March 2008

Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan
Report of the reactive monitoring mission
18-22 February 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................1
1. Background ..............................................................................................................................................2
2. National framework for management of the property ...............................................................................3
3. Key Issues ................................................................................................................................................4
3.1 Management of marine resources ................................................................................................4
3.2 Management of salmonids and dam construction within the property ..........................................5
3.3 Management of Sika Deer ............................................................................................................6
3.4 Management of ecotourism ..........................................................................................................7
3.5 Climate change .............................................................................................................................8
4. Assessment of the State of Conservation of the property .......................................................................95. Summary of recommendations...............................................................................................................10
Annex A - Decision of the 2005 WH Committee in relation to Shiretoko National Park .............................12
Annex B - Agenda for the 2008 Mission and people met during the mission .............................................13
Annex C - Shiretoko World Treasure Declaration signed by the Governor of Hokkaido
and the Mayors of Shari and Rausu, in October 2005 .....................................................................15
Annex D – Photographs .............................................................................................................................16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Mission Team would like to thank the Government of Japan and in particular the Ministry of the Environment for
its kind invitation, hospitality and assistance throughout the duration of the mission. It is grateful to the Minister of theEnvironment for meeting with the mission team at the start of the mission. The Mission appreciated the warm welcome
from local government officials, in particular the Mayors of Shari and Rausu Councils and their staff. The Mission also
appreciated the opportunity to meet with local stakeholders involved in fisheries management, tourism management
and other activities relating to the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

1.

BACKGROUND(1)The Shiretoko World Heritage site was inscribed on the World Heritage (WH) List under natural criteria (ix) and(x) at the 2005 WH Committee Session. The decision from the 2005 WH Committee is attached as Annex A. In
relation to criterion (ix), the Committee noted that Shiretoko provides an outstanding example of the interactionof marine and terrestrial ecosystems as well as extraordinary ecosystem productivity, largely influenced by
the formation of seasonal sea ice at the lowest latitude in the northern hemisphere. In relation to criterion (x)the Committee noted that Shiretoko has particular importance for a number of marine and terrestrial species
as well as being globally important for a number of salmonid species and for a number of marine mammals,
including the Steller’s Sea Lion and a number of cetacean species. The site has significance as a habitat for
globally threatened sea birds and is a globally important area for migratory birds. Issues raised by the 2005
WH Committee included the need to: a) expedite development of a marine management plan; (b) develop asalmonid management plan; and (c) address other management issues included in the IUCN evaluation report.

(2)This report responds directly to the issues raised in the 2005 World Heritage Committee decision. The Mission
Team comprised Kishore Rao, Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and David Sheppard,
Head of the IUCN Programme on Protected Areas. The mission was undertaken from 18 to 22 February, 2008;
the detailed schedule is attached as Annex B.

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2.

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY(3)The Shiretoko World Heritage site is protected through a number of national laws and regulations, including the
Nature Conservation Law (1972), the Natural Parks Law (1957), the Law on Administration and Management of
National Forests (1951) and the Law for Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1992).
In addition there are other laws pertaining to the marine part of the property, covering issues such as fishing andmarine pollution, and these are also relevant for the effective management of the property. A comprehensive
administrative system for the park ensures integration of the various management objectives for the property
and ensures coordinated management for the core and buffer zones. These laws and administrative systems
provide an effective matrix of protection for the property. There are currently a number of plans developed orbeing developed for the property in relation to issues such as marine management and salmonid management
and these are outlined below. The Mission Team recommends that these be combined into one integrated
management plan for the property as quickly as possible.

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3.

IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF ISSUES / THREATS TO THE
STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY

3.1 Management of marine resources(4)

The IUCN Evaluation Report (2005) noted that a broad range of fishing activities occur within and adjacent to
the property and specifically noted the need for stricter controls on fishing within the key breeding, spawningand nursery sites for important fish species within the nominated property and in adjacent areas as far as they
are functionally related ecologically to the nominated property.

(5)

The State Party has noted the importance of maintaining a balance between the requirements of the fisheries
sector and the need for marine conservation, and has established a number of strategies to achieve this. In
particular, and positively, the State Party agreed with the request of the 2005 World Heritage Committee toextend the marine boundary of the property from 1 km to 3 km off the coastline and also agreed to develop amarine management plan to clearly identify measures for strengthening marine protection and the possibilities
of extending the boundaries of the marine component of the property.

