World Wetland Day 2015 Events in Japan June 2015 Edited by

World Wetland Day 2015 Events in Japan
June 2015
Edited by Wetlands International Japan
No.
Name of Events
Name of Wetlands
1
Sarobetsu Snowshoe Hiking in Wakasakanai Dune Forest Zone Lake
Group
2
World Wetlands Day Events 2015 ~ Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation
Utonai-ko
Center
Sarobetsu-genya
Page
1
2
3 Winter Fun Mini-tour
Utonai-ko
3
4 ESD・KODOMO Ramsar in Miyagi Osaki
Kabukuri-numa and the
surrounding rice paddies,
Kejo-numa
4
5 Exhibition: Rare Birds of Hyo-ko
Hyo-ko
5
6 Lecture Meeting on Natural Environment in Watarase-yusuichi
Watarase-yusuichi
6
7 Eradication Program of Willows and Canada Goldenrods
Watarase-yusuichi
7
Watarase-yusuichi
8
9 Yatsu-higata Clean Up
Yatsu-higata
9
10 Biwa-ko Birdwatch Event
Biwa-ko
10
11 Waterbird watching event in Hikone City
Biwa-ko
11
8
Symposium “Developing a Community of Coexistence with White
Storks and Crested Ibises”
12
KODOMO Ramsar Club FY2014 "Let’s Make Wetland Animal Figurines
Nakaumi
out of Clay, an Event Celebrating WWD”
12
13
Nature Watching “Celebrating WWD: Let’s Explore the Waterbird
Sanctuary !”
Nakaumi
13
14 WWD Exhibits
Shinji-ko
14
15 Let's make a Kaleidocycle
Shinji-ko
15
16
Joint Symposium FY2014 for the Ramsar Sites, Nakaumi and Shinji-ko,
Nakaumi and Shinji-ko
“Eco-experiment Performance Show Presented by Ramma-sensei”
17 An Event for WWD ; a Lecture Meeting on Arao-higata
18
Arao-higata
Save Yakushima’s “Sea Turtle Bay”! A “24-Hour Television” Kagoshima
Yakushima Nagata-hama
Nature Conservation Project
16
17
18
19 World Wetland Day Eco Action
Manko
19
20 Gurimoja in Mudflat
Manko
20
N/A
21
21
Symposium “Sustainable Local Community Development Working
with KODOMO (Children)”
Event name: Sarobetsu Snowshoe Hiking in Wakasakanai Dune Forest Zone Lake Group
Wetland name: Sarobetsu-genya
Organizer:
Sarobetsu Eco Network
Co-organizer: Board of education of Toyotomi Town
Reporter:
Tsutomu YOSHIHARA (Local activity coordinator, Sarobetsu Eco Network)
Date:
7 February 2015
Location:
Wakasakanai Sand Dune Forest, Toyotomi Town, Hokkaido
Key stakeholder group(s): Teachers, local community, journalists and elementary school children
Number of participants:
20
Key message:
Getting in touch with the wetland nature of the sand dune forests of a national park in winter.
Brief description:
Protected within a nature reserve of a national park, the Wakasakanai Sand Dune Forest comprises
numerous bands of forest and over 170 small and large ponds - a treasure trove of untouched,
endemic biodiversity. Participants spent the day exploring the forest on snowshoe, observing the
winter buds of trees and tits flying overhead, as well as the tracks of the winter hare, marten and ezo
red fox underfoot. They were then treated to a walk on a frozen pond, gaining access to parts of the
wetland only possible in winter. Afterwards, fact sheets created by Wetlands International Japan were
distributed and the day’s highlights, the importance of wetlands and future actions discussed.
Achievement:
Since 2014, this event has been co-organised with the local education board, which has resulted in a
greater number of participants from Toyotomi and beyond learning about the charms and enjoyment
of nature in winter. The introduction of the fact sheets furthered their understanding, and the
participation of journalists resulted in the event being covered in the local newspaper.
