Shiretoko National Park
Conduct in the Use of the Shiretoko Peninsula Central Region
Points of consideration and prohibited activities
in the use of the Central Region

Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
Kushiro Nature Conservation Office
January, 2009-1-Table of Contents
1

Introduction

2

Conduct in the use of the Central Region[The Three Pillars of Park Use]
[The Ten Promises to Shiretoko][Mountain Climbing: Five Promises]
Notes

Annex Controlled activities in Shiretoko National Park under the Natural Parks Law
Diagram 1- Shiretoko Peninsula Central Region Location Map
Diagram 2- Shiretoko Mountain Range Designated Campsites
Shiretoko National Park Proper Use Committee Members(1) Committee Members(2) Relevant Regional Organizations(3) Relevant Government Agencies(4) Secretariat

The contents of this document were mutually agreed upon by members of the Shiretoko National
Park Proper Use Committee.
A list of Committee members is included in the end of this document.

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1.

Introduction

The Shiretoko National Park Shiretoko Peninsula Central Region (hereupon the “Central Region.” Diagram 1Shiretoko Peninsula Central Region Location Map) possesses rich ecosystems formed by highly primeval naturallandscapes and a diverse wildlife. Comprising the Shiretoko-goko Lakes, Shiretoko Mountain Range and Lake
Rausu among other sites the Central Region is a well-known focal area long used by many people. However,concentrated and/or overuse of certain parts has had negative effects on the environment.
In light of these circumstances, a code of conduct (manners) for the use of the Central Region was establishedto ensure that Shiretoko will be left in better condition for future generations and continually conserved as acommon heritage of humankind.

2.

Conduct in the use of the Central Region

To visitors of Shiretoko National Park we request they interact with the breath-taking nature represented by thebrown bear with a sense of humility and wonder, and to kindly follow the following conduct.
To nature guides and other “providers”, we request that not only they follow this conduct but to educate thegeneral user as well. In order to have a safe and pleasant experience, it is also advised to keep up to date with new
information, including that on park use restrictions.

[The Three Pillars of Park Use]
1. Environmental consciousness
So that the pristine and tranquil nature of Shiretoko National Park not be harmed, please be well aware ofenvironmental and wildlife protection, minimize impact caused by use and do not leave traces of your visit.

2.

Caution concerning brown bears

There is always a possibility that you will encounter brown bears in Shiretoko National Park. Although brown
bears will not attack without reason, depending on the area there are some populations that are habituated tohumans and exhibit bold behavior. It is thus important not to disturb brown bears or place yourself in dangerous
situations as a result of careless behavior.

3.

Respect for local livelihoods and culture

Shiretoko has long been home to many people and thus users must respect local livelihoods and culture. In doing
so you may become aware of the other charms that Shiretoko has to offer.

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[The Ten Promises to Shiretoko]
1. Wild animals may not be fed
You will not only disrupt natural ecosystems, but you will habituate brown bears to approach humans, cause
vehicle collisions with foxes, and bring general misfortune to humans and wildlife.

2.

Follow the paths
You not only face the risk of getting lost if you stray from the paths, but you will also trample plants anderode topsoil.
z Please do not enter any areas cordoned off with rope or fencing.
z Areas with fragile vegetation, especially mires and those of high altitude vegetation should not beentered.

3.

It is prohibited to capture or collect, threaten or harm plants and animals in the park.
Conversely, plants and animals may not be introduced into the park
Small actions can have large impact on vulnerable nature.
z When taking pictures of, or observing nature, please do not approach nesting sites, remove vegetation orcommit other acts that disturb wildlife.
z Please do not threaten, or commit other acts that provoke wild animals.
z If you find a large nest in the hollow or canopy of a tree, it is probable that it is the nesting site of birds.
In order to not disturb breeding, please do not approach the nest and remove yourself from the premises
as quickly and as far away as possible.
z With regards to nighttime nature observation, acts that disturb or provoke wild animals such as theoveruse of illumination should not be committed.
z Please do not intentionally introduce alien species into the park. Avoid unintentional introduction byremoving seeds and other matter from your footwear.