(6)

The Mission reviewed the Multiple Use Integrated Marine Management Plan and noted that its main aim is toensure the conservation of the marine ecosystem and the proper use of the area for human activities in the
future. The main policies outlined in the Marine Management Plan involve: (a) legal restrictions relating to theconservation of the marine environment; (b) autonomous management measures carried out by fishers; (c)voluntary restrictions on marine recreation; and (d) monitoring of marine resources. The Plan is based on theprinciple of adaptive management.

Recommendation 1
Explore with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) the obtaining of the Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas(PSSA) designation for the marine component of the property, with a view to giving it an added layer of protection.

(7)

The Mission noted the Marine Management Plan provides a good framework for management of marine
resources and, importantly, builds on a solid base of local involvement and the best science currently available.
However, the Mission Team feels that further detail and elaboration is required in a plan such as this, particularly
in relation to the identification of priorities, responsibilities and time lines. The Mission Team also notes the needto combine this plan with the other plans currently being developed, to ensure one integrated Management Planfor the property.

Recommendation 2
The Management Plan should not only outline Objectives and Management Strategies, as contained in the Marine
Management Plan, but also be action oriented with clear identification of activities, results and objectively verifiableindicators. The plan should also assign clear roles and responsibilities to the various implementation agencies andelaborate a time-frame for its implementation.
Recommendation 3
Complete the revision of the management plan for the property into one comprehensive site Management Plan,
which should integrate all the other individual plans, including the Multiple Use Marine Management Plan. The site
Management Plan should additionally deal with all key management issues, such as the management of Salmonids,
Sikka Deer, key indicator species like Walleye Pollock, Stellar Seal Lion, Stellar Sea Eagle, etc and with ecotourism.
(8)

It is also important that the Marine Management Plan include clear targets and indicators for the conservationof the key indicator species, including Walleye Pollock and the Stellar Sea Lion. The Plan should also include
a number of measures for ensuring the long term protection of fish species; such measures could include theidentification of no take zones and adjustment to management practices to enhance fisheries conservation. It is
important that the existing approach of identifying such measures in consultation with local fishermen continue,
both to maximize the chance of such measures being successful and also to ensure that identified measures
benefit, and are derived, from the knowledge and experience of local fishermen.

Recommendation 4
Consider identifying and designating locally relevant conservation zones, including no take zones, and practices within
the marine habitat to ensure sustainable productivity of the marine biodiversity, including for sustainable production of
Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

4

the fishery resource.

(9)

In relation to the management of key marine indicator species the Mission Team notes that fisheries resources
are affected by activities which occur outside of the property, in particular from fisheries activities in the wider
Sea of Okhotsk. This is reflected in fish stocks, where for example, the numbers of Walleye Pollock havebeen stable within the property for a number of years but have been generally declining throughout the Sea of
Okhotsk. This requires action beyond the boundaries of the property and underlines the need for dialogue andconsultation with relevant authorities and representatives of the fisheries sector from Russia to address theissue of declining stocks, such as the Walleye Pollock.

Recommendation 5
Continue the cooperation which has been initiated with the Russian Federation to find long-term solutions to resource
use problems, particularly the unsustainable harvesting of the Walleye Pollock, and for regular exchange of scientificinformation.

(10)

The Mission notes the Stellar Sea Lion is an IUCN Red Listed Threatened species and its presence is an
important component of the Outstanding Universal value (OUV) of the property. The Mission also notes there
are conflicts with local fishers in relation to damage caused by stellar sea lions to fishing nets. Given the statusof the Stellar Sea lion as a Threatened Species the Mission Team considers that the utmost effort must be
made to protect the species in its natural range. This implies that efforts to avoid or minimize conflicts between
stellar sea lions and fishers should be taken wherever possible. This could include measures such as the useof explosions to scare sea lions away and the use of strengthened or reinforced nets. Consumptive uses of theStellar Sea Lion should not be encouraged.

Recommendation 6
Address the declining population trends of the two indicator species - Walleye Pollock and Stellar Sea Lion - throughsound management interventions for their sustainable conservation within the property and through cooperative
measures with relevant parties for areas outside the marine component of the property.

(11)

In summary the mission team supports the continuation and acceleration of efforts to protect fish species
within the property and notes that this will involve a combination of measures. It is important that measures bedeveloped in a cooperative manner with local fishers and that recommendations are based on the best scienceavailable.