（写真挿入枠）
Bird watching in the forest
Group photo on a frozen pond
1
Event name: World Wetlands Day Events 2015
~ Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center
Wetland name: Utonai-ko
Organizer:
Ministry of the Environment
Co-organizer: Tomakomai City, Wild Bird Society of Japan
Reporter:
Naoe TAIRA (Active Ranger, Ministry of the Environment)
Date:
7 and 8 February 2015
Location:
Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido
Key stakeholder group(s): Youth, families, and elementary school children
Number of participants:
14
Key message:
The purpose of this event was to learn and understand that wetlands hold significant value for all life.
Brief description:
Snowshoe hiking in and around Lake Utonai was successfully held over two days. Participants enjoyed
a special hike through an otherwise prohibited area, looking at the footprints of animals such as foxes,
rabbits and squirrels, and observing sea eagles.
Achievement:
Participants enthusiastically asked questions about how animals behave in winter when they found
footprints on the snow. They were amazed at the size of the big sea eagles. A total of 14 participants
of all ages took part. Afterwards, local cable-TV networks and newspapers reported the event.
Snowshoe walking
Group photo on the lake
2
Event name: Winter Fun Mini-tour
Wetland name: Utonai-ko
Organizer:
Lake Utonai Wildlife Center (Tomakomai City, Wild Bird Society of Japan)
Co-organizer: Ministry of the Environment
Reporter:
Satoshi NAKAMURA (Chief Ranger, Wild Bird Society of Japan)
Date:
1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28 February 2015
Location:
Lake Utonai Wildlife Center and path leading to Lake Utonai Michi-no-eki,
Tomakomai City, Hokkaido
Key stakeholder group(s): Youth, families and tourists
Number of participants:
46
Key message: Enjoying and learning about winter wetlands.
Brief description:
In this brief, 30-minute mini-tour, Wild Bird Society of Japan rangers and Wildlife Center volunteers
took visitors around Utonai Lake, observing mountain hare and other animal tracks in the snow,
winter buds of trees and lackey moth eggs on land. Meanwhile, feeding whooper swans, falcated
ducks, Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles were observed on the water and frozen ice, while
ezo red foxes circled the lake.
Achievement: Participants were able to enjoy themselves whilst learning about the presence of
wildlife and ecology in Utonai Lake in winter. Volunteers were present almost every time.
Spotting lackey moth eggs
An introduction to the Japanese alder
3
Event name: ESD・KODOMO Ramsar in Miyagi Osaki
Wetland name: Kabukuri-numa and the surrounding rice paddies, Kejo-numa
Organizer:
Osaki City, Ramsar Center Japan
Reporter:
Motoyuki MIYAKE (Staff, Industry and Economic Department, Osaki City)
Date:
31 January 2015 to 1 February 2015
Location:
Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Elementary and junior high school children
Number of participants:
90
Key message: On site learning about the biodiversity and people’s life and commitment to find “the
treasures in the wetland”.
Brief description:
This event was participated by 29 children from 6 wetlands in Japan (Kushiro-shitsugen,
Kabukuri-numa and the surrounding rice paddies, Kejo-numa, Yatsu-higata, Fujimae-higata and
Biwa-ko). On the first day, the children took part in hiking in the snow field, nature watching in
Kejo-numa, monitoring organisms in rice paddies and watching White-fronted Geese frying to their
roost, before engaged in the evening discussion on “the treasures in the wetland in Osaki City”. On
the second day, after they watched the geese frying from lake Kejo-numa, they talked about “the
treasures in the wetland” and produced a poster of the treasures. The six treasures they chose were
Kabukuri-numa and the surrounding rice paddies, Kejo-numa, White-fronted Goose, the people who
love the lakes, a native fish species, Shinai-motsugo and a promotional character, Patasaki-san. They
also produced a message “Expand the circle of Osaki, which links the life, rice paddies and
everything”
Achievement:
It was an opportunity for the children from various Ramsar sites in Japan to learn the uniqueness of
each sites and get another perspective to their own region through active discussions and exchanges.
The nature watching and interpretation in the program was supported by several cooperative
organizations for “Osaki Ikimono Club” organized by Osaki City, and as a result, the organizations
developed strong relationships each other.
