerical targets
Wetlands designated as Ramsar Convention sites…Add 6 new sites (current 37 sites)
Rare species of domestic fauna and flora designated under
the Species Preservation Law…Designate approximately 5 additional species(current 82 species)● Specified Wildlife Conservation and Management Plans…Increase total number of plans to 170 (current 107 plans)● Public recognition of the word “biodiversity”…Increase to more than 50% (36% in 2009)● Formulate Regional Biodiversity Strategies…Have all 47 prefectures start to develop strategies●●

Oasis: p4 lower / p11 upper / p19 lower / p20, PPS: p5upper / p9 / p17 / p19 upper, Amana images: p11 lower / p21,
Nature Production: p15, JTB Photo: p18

23

Front cover: Minowa, Kanasugi, Mikawashima by Utagawa Hiroshige

1850’sUtagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was an ukiyo-e artist who lived in the late Edo period. He createdmany prints of scenery depicting the nature and how it changes from season to season, famous
landscapes, and ordinary people going about their lives. Hiroshige’s works were brought to theWestern world, where his bold compositions and use of indigo (“Hiroshige blue”) is thought to haveinfluenced Western artists. Minowa, Kanasugi, Mikawashima is a print from his well-known One
Hundred Famous Views of Edo series. It features two cranes visiting the paddies and marshes
around a flood plain near modern-day Tokyo’s Nippori district, a farmer working the paddies, androws of houses in the distance. Edo (modern-day Tokyo) was already one of the largest cities in theworld by Hiroshige’s time, yet people still depended on and lived in harmony with many organisms
for their livelihoods. This awareness helped give rise to forms of arts and culture popular among
common people, such as ukiyo-e, that depicted such scene(Ota Memorial Museum of Art)

Published in Japan, May 2010
Edited and published by Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
E-mail NBSAP@env.go.jp
Editorial work: Japan Wildlife Research Center
Editorial cooperation: Japan Art Center Inc.
Design: Kazuhiro Osakabe (brahman Co., Ltd.)©Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan 2010