3.2 Management of salmonids and dam construction within the property(12)

The 2005 World Heritage Committee requested the State Party develop a Salmonid Management Plan to
identify impacts of dams and strategies to address this impact on salmon species. This reflected the 2005 IUCN
Evaluation Report which noted the nominated property has important values for salmonid species, including
the Chum salmon, The Pink salmon, the Masu salmon and the Dolly Varden. These salmon species are an
important food source for a number of important species within the property including the Stellar Sea Eagle andWhite Tailed Eagle which feed on salmon swimming upstream in winter. Thus, providing for the free movementof salmon species within the nominated property is an important element of the overall management of theproperty and a component of the area’s Outstanding Universal Value. The mission team notes that it is also
important to apply salmon management policies which lead to increased salmon escapement (i.e. allowing morefish to pass through the coastal fishery and enter rivers for spawning)(13)

There are 44 streams in the Shiretoko World Heritage site and 14 of these have some form of artificial
construction, mainly in the form of erosion control dams, concrete canals, and box culverts. Dams andassociated structures on rivers have been constructed to provide mitigation against the effects of flooding or
extreme weather events on people and structures, such as the town of Rausu downstream from the Rausu
Stream and bridges in the lower Iwaubetsu Stream. These structures also pose a barrier to the free movementof salmon and the 2005 IUCN Evaluation report recommended a review of options for removal of some ofthese structures and the development of other measures, such as fish ladders, which could enhance the freemovement of salmon within the property(14) The State Party established a River Construction Working Group after 2005 which reviewed structures on rivers
and identified 13 structures which would be “reasonable to consider for modification as a matter of highest

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

priority”. Following this the Working Group developed modification structures and began modification of seven(7) structures within rivers and steams in the property: 2 in Rusha, 3 in Iwaubetsu, and 2 in Sashirui Stream.
(15)

The Mission noted with appreciation the measures taken to respond to the requests from the 2005 WH
Committee in relation to modification of structures on rivers within the property. The Mission was able toinspect in the field the modification of dams on the Iwaubetsu River and the positive impacts of this for salmon
movement. The Mission Team notes that the modification of structures takes time and resources and thatplanning for such actions requires a longer term perspective. It is thus important to establish both short and longterm goals for the management of salmon within the property.

Recommendation 7
Continue and accelerate measures to promote the free movement of salmon within the property and also to increase
salmon escapement.

(16)

The Mission notes that the free movement of salmon is an important element of the OUV of the prop
erty
and should be an integral element of overall management of the property. The mission also notes the particularimportance of some rivers within the property for salmon, such as the Rusha River which has been identified by
Salmon experts as the most important river for salmon conservation within the World Heritage property.

Recommendation 8
In the long-term perspective while continuing monitoring, give priority attention to the modification of structures on the
Rusha River, given its importance for salmon species within the property.

(17)

The Mission notes the importance of rigorous and long term monitoring of the impacts of the modification of
structures on salmon populations within the property. The Mission notes that there are currently programs inplace to evaluate the effectiveness of the modifications in improving salmon runs and spawning habitats; this isbased on inventories in relation to aspects such as the number of salmon migrating upstream and the velocity
and discharge of streams. Monitoring should be used as a key element to guide the development of future
strategies for salmon management.

Recommendation 9
Continue and accelerate monitoring efforts within the property, with particular attention to the impact of themodification of structures on the movement of salmon populations within and outside the property.

3.3 Management of Sika Deer
(18)

The 2005 IUCN Evaluation Report noted that the Sika deer is an abundant and high profile species at Shiretoko
and that the deer population has been subject to major fluctuations. High deer densities within the property
are affecting the native vegetation through overgrazing and control measures are clearly required. The debate
centres on whether the effects of the deer are part of a natural process or are due to long term human imposedchanges in the ecosystem.

Recommendation 10
Clear indicators should be developed to help define acceptable and unacceptable limits for the impact of grazing fromSika deer on natural vegetation in the property(19)Management of sika deer is guided by two key documents: (a) the Conservation and Management Plan for Sika
Deer in Hokkaido; and (b) the Sika Deer Management Plan in the Shiretoko Peninsula. The plan for sika deerin Hokkaido aims to ensure a stable population level while reducing damage to agriculture and forestry activities. The plan for sika deer in the Shiretoko Peninsula aims to conserve the population of the sika deer within
the context of conserving the ecosystems and biodiversity of the property as a whole. This management plan is
also linked with an Action Plan which has included experimental density manipulation (culling) in the Shiretoko
Cape Region.