Discussion on the treasures
Group photo with the poster of treasures
4
Event name: Exhibition: Rare Birds of Hyo-ko
Wetland name: Hyo-ko
Organizer:
Agano City
Reporter:
Toshimichi NAKAYAMA (Senior Officer, Industrial Construction Department of
Commerce Tourism Divison, Lake Hyo-ko management office, Agano City)
Date:
1 to 15 February 2015
Location:
Hakucho-no-sato Museum, Agano City, Niigata Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Citizens and visitors
Number of participants:
68
Key message:
Raising awareness through a photo exhibition on Hyo-ko’s rare and endangered bird species.
Brief description:
The exhibition showcased photographs and explanations of rare and endangered species of birds
observed in the rice paddy fields within the wildlife protection area of Hyo-ko and surrounding area.
This event was held in conjunction with the local tourism board’s Swan Festival, and was thus able to
maximize media coverage.
Achievement:
Feedback from visitors showed that they learned about the various birds visiting Hyo-ko for the first
time.
Photo exhibit
5
Event name: Lecture Meeting on Natural Environment in Watarase-yusuichi
Wetland name: Watarase-yusuichi
Organizer:
Tochigi City
Reporter:
Tetsuya OHASHI (Staff, General policy concerning municipal city planning department,
Tochigi City)
Date:
31 January 2015
Location:
Ohira Multipurpose Hall, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s):
Local community, journalists, citizens of Tochigi City and people who are
interested in Watarase-yusuichi
Number of participants:
330
Key message: Raising public awareness of Watarase-yusuichi and creating citizen’s awareness of
environmental issues.
Brief description:
Watarase-yusuichi is a flood controlling basin with a wetland of invaluable natural resources and
history covering an area of 3,300ha, 71.2% of which belongs to Tochigi City. However, this wetland is
not recognized by every citizen very well and one of the reasons for it is that the city was established
by the consolidation of one city and five towns. Therefore, we invited Iruka, a singer-songwriter cum
goodwill ambassador of IUCN to give a lecture on natural environment at our lecture meeting titled
“Friendship with Nature ~ Our Hometown IS the Round Earth”, in which she kindly talked about her
own commitment to environment conservation as well as the indigo dyeing program conducted in
Fujioka Town, Tochigi City, a town of the flood controlling basin. There was an exhibition program in
the lobby of the venue regarding the nature and history of the site by Tiochigi City government and
three incorporated NPOs working for this site.
Achievement:
The participants’ feedback in the questionnaire, such as “I’d like to visit the flood controlling basin”
and “I’d like to take part in the nature watching on the site”, suggest that the event was successful as
we planned. This lecture meeting was covered by four newspaper companies before and after the
meeting.
Iruka delivering her lecture
The mayor of the Tochigi City talking with Iruka
6
Event name: Eradication Program of Willows and Canada Goldenrods
Wetland name: Watarase-yusuichi
Organizer:
Oyama City, Nogi Town, The Board of Education of Oyama City, The Council for Biodiversity
Conservation in the 2nd Reservoir of the Ramsar Site Watarase-Yusuichi and Surrounding
Area, The Oyama City Association for Flood Control Improvements, Wise Use under the
Ramsar Convention, Environmental Maintenance around Watarase-Yusuichi
Reporter:
Takuya WATANABE
(Staff, Oyama City Promotion Office for the Ramasar Site, Watarase-yusuichi)
Date:
15 February 2015
Location:
2nd Reservoir of the Watarase-yusuichi, Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s):
Local community and volunteers
Number of participants:
500
Key message: Conservation of the wetland ecosystem and threatened plant species in Watarase-yusuichi
wetland.
Brief description: Watarase-yusuichi is the largest flood controlling basin in Japan, which protects the
people’s lives and properties in the metropolitan region from floods. It is also the largest wetland in areas
to the south of Honshu and is a rich repository of natural resources of invaluable fauna and flora including
183 endangered species. On the other hand, the overgrown willows and goldenrods pose negative
impacts to the healthy wetland ecosystem and the endangered wetland plants. In order to protect the
wetland ecosystem and the endangered plant species in Watarase-yusuichi, Oyama City conducts willow
and goldenrod eradication program repeatedly in cooperation with concerned agencies, organizations and
volunteers. We conducted “5th Willow and Goldenrod Eradication Program” in celebration of the WWD
this year.
