Shimanto River Fish Restoration Project

A network organization connecting satoyama (marginal grassland/forest) conservation efforts across Japan. Integrating traditional wisdom from agriculture, forestry, and hunting with modern conservation ecology, it revives satoyama biodiversity. Through community and NGO collaboration, the initiative simultaneously restores abandoned farmland and protects endangered species.

A large-scale kelp afforestation project addressing coastal seabed desertification in Tottori Prefecture. It restores marine ecosystems damaged by overharvesting of sea urchins through kelp cultivation, while achieving carbon sequestration and blue carbon effects. Implemented collaboratively with local fishers, it demonstrates sustainable marine resource management. A pioneering model integrating marine biodiversity restoration with climate action.

An ongoing aquatic life restoration initiative in the Shimanto River, Kochi Prefecture. Through dam removal, riverbed restoration, and invasive species management, habitats for endangered species like sweetfish and char are being recovered. Community-driven revitalization of satokawa (settlement river) culture realizes sustainable lifestyles centered on river ecosystems.

Activities to conserve satoyama—landscapes with human-nature coexistence in rural areas. Multifaceted value including biodiversity maintenance, community revitalization, and agricultural experience venues. Urban volunteer participation makes it important for regional revitalization. Growing international recognition through increased UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designations.

Conservation activities for satoyama (semi-natural rural landscapes where humans and nature coexist). Maintains biodiversity and practices sustainable agriculture. Ongoing initiatives by NPOs, municipalities, and corporations nationwide. Connects traditional Japanese agricultural culture to the future while achieving environmental conservation. Gaining attention in global sustainability discussions.

Conservation of satoumi, the coastal version of satoyama. Balances fishing and environmental preservation. Maintains coastal biodiversity. Revitalizes fishing communities. Japanese response to global marine resource depletion. Expanding activities linked to regional revitalization.

Ecosystems of hilly/coastal regions created through human-nature coexistence. Facing challenges from depopulation but gaining renewed value through tourism development and conservation efforts. Functions as integrated approach to biodiversity protection, regional revitalization, and carbon neutrality.

A concept representing agricultural and fishing villages where humans and nature coexist sustainably. Characterized by high biodiversity and traditional farming and fishing cultural heritage. Recently recognized as critical for urban-rural symbiosis, regional revitalization, and ecosystem conservation, satoyama and satoumi have become central to Japan's national sustainability policies, blending Japanese natural philosophy with practical sustainability.