Recommendation 11
Implementation of the Sika Deer Management Plan in the Shiretoko Peninsula, and the associated Action Plan should
continue but the impacts of control measures on sika deer populations and the biodiversity and ecosystems of theproperty should be carefully monitored.

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(20) The Mission Team reviewed progress with the Sika Deer Management Plan in the Shiretoko Peninsula andnoted efforts to define a reasonable population density for sika deer within the property. The Mission Teamconsiders that the management of species in the core zone of the property should, as much as possible, bebased on the principle of allowing natural process to occur without human intervention. However, the Mission
Team also considers that measures to control the sika deer population should be undertaken when the deergrazing pressures are resulting in unacceptable impacts on the ecosystems and biodiversity of the property.
There is potential for an irreversible negative impact of sika deer on the vegetation of the property if the situationis left to natural processes and no intervention is undertaken. The key challenge is to clearly define acceptableand unacceptable limits for these impacts, and also to ensure effective monitoring of the impacts of any control
measures that are undertaken.
Recommendation 12
The management of sika deer within the World Heritage site should be carefully coordinated with the management ofsika deer within Hokkaido in general.
Recommendation 13
Any control measures of deer populations in the property should be carefully, humanely and sensitively implemented.

3.4 Management of ecotourism(21)

Tourism is an increasingly important issue within the nominated property. Summer is the high season for tourist use but an increasing number of tourists also visit the property in winter, particularly to view sea ice. The
number of tourists increased immediately after the inscription of the property, reflecting increased media attention and interest within Japan.

Recommendation 14
Develop a consolidated ecotourism strategy for the property as quickly as possible. This strategy should be based on
the protection of the natural values of the property, the promotion of high quality nature based experiences for visitors,
and the promotion of local economic development.

(22)

Since the inscription there has been increasing emphasis on tourism planning and planning for “proper use”
in general. “Proper use” has been guided by the “Basic Plan on the Proper Use of the Apical Region of thePeninsula Zone of the Shiretoko National Park”. This Plan sets out appropriate uses and policies, in relation toissues such as the management and maintenance of mountain trails and the regulation of boats to minimise
impacts on seabird populations. The Mission Team notes the importance of building on and continuing thecurrent approach to “proper use” and ecotourism.

Recommendation 15
Continue current activities in relation to “proper use” and “ecotourism” and consolidate them under one consolidated
Working Group to ensure these matters are addressed in an integrated manner(23)

There has been particular emphasis on ecotourism within the property and this has been guided by theShiretoko Ecotourism Promotion Project, which is jointly supported by the Japan Ministry of the Environment,
the Hokkaido Prefecture Government, and the Shari and Rausu Townships. The aims of this project include thedevelopment of appropriate ecotourism based on the natural features of Shiretoko and also using ecotourism
as a tool for supporting the development and diversification of local economies. In particular there has been anemphasis on encouraging tourism as an element of diversifying the economy in Rausu and in “deepening theexperience” at Shari, in particular by encouraging tourists to stay longer and in by developing a wider range ofnature based tourism opportunities.

(24)

Emphasis is being placed on the development of local ecotourism industries which are sensitive to andprotect the natural values of the property. Activities are underway in five specific areas: (1) the development ofguidelines for Ecotourism specific to the Shiretoko World Heritage site; (2) collaboration with local industries,
such as fishing and farming, to develop “hands on” tour programs adjacent to the property; (3) encouraging
tourists to stay longer within the area, by working with travel agencies and by providing information to tourist
regarding the variety of activities and options available; (4) training for tour guides, to improve skills andknowledge of nature guides; and (5) undertaking applied ecotourism research.

(25)

The Mission Team encourages the development of sensitive and appropriate ecotourism within and adjacent to

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

the Shiretoko World Heritage Site. The Mission considers the potential of such ecotourism to contribute to thestrengthening and diversification of local economic development. It is the maintenance of natural features andvalues provide the basis for such development and accordingly such values must be enhanced and protected.
Recommendation 16
Ensure that the ecotourism strategy for Shiretoko is closely linked and integrated with regional strategies for tourism
and economic development within Shiretoko.