Achievement: On the day of eradication, approximately 500 people gathered from areas in and around
the city and worked in the cold wind to remove mainly the goldenrods. According to the data of past
monitoring, the disturbance dependant species such as Penthorum chinense (listed as Near Threatened in
the RDB by the Ministry of Environment, Japan) and Cyperus iwasakii (listed as Vulnerable in the same
RDB ) are expected to regenerate from this spring.
Numbers of participants
Eradication in an extensive field infested with Canada goldenrods
7
Event name: Symposium “Developing a Community of Coexistence with
White Storks and Crested Ibises”
Wetland name: Watarase-yusuichi
Organizer:
Association for Hometown Oyama with Storks and Ibises Soaring in the Sky
Co-organizer: Oyama City, The Board of Education of Oyama City, Ramsar Network Japan,
Ramsar Wetland Net Watarase
Reporter:
Naoto YAMAJI
(Engineer, Oyama City Promotion Office for the Ramasar Site, Watarase-yusuichi)
Date:
28 February 2015
Location:
The hall in Oyama City Lifelong Learning Center, Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s):
Local community
Number of participants:
150
Key message: Promoting a community of people living in harmony with nature.
Brief description: Watarase-yusuichi was designated as a Ramsar site on 3 July, 2012. Taking advantage of
this opportunity, our association set a target to develop “a hometown of people living with nature” with
the storks and ibises in Watarase-yusuichi and in the whole area of Oyama City as its symbols, and started
some works such as raising public awareness and visiting advanced sites regarding the reintroduction of
the storks and ibises while seeking the understanding and participation by local people.
In celebration of the WWD this year, we held a symposium aiming to have many people become
interested in our efforts for developing “a hometown of people living with nature” with storks and ibises
as its symbol, as well as to address the importance of the environment that supports the biodiversity, and
to promote the work for “developing a community of people living in harmony with nature”.
Achievement: Several experts from China, South Korea and Sado City, a city in Japan seeking coexistence
with Crested Ibises, were invited as lecturers. They reported the joint effort by Japan, China and Korea to
protect the Ibises and took part in a panel discussion with delegates from local organizations. For the ibis
reintroduction in and around Watarase-yusuichi, they addressed the importance of environment-minded
farming, environment education and regional exchange between the three countries.
Link of photos or report of event:
http://www.city.oyama.tochigi.jp/kanko/kanko/watarase/150228-shinpojiumu.html
Keynote speech
Panel discussion
8
Event name: Yatsu-higata Clean Up
Wetland name: Yatsu-higata
Organizer:
Yatsu-higata Nature Observation Center
Reporter:
Nana HOSHINO (Ranger, Yatsu-higata Nature Observation Center)
Date:
7 February 2015
Location:
Yatsu-higata, Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s):
Children,
local
community,
families,
YNOC
Center
Volunteers,
YatsuHigata Junior Rangers, local high school and college students,
Company employees and their families
Number of participants:
130
Key message: Transcending age and borders to expand the network of stewards of Yatsu-higata.
Brief description:
In this event, the tidal flat was divided into 3 zones and cleaned up by volunteers, who then divided
rubbish into combustible and recyclable waste. This was an opportunity for people to reflect on
household waste and rubbish washing up onto the tidal flat. Afterwards, participants were asked to
provide feedback. In thanks, the Center provided bowls of hot soup. Over 90% of participants brought
their own bowl and chopsticks to reduce waste, an improvement from the preceding year.
Achievement:
People of all ages turned up to lend a hand and intermingle. New additions included local university
students and company employees and their families. Collected rubbish ranged from a racing ticket
stub from the day before to a 30-year old inflatable ring from a local park, which aroused interest in
the history of the tidal flat and the environment. The event was covered the following day on the
national NHK news and Sankei Newspaper.