4.

Take your rubbish with you
This will have negative effects on the landscape and wildlife, and potentially attract brown bears.
z Rubbish should not be buried or burned. Please either take it with you or dispose of it in designatedplaces.

5.

Pets may not be brought into the park
They may provoke brown bears.
Note: Users requiring the assistance of a seeing-eye dog should consult park staff.

6.

Food may not be consumed whilst walking on pathways or cooked in the open
Leftovers and the scent of food may attract brown bears, foxes and other animals.
z Cooking outdoors (especially meat and other pungent foods) outside of designated campsites is not
permitted.

7.

Avoid encounters with brown bears
Your actions may place you in dangerous situations. Avoiding encounters is the best safety measure.
z A sudden encounter at close range may surprise brown bears and provoke them to attack. Pay attention
to your surroundings at all time, especially in areas of poor visibility. Alert bears of your presence inadvance by speaking whilst walking or carrying a bell.
z Avoid entering the park in times of poor visibility such as nighttime, daybreak, dusk or when there is
thick fog as this may lead to sudden encounters.
z Please do not enter areas designated as sites where bears congregate in larger numbers such as rivers
where salmon spawn, during their respective seasons.
z In the event of coming across the carcasses of Yezo sika deer or marine animals washed ashore, please
do not approach them and remove yourself from the premises as quickly as possible. This may be afeeding ground for bears, which may aggressively attack in order to protect their food.
z In case of an encounter outdoors, it is advisable to carry bear deterrent spray.

8.

Please don't approach or provoke brown bears
Not only does this place you in personal danger, but brown bears overly habituated to humans may cause
other forms of trouble.
z If you spot a bear whilst driving, you should not leave your vehicle and leave the area as quickly aspossible.
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9.

If you spot a bear whilst walking, leave the premises slowly and quietly as to not provoke it. If you
panic and run you may excite the bear. Bears with cubs should not be approached at all costs.
In the event of having your food or rubbish taken by bears or being intentionally approached by them,leave the premises as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to retrieve your belongings.
If you spot a bear, in order to ensure the safety of others please contact the Utoro or Rausu Park Ranger
Offices, Rausu Town Hall or the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center as soon as possible.

Reduce your speed when driving
Wildlife may run out onto the road and cause major accidents.
z In order to prevent collisions, please obey traffic regulations and be cautious of Yezo sika deer, birds andfoxes running out onto the road.

10. Fishery activities may not be obstructed
These support local livelihoods.
z Please do not collect seafood.
z Acts that interfere with local fishery activities such as entry into fishing grounds or facilities (kelpdrying grounds, fixed nets, huts, etc.) should not be committed.

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[Mountain Climbing: Five Promises] (For climbers of the Shiretoko Mountain Range)
Although the Shiretoko Mountain Range is situated in a harsh environment, path construction was minimized toprotect the area’s pristine landscape. Compared to other areas, climbing the Shiretoko Mountain Range requires ahigh degree of skill and experience. It is thus expected that climbers have sufficient skills, experience andequipment, rely on their own judgment and take personal responsibility when climbing.
In addition to “The Three Pillars of Park Use” and “The Ten Promises to Shiretoko”, we ask you to kindly
respect the following additional promises.

1.

Appropriate planning and preparation
Please incorporate safety and accident prevention measures into planning and equipmentz In order to plan a feasible itinerary, take your health and physical ability as well as environmental
conditions into consideration.
z Notify your family of your destination and itinerary. Also, please register your name into the list posted
at the trail entrance.
z Prepare sufficient warm clothing and food for the trip. Also pack safety equipment for accident
prevention.

2.