3.5 Climate Change(26)

The Outstanding Universal Value of Shiretoko is strongly related to the presence of sea ice at the lowest levelin the Northern Hemisphere. This influences the productivity of the marine ecosystem which in turn influences
the productivity and diversity of the terrestrial ecosystem. The impacts of long term climate change could have asignificant impact on this property.

(27)

It is important that a Climate Change strategy be developed for Shiretoko, which could include: (a) developmentof a monitoring programme which identifies both long and short term impacts high of climate change andspecifically monitors parameters such as the extent of sea ice and the impacts on populations of key indicators
species; and (b) adaptive management strategies that could be applied to minimise any impacts of climatechange on the values of the Shiretoko World Heritage site. The Mission Team notes there is an increasing bodyof experience and knowledge in relation to climate change as it relates to protected areas and natural World
Heritage sites and this should be drawn on to inform and assist development of a climate change strategy for
Shiretoko.

Recommendation 17
Develop a Climate Change Strategy for Shiretoko which includes: (a) development of a monitoring programme; and(b) adaptive management strategies to minimise any impacts of climate change on the values of the Shiretoko World
Heritage site.

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4. ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY(28)

The mission noted the good progress made by Japan in protecting the Shiretoko World Heritage Site and,in particular, addressing recommendations from the 2005 World Heritage Committee and the 2005 IUCN
Evaluation Report. The mission was particularly impressed by the strong commitment of stakeholders at
all levels to ensuring the Outstanding Universal Values of the property are maintained and passed intact tofuture generations. This is well reflected in the Shiretoko World Treasure Declaration signed by the Governorof Hokkaido and the Mayors of the two local towns, Shari and Rausu, in October 2005, which is attached as
Annex C. The mission team also applauds the bottom up approach to management through the involvement oflocal communities and local stakeholders, and also the way in which scientific knowledge has been effectively
applied to the management of the property through the overall scientific Committee and the specific Working
Groups that have been set up. These provide an excellent model for the management of natural World Heritage
Sites elsewhere.

(29)

Overall the Mission Team concludes that the State of Conservation is satisfactory. There are issues that need tobe addressed, particularly in relation to marine management and salmonid management, and these are being
worked on in a very constructive and effective way by the State Party. It is important that these efforts continue
and accelerate. The long term effects of climate change are unclear but may be significant for this property. It is
important that this issue be carefully monitored and that a strategy is developed to address and minimise future
impacts of climate change.

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

5.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations of the Mission Team are as follows:
Recommendation 1
Explore with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) the obtaining of the Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas(PSSA) designation for the marine component of the property, with a view to giving it an added layer of protection.
Recommendation 2
The Management Plan should not only outline Objectives and Management Strategies, as contained in the Marine
Management Plan, but also be action oriented with clear identification of activities, results and objectively verifiableindicators. The plan should also assign clear roles and responsibilities to the various implementation agencies andelaborate a time-frame for its implementation.
Recommendation 3
Complete the revision of the management plan for the property into one comprehensive site Management Plan,
which should integrate all the other individual plans, including the Multiple Use Marine Management Plan. The site
Management Plan should additionally deal with all key management issues, such as the management of Salmonids,
Sikka Deer, key indicator species like Walleye Pollock, Stellar Seal Lion, Stellar Sea Eagle, etc and with ecotourism.
Recommendation 4
Consider identifying and designating locally relevant conservation zones, including no take zones, and practices within
the marine habitat to ensure sustainable productivity of the marine biodiversity, including for sustainable production of
the fishery resource.
Recommendation 5
Continue the cooperation which has been initiated with the Russian Federation to find long-term solutions to resource
use problems, particularly the unsustainable harvesting of the Walleye Pollock, and for regular exchange of scientificinformation.
Recommendation 6
Address the declining population trends of the two indicator species - Walleye Pollock and Stellar Sea Lion - throughsound management interventions for their sustainable conservation within the property and through cooperative
measures with relevant parties for areas outside the marine component of the property.
Recommendation 7
Continue and accelerate measures to promote the free movement of salmon within the property and also to increase
salmon escapement.
Recommendation 8
In the long-term perspective while continuing monitoring, give priority attention to the modification of structures on the
Rusha River, given its importance for salmon species within the property.
Recommendation 9
Continue and accelerate monitoring efforts within the property, with particular attention to the impact of themodification of structures on the movement of salmon populations within and outside the property.
Recommendation 10
Clear indicators should be developed to help define acceptable and unacceptable limits for the impact of grazing fromSika deer on natural vegetation in the property
Recommendation 11
Implementation of the Sika Deer Management Plan in the Shiretoko Peninsula, and the associated Action Plan should
continue but the impacts of control measures on sika deer populations and the biodiversity and ecosystems of theproperty should be carefully monitored.

Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

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Recommendation 12
The management of sika deer within the World Heritage site should be carefully coordinated with the management ofsika deer within Hokkaido in general.
Recommendation 13
Any control measures of deer populations in the property should be carefully, humanely and sensitively implemented.
Recommendation 14
Develop a consolidated ecotourism strategy for the property as quickly as possible. This strategy should be based on
the protection of the natural values of the property, the promotion of high quality nature based experiences for visitors,
and the promotion of local economic development.
Recommendation 15
Continue current activities in relation to “proper use” and “ecotourism” and consolidate them under one consolidated
Working Group to ensure these matters are addressed in an integrated manner
Recommendation 16
Ensure that the ecotourism strategy for Shiretoko is closely linked and integrated with regional strategies for tourism
and economic development within Shiretoko.
Recommendation 17
Develop a Climate Change Strategy for Shiretoko which includes: (a) development of a monitoring programme; and(b) adaptive management strategies to minimise any impacts of climate change on the values of the Shiretoko World
Heritage site.

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

Annex A -Decision of the 2005 WH Committee in relation to theShiretoko National Park

Decision Text
The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Documents WHC-05/29.COM/8B, WHC-05/29.COM/8B.Add 2 and WHC-05/29.COM/INF.8B.2,
2. Inscribes Shiretoko (Japan) on the World Heritage List on the basis of natural criteria (ii) and (iv):
Criterion (ii): Shiretoko provides an outstanding example of the interaction of marine and terrestrial ecosystems as well
as extraordinary ecosystem productivity, largely influenced by the formation of seasonal sea ice at the lowest latitudein the northern hemisphere.
Criterion (iv): Shiretoko has particular importance for a number of marine and terrestrial species. These include anumber of endangered and endemic species, such as the Blackiston’s Fish owl and the plant species Viola kitamiana.
The site is globally important for a number of salmonid species and for a number of marine mammals, including theSteller’s Sea Lion and a number of cetacean species. The site has significance as a habitat for globally threatenedsea birds and is a globally important area for migratory birds.
3. Notes that the State Party of Japan has agreed to extend the marine boundary of the property from 1 km to 3 km off
the coastline, and that such extension is “de facto” in place awaiting legal designation by the end of 2005;
4. Requests the State Party to:
a)

b)
c)
d)

expedite development of a marine management plan, to be completed by 2008, to clearly identify
measures for strengthening marine protection and the possibilities of extending the boundaries of themarine component of the property;
send a map and details of the final boundaries of the property, as well as a copy of the law supporting
them, to the World Heritage Centre once they have been confirmed in law;develop a salmonid management plan to identify impacts of dams and strategies to address this impact;andaddress other management issues included in the evaluation report, in particular in relation to tourism
management and scientific research;

5. Encourages the State Party to invite a mission to the property in two years from its inscription to assess progresswith the implementation of the marine management plan and its effectiveness in protecting the marine resources ofthe property;
6. Congratulates the State Party for the commendable process of public consultation involved in the preparation of
the nomination documents, the preparation of an excellent nomination dossier; and for effectively addressing IUCN’s
recommendations to enhance the conservation and management of this property.

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Annex B - Agenda for the 2008 Mission and people met during the mission
February 18 (Monday)
Time

Schedule

Remarks

Arrive at Narita Airport
Arrive at Royal Park Shiodome Tower (Check in)
18:00

Short Meeting at the Hotel

Explanation about the schedule of the evaluation mission
Accommodation ”Royal Park Shiodome Tower”
1-6-3 Higashishinnbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8333
Tel: + 81 (3) 6253-1111
http://www.rps-tower.co.jp/english/index.html

February 19 (Tuesday)
Time

Schedule

Remarks

9:00

Courtesy Call to Mr. Ichiro Kamoshita, Minister ofthe Environment

9:15

Meeting with relevant officials

12:50

Depart form Haneda Airport (JAL1147)

14:25

Arrive at Kushiro Airport

18:50

Small reception hosted by Hokkaido government,
Shari town and Rausu town

Agenda(1) Opening Address(2) Updating “State of conservation report on
Shiretoko World Heritage Site” submitted before(3) Question and Answer