Link of photos or report of event:
https://www.facebook.com/yatsuhigata?hc_location=timeline
Picking washed up rubbish from a reed bed
Young and old come together for a better Yatsu-higata
9
Event name: Biwa-ko Birdwatch Event
Wetland name: Biwa-ko
Organizer:
Biwa-ko Ramsar Convention Committee, Ohmi Environment Conservation Foundation
Co-organizer: Higashi-Omi-shi Notogawa Museum, Ohmihachiman City Nature Observation Group,
Shonaka-no-ko Nature Conservation Group, Shiga Environmental Education and
Learning Network
Reporter:
Masato NISIZAWA (Assistant Section Chief, Shiga Prefecture)
Date:
31 January 2015 and 1 February 2015
Location:
Zezejo Castle Ruin Park, Nishi-no-ko, Ibanai-ko, Karasuma Peninsula, Misaki Park
Center, Makino Sunny Beach, Shinasahi Waterfowl Observation Center, Shiga
Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Families and journalists
Number of participants:
140
Key message: Observing the wintering waterfowl of the Ramsar Site Biwa-ko.
Brief description:
The event was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the wondrous Biwa-ko and its nature
through the medium of bird watching. At each site participants took part in lectures and quiz games
on local birds before observing them with binoculars.
Achievement:
People of all ages were able to experience up close the wintering waterfowl of Biwa-ko, which
fostered interest in environmental conservation. The event was also covered by local television
programs and newspapers.
Lecture
Bird watching
10
Event name: Waterbird watching event in Hikone City
Wetland name: Biwa-ko
Organizer:
Kaiteki Kankyo Zukuri wo Sususmeru Kai
(Group for Making Comfortable Environments)
Co-organizer: Hikone City
Reporter:
Takeshi YAMAMOTO (Chief, Living Environment Division, Hikone City)
Date:
1 February 2015
Location:
Biwa-ko and Inukami River estuary, Shiga Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): General public
Number of participants:
19
Key message:
Creating a spirit of conservation in Biwa-ko by raising awareness on waterbirds and their habitats.
Brief description:
Despite a snowstorm, people of all ages took part in this event. Binoculars and telescopes were used
to view flocks of waterbirds bobbing on the water or dancing in the winter sky.
Achievement:
Approximately 27 species of bird were identified, including kingfisher and little grebe. The children
were seen enthusiastically gazing up at the sky in search of birds. Through bird watching, participants
were able to experience nature in its purest form.
Link of photos or report of event: http://www.city.hikone.shiga.jp
Bird watching from a bridge
Bird watching in the snow
11
Event name: KODOMO Ramsar Club FY2014 "Let’s Make Wetland Animal Figurines
out of Clay, an Event Celebrating WWD”
Wetland name: Nakaumi
Organizer:
Nakaumi Waterbird International Exchange Fund Foundation
Reporter:
Keisuke KIRIHARA
(Instructor, Nakaumi Waterbird International Exchange Fund Foundation)
Date:
8 February 2015
Location:
Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary, Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Families and primary school children
Number of participants:
29
Key message: Raising interest and awareness through making favorite wetland animals out of clay.
Brief description:
Based on the experiences in their club activity once in every month since last April, each of the club
members chose a wetland animal they are interested in or they like most, before making a figurine of
it out of clay. They used lumps of clay already colored in red, yellow and blue as well as white, and
produced brilliant wetland creatures mixing and combining the clay.
Achievement: They made 16 different wetland animals such as: Tundra Swan, Blue-and-White
Flycatcher, Japanese White-eye, Grey Wagtail, Common Kingfisher, Common Goldeneye,
Intermediate Egret, Common Shelduck, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Tit, Red-flanked Bluetail, Bloody
clam, Jacopever, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, Coypu and Common slider.
A clay Tundra Swan made by a child
Group photo with the clay arts
12
Event name: Nature Watching “Celebrating WWD: Let’s Explore the Waterbird Sanctuary !”
Wetland name: Nakaumi
Organizer:
Nakaumi Waterbird International Exchange Fund Foundation
Reporter:
Kaname KAMIYA
(Director, Nakaumi Waterbird International Exchange Fund Foundation)
Date:
14 February 2015
Location:
Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary, Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Families
Number of participants:
7
Key message:
Visit a bird sanctuary where the entry is restricted and learn about its objectives and roles.
Brief description:
We offered a special guided tour to our wild bird reserve where the entry is restricted.