Appropriate measures against bears
The brown bears of Shiretoko roam freely without avoiding humans and tents. Therefore, compared to otherparks extra precautions are necessary. Always be sure to be up to date with the latest information, and takeappropriate measures for food storage and waste disposal, especially at campsites.
z If camping, prevent bears from approaching your tent by keeping your tent, cooking area and foodstorage area sufficiently apart. Never bring food or food wastes into your tent and always store food in
the food lockers provided by the campsites (Diagram 2- Shiretoko Mountain Range DesignatedCampsites). Please do not camp near the lockers or leave your rubbish in them.
z It is dangerous to bring foods with strong odors as these will attract bears. Please select foods withminimal odors.
z Carry bear deterrent spray in case of emergency and follow instructions carefully.

3.

Actions taking into consideration the conservation of plants, etc.
Please take extra precautions when mountain climbing and camping to avoid negative impacts on delicate
mountain vegetation.
z Do not stray from the paths.
z Areas cordoned off with rope or fencing should not be entered.
z Areas with fragile vegetation, especially mires and those of high altitude vegetation should not beentered.
z Only camp in designated areas. Do not set up camp outside the roped perimeter of individual sites.
z If using trekking poles during the non-snowy seasons, please protect paths and vegetation by fitting
poles with caps (covers).

4.

Appropriate human and other waste management
In order to maintain a clean environment, try to use portable toilets and be sure to take your rubbish with you.
z Please take a portable toilet and leave the site with your human, paper and other wastes. In the event you
are unable to use a portable toilet, please avoid sources of water.
z For day trips, please try to only use the facilities provided at the trail entrance and other designated sites.
z Take all your rubbish with you.
z Please do not use soaps and other detergents. To minimize impact on the environment, avoid foods andpreparation methods that produce waste water when cooking or washing up, etc. as much as possible.

5.

Precautions when using fire
To prevent negative impacts on the environment and forest fires, please exercise caution when using fire.
z Do not use fire on the paths of the Shiretoko Mountain Range.
z Always put out cigarettes in portable ash trays.
z Please be careful of fire and damage to local vegetation when using gas stoves at campsites.

-4-NotesComprising numerous individuals associated with Shiretoko, the Shiretoko National Park Proper Use
Committee (hereupon the “Committee”) divided the park into the Apical Region and Central Region of Shiretoko
Peninsula. Since the inscription of Shiretoko on the World Heritage List in 2005, the Committee has conductedsurveys and explored ways to achieve the desirable protection and use of both regions. Based on “The Basic Planon the Proper Use of the Central Region of Shiretoko Peninsula (2005),” this document summarizes the points ofconsideration and prohibited activities of greatest importance in the use of the Central Region.
In the future, should the need arise this document will be revised and supplemented based on the analysis,
evaluation and feedback concerning monitoring results of the use of the park and its environmental impact.

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Controlled activities in Shiretoko National Park under the Natural Parks Law
Zone

Type of Activity

Special Zone

[1] New construction, renovations and additions[2] Tree felling[3] Extraction of minerals, earth and rock[4] Manipulation of water volume of rivers, lakes and ponds[5] Drainage of wastewater into designated lakes and ponds, etc.
[Shiretoko Swamp, Shiretoko-goko Lakes and Lake Rausu][6] Placement of advertisements, etc.
[7] Accumulation or storage of designated objects[8] Land reclamation, etc. in bodies of water[9] Changes to land forms[10] Collection, etc. of designated plants[245 species including Geum pentapetalum][11] Capture, etc. of designated animals[None in Shiretoko National Park][12] Color alteration of roofs and walls, etc.
[13] Entry into designated zones[None in Shiretoko National Park][14] Entry into designated zones via vehicle or horse[All special zones(excluding roads and agricultural fields)][15] Other activities by government decree[None]Special
Protection Zone

In addition to activities in Specials Zones:[1] Damage to trees[2] Tree planting[3] Livestock grazing[4] Accumulation or storage of objects[5] Starting/building fires[6] Collection, etc. of plants excluding trees[7] Capture, etc. of animals[8] Entry via vehicle or horse[9] Other activities by government decree［Planting plants excluding trees, seeding］［Release of animals (excluding livestock grazing)］