Accommodation ”Rausu Daiichi Hotel”
1 Yu-no-sawa, Rausu-machi, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Tel: +81-0153872259

February 20 (Wednesday)
Time

Schedule

Remarks

10:00

Opinion exchange meeting about the Multiple Use
Integrated Marine Management Plan

Agenda(1) Opening of the meeting(2) Introduction of participants(3) Briefing
1. Background to the development of the Multiple Use
Integrated Marine Management Plan for Shiretoko World
Natural Site
2. Outline of the Multiple Use Integrated Marine Management Plan for Shiretoko World Natural Site
3. Institutional features of coastal fisheries management inJapan
4. On the autonomous management of walleye pollock
fishing(4) Exchange of views

13:00

Inspection at the fishing port in Rausu

13:30

Inspection around the town area of Rausu toobserve eagles

14:00

Inspection at the Rausu Visitor Center

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

17:30Arrive at Utoro and Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel (Checkin)

Accommodation ”Shireoko Daiichi Hotel”
306 Utoro onsen, Shari-cho, Sharigun, Hokkaido
Tel: +81-01522-4-2334

February 21 (Thursday)
Time

Schedule

Remarks

9:00

Briefing and Discussion on Activities after Inscription

Agenda
1. Opening of the meeting
2. Briefing and Discussion
1. Assessment and modification of the River construction
2. Proper management of Sika Deer in Shiretoko
3. Discussion towards the Proper Use of Shiretoko
4. Ecotourism Promotion in Shiretoko

13:30

Inspection at Iwaubetsu river moving to Akai river

14:30

Inspection at Furepe Fall by snow hiking

18:00

Discussion with related local organizations

Accommodation ”Shireoko Daiichi Hotel”
306 Utoro onsen, Shari-cho, Sharigun, Hokkaido
Tel: +81-01522-4-2334

February 22 (Friday)
Time

Schedule

Remarks

9:00

Bruiefing on Process after Inscription of Shiretoko
World Heritage Site

Agenda
1. Opening of the Meeting
2. Briefing on the state of Activity
3. Exchange of views

11:00

Press conference (-11:30)

15:15

Depart form Memambetsu Airport (JAL1186)

17:05

Arrive at Haneda Airport

18:00

Meeting with relevant officials

19:00

Dinner party hosted by Mr. Yasuyoshi Sakurai,
Director-General, Nature Conservation Bureau and
Mr Hisao Harihara, Director General, Private Forest
Department

Accommodation ”Hotel Pacific Tokyo”
1-6-3 Higashishinnbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8567
Tel: + 81 (3)3445-6711
http://www.pacific-tokyo.com/

Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

14

Annex C - Shiretoko World Treasure Declaration signed by the Governor of
Hokkaido and the Mayors of Shari and Rausu, in October 2005

October 30, 2005
Shiretoko is now recognized as one of the world natural heritages, with its unique biodiversity and ecosystem in both the land and the sea.
The Shiretoko coastline is the southernmost point that drift ice reaches in the northern hemisphere. The
subtle ecosystem which spreads from the sea to the land supports various animals and vegetation, andis also a breeding place for an important internationally recognized rare species such as the Steller’s sea
eagle, and the white tailed sea eagle among others. Abundant marine life resources are carried to the forests by fish travelling up the rivers which helps sustain local animals like the brown bear. Many varieties ofcreatures have been flourishing in the natural environment of this great land, Shiretoko, since ancient days.
In order to responsibly hand down this world natural heritage to the next generation as a priceless assetof mankind, we, in unity together with the citizens of Hokkaido, hereby vow to make every effort towards
proper use and conservation of this priceless world treasure, Shiretoko. At the same time, we will maintainthe wisdom and skills that the region’s ancestors, the Ainu, have passed on through the generations as wellas conserve the valuable history and remember what the land has provided us.
Harumi Takahashi
Governor of Hokkaido
Sakae Gorai
Mayor of Shar Town
Kimio Waki
Mayor of Rausu Town”

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

Annex D – Photographs

View of Rausu Port

Walleye Pollock

White-tailed Sea Eagle

View of the Mt. Rausu in Shiretoko

Modified dam on Iwaubetsu River

Unmodified dam on Iwaubetsu River

Sea-ice formation off Shari Town

16

Meeting with local stakeholders

Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08

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Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Site, Japan, Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission 18-22.02.08