Achievement:
We watched Hooper Swans and Chinese black-headed Gulls with the participants and introduced the
facilities and the daily management of the reserve. A local TV station covered it.
Link of photos or report of event:
http://www.yonago-mizutori.com/event/2015/02/post-482.html
Nature watching
Watching from a pier
13
Event name: WWD Exhibits
Wetland name: Shinji-ko
Organizer:
Hoshizaki Green Foundation
Reporter:
Yoko ADACHI (Staff, Hoshizaki Green Foundation)
Date:
4 February 2015 to 23 March 2015
Location:
Shinji-ko Green Park Observation Hall, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Families and visitors to the Shinji-ko Green Park
Number of participants:
1,637
Key message:
Learning about the importance of, and state of wetlands to promote wetland conservation action.
Brief description:
In this exhibition, a series of large posters explain the definition, role and current state of wetlands.
Another highlight is a wildlife map made by local children taking part in wetland wildlife surveys of
Shinji-ko Green Park.
Achievement:
Wetland cards and bingo made this interactive exhibit popular with families. The wildlife map made
by children also gathered significant interest.
Exhibit explaining wetlands
Wildlife map made by local children
14
Event name: Let's make a Kaleidocycle
Wetland name: Shinji-ko
Organizer:
Hoshizaki Green Foundation
Reporter:
Makoto YOKOO (Interpreter, Hoshizaki Green Foundation)
Date:
7 and 8 February 2015
Location:
Hoshizaki Wildlife Institute Classroom, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Families and visitors to the Shinji-ko Green Park
Number of participants:
200
Key message:
In celebration of World Wetlands Day and the 10th anniversary of Ramsar Site designation.
Brief description:
People of all ages took part in the making of kaleidocycle paper crafts using photographs of geese,
swans and ducks seen wintering in Shinji-ko. The activity was led by Foundation staff, who provided
instruction and explanations on Ramsar Site designation criteria. In order to further spread the
message at home, kaleidocycle materials depicting greater white-fronted goose behavior or the
osprey and the northern goshawk, species at the top of Shinji-ko’s food chain, were distributed.
Achievement:
Approximately 200 people of all ages and backgrounds took part in this activity. Although a similar
event was held the previous year, most participants this year were first-timers. Participants were very
interested in the movement of their creations as well as the messages they represented.
Making a kaleidocycle
Having fun with a giant kaleidocycle
15
Event name: Joint Symposium FY2014 for the Ramsar Sites, Nakaumi and
Shinji-ko, “Eco-experiment Performance Show Presented by Ramma-sensei”
Wetland name: Nakaumi and Shinji-ko
Organizer:
Tottori Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture
Reporter:
Hiroto KINOSHITA
(Sanitation Engineer, Air and Water Environment Division, Tottori Prefecture)
Date:
28 February 2015
Location:
Yonago City Walfare and Health Center “Fureai-no-sato”, Yonago City,
Tottori Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Youth, families, elementary school children and general public of each
prefecture
Number of participants: 250
Key message: Provide an opportunity to be interested in the Ramsar sites, Nakaumi and Shinji-ko.
Brief description: This is the 5th symposium regularly and jointly held by Tottori and Shimane
Prefectures since 2010. The program comprised of ; presentations by children who take part in
various activities in the two Ramsar sites, a presentation by a local NPO on their efforts, and an
“eco-experiment performance show” presented by Ramma-sensei, an eco performer certified by the
Ministry of the Environment, Japan. The focus of this symposium was promoting the objectives of the
Ramsar Convention ; “wise use” of wetland, inviting a wide range of age groups including children
and adults from local community to enjoy learning about environmental issues and Ramsar sites. This
symposium was one of the preliminary events for the 10th anniversary of designation of the two
lakes as Ramsar sites.
Achievement: Approximately 250 participants including mainly elementary school children and their
families learned about the activities of local children and a NPO, developed interests in Nakaumi and
Shinji-ko, and enjoyed learning about environmental issues and science.
