Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
surrounded and strongly affected by marine ecology. A number of islands are
included in the Japanese Archipelago, and the conservation of these islands faces a
variety of difficulties, as each island has its own problems.
Island ecology is fragile, and many of the Japanese islands are no longer in a
primitive state. Artificial pressures on island ecology are critical at present, and
there is an urgent need for the secure and long-term conservation of island ecology.
Nevertheless, it is a pity to note here that the scientific information available on
island ecology is far behind what is needed. We urgently need more detailed scien-
tific information if we are to establish an appropriate design for the futurability of
island ecology and ensure the necessary conservation planning. For sustainable
development of the islands, we need an accurate road map based on long-term
scientific estimations.
In this volume, the topics have been summarized with reference to the objectives
expected for biosphere reserves, especially in relation to the third World Conference
and Madrid Action Plan (UNESCO-Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme [MAB]
2008
). Information on various conservation successes on islands has been tabled for
discussion, especially in relation to biosphere reserves. In this contribution, therefore,
the subjects to be focused on are: (1) Biosphere reserves as tools for the sustainable
development of islands; (2) the background and futurability of biosphere reserves in
Japan; (3) development of the Japanese Archipelago in accordance with the concept
of harmonious coexistence between nature and humankind; and (4) critical points to
discuss in regard to the possible design of island futurability.
In promoting the sustainable development of islands in accordance with the
concept of biosphere reserves, it is advisable to refer to the zoning of the Japanese
Archipelago. This successful development was performed in accordance with
the traditional Japanese concept of harmonious coexistence between nature
and humankind. This particular concept is briefly introduced hereunder, and island
ecology is noted in relation to the sustainable development that has taken place on
this archipelago.
Biosphere Reserves
Four biosphere reserves have so far been registered in Japan. They are Mount
Hakusan, Shiga Highland, Mount Oodaigahara and Mount Oomine, and Yakushima
Island. All were registered in 1980 and were thus included within the first genera-
tion of biosphere reserves. At that time, before the adoption of the Seville
Strategy by UNESCO-MAB, the primary objective of the biosphere reserves
initiative was to limited to a contribution to their conservation. In Japan at the end
of the 1970s, conservation of valuable natural sites was strongly expected by
opinion leaders, and these four biosphere reserves were selected by the Japanese
MAB Committee and submitted to UNESCO's MAB headquarters for accep-
tance. The registration process was an entirely top-down affair, and local people
knew little about biosphere reserves and their registration. Even though a second
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