Activities
requiringpermission

Special Zone
[1] Already commenced activities at time of “Special Zone”
Activities (ex post facto） designation
requiring[2] Emergency procedures during emergencies and disasters
notification
Special Zone
(prior)[3] Tree planting and livestock grazing in designated zones[None in Shiretoko National Park]-6-

Special Protection [1] Already commenced activities at time of “Special Protection Zone”
Zone
designation(ex post facto)[2] Emergency procedures during emergencies and disasters
Ordinary Zone
[1] Large-scale new construction, renovations and additions[Marine[2] Manipulation of water level and volume of rivers, lakes and ponds
environments
within Special Zones
only in Shiretoko [3] Placement of advertisements, etc.
National Park][4] Land reclamation, etc. in bodies of water[5] Extraction of minerals, earth and rock[6] Changes to land forms[7] Changes to sea bed in areas surrounding submerged park zones［ No submerged park zone designations in Shiretoko NationalPark］

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Shiretoko National Park Proper Use Committee Members(1) Committee Membersz Iwao Ogawaz Akihiro Kobayashiz Hisashi Shinjo
zzz

Tatsuichi Tsujii
Hajime Nakagawa
Kouichi Nakayasu

President, EcoNetwork
Professor, Hokkaido College, Senshu University
Senior Technical Manager of Wetland Ecosystems,Environmental Policy Division of Environmental Department, KushiroCityPresident, Hokkaido Environment Foundation (Committee Chair)Director, Shiretoko MuseumPresident, Hokkaido Forest Assembly Hall

(2) Relevant Regional Organizationsz Natural Environment Sub-group, Shari Town Environment Councilz Utoro Regional Councilz Utoro Fishing Cooperativez Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourist Associationz Shiretoko Rausu-cho Tourist Associationz Rausu Town Shiretoko Natural World Heritage Councilz Rausu Fishing Cooperativez Shiretoko Guide Councilz Shiretoko Nature Foundation(3) Relevant Government Agencies
z Coordination and Public Relations Division,, Hokkaido Regional Forest Officez Abashirinanbu District Forest Officez Konsentoubu District Forest Officez Shiretoko Forest Centerz Kushiro Development and Construction Department, Hokkaido Development Agency
z Abashiri Development and Construction Department, Hokkaido Development Agency
z Abashiri Coast Guard Officez Rausu Coast Guard Officez Natural Environment Division, Bureau of Environmental Affairs, Department of Environment andLifestyle, Hokkaido Governmentz Environment and Lifestyle Division, Department of Regional Promotion, Abashiri SubprefecturalOffice, Hokkaido Governmentz Environment and Lifestyle Division, Department of Regional Promotion, Nemuro SubprefecturalOffice, Hokkaido Governmentz Kushiro District Public Works Management Officez Abashiri District Public Works Management Officez Shari Townz Rausu Town
(4) Secretariat
Ministry of the Environment Kushiro Nature Conservation Office- 10 -For up to date information and information on park use restrictions please contact the following:○Ministry of the Environment Kushiro Nature Conservation OfficeKushiro Joint Government Building 4F, 10-3 Saiwai-cho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-8639【TEL】+81-(0)154-32-7500【FAX】+81-(0)154-32-7575○Utoro Ranger Office【TEL】+81-(0)152-24-2297【FAX】+81-(0)152-24-3646○Rausu Ranger Office【TEL】+81-(0)153-87-2402【FAX】+81-(0)153-87-2468○Rausu Visitor Center【TEL】+81-(0)153-87-2828【FAX】+81-(0)153-87-2876○Shiretoko National Park Nature Center【TEL】+81-(0)152-24-2114【FAX】+81-(0)152-24-2115
Relevant Websites○Kushiro Nature Conservation Office○Shiretoko National Park
○Rausu Visitor Center○Shiretoko National Park Nature Center○Shiretoko Ecotourism Promotion Council【http//hokkaido.env.go.jp/kushiro/】【http://www.env.go.jp/park/shiretoko/】【http://rausu-vc.jp/】【http://www.shiretoko.or.jp/】(Information available in English)【http://shiretoko-eco.net/】- 11 -