Link of photos or report of event: https://www.pref.tottori.lg.jp/244636.htm
Children’s presentation
Participated by many families
16
Event name: An Event for WWD ; a Lecture Meeting on Arao-higata
Wetland name: Arao-higata
Organizer:
Council for Conservation and Wise Use of Arao-higata
Reporter:
Kazuya NAKAYAMA (Staff, Environmental Preservation Section, Arao City)
Date:
22 February 2015
Location:
Meeting room 1 & 2, Arao Cultural Center, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): General public
Number of participants:
60
Key message:
Raising awareness of the Arao-higata, the Ramsar Convention and the species in the wetland among
many people.
Brief description:
The lecture meeting comprised of ; a brief introduction to the Arao-higata tidal flat and the Ramsar
Convention, local naturalists’ talks about migratory birds and benthos, and a lecture on the attractive
features found in Arao-higata.
Achievement:
Many participants commented “I understand the value of Arao-higata now” while some feedbacks
such as “It was a good opportunity for me to think about how I should convey Arao-higata’s
attractions” and “I’d like to join the next bird watching walk” suggested a possibility for the future
conservation of this tidal flat.
Link of photos or report of event:
http://www.city.arao.lg.jp/kihon/pub/detail.aspx?c_id=36&type=top&id=1840
The overview of the lecture room
One of the presentations
17
Event name: Save Yakushima’s “Sea Turtle Bay”!
A “24-Hour Television” Kagoshima Nature Conservation Project
Wetland name: Yakushima Nagata-hama
Organizer:
Non-progit organization Yakushima Umigame-kan
24-Hour Television Charity Committee
Co-organizer: Kirin Company Kagoshima Branch, ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD. Kagoshima branch, Japan
Postal Group Union Taneyaku Branch, Yakushima Tourism Association, Yakushiam
Guide Association, Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Foundation, Yakushima
Safety sea kayak Association, Yakushima Standu Up Paddle Association, Nagata Sea
Turtle Association, Nagata-ku, Nagata Kodomo-kai ikusei-kai, Umigame no tamago,
Volunteer group heiwa no kai, Yakushima Park Volunteer no kai
Reporter:
Maiko UCHIDA (Staff, Non-progit organization Yakushima Umigame-kan)
Date:
7 June 2014
Location:
Inaka Bay, Nagata, Yakushima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s):
Policy-makers, teachers, youth, local community, families and open to
everyone
Number of participants:
160
Key message: A beach cleanup to create a better environment for sea turtles to land and nest.
Brief description:
For this event, a mass beach cleanup (rubbish picking and driftwood removal) was carried out in this
Ramsar Site, which is also the largest landing and nesting ground in the northern Pacific Ocean for the
loggerhead sea turtle. The purpose of the cleanup was to create a better environment for this
endangered species to land and nest, as well as raise the conservation awareness of locals.
Achievement:
Approximately 160 people turned up to lend a hand. In the short span of one hour, everything from
large fishing equipment to small scraps was collected, leaving a beautiful beach with almost no
rubbish in sight. Regular cleanups contribute to the improved landing, nesting, hatching and return of
sea turtles to the sea, as well as the conservation of marine environments.
Adults and children take part in rubbish collection
A beautiful Inaka Bay thanks to local cooperation
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Event name: World Wetland Day Eco Action
Wetland name: Manko
Organizer:
Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center KODOMO Eco Club
Reporter:
Yukio UEHARA (Representative, Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center)
Date:
22 February 2015
Location:
Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Local community and members of KODOMO Eco Club and their families
Number of participants:
21
Key message: Conservation of wetland ecosystem and raising public awareness for environment
conservation.
Brief description:
Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center KODOMO Eco Club (19 members) has been engaged in litter
cleanup activities around the board walk of the center for two times every month since 2011, and has
been reporting this activity to local communities. For the event “World Wetland Day Eco Action”, we
invited several groups such as local companies, universities, residents' associations, and kids clubs to
work together, aiming to raise public awareness of environment conservation not only for the eco
club members but also for the whole community. One company and two residents' associations took
part in this joint cleanup. We are going to publish a newsletter with the outcome of this cleanup
(such as contents and weight of collected garbage), which will be delivered by local news dealer's
shops to almost all households in the catchment area.
Achievement:
Although the number of participants was less than that of last year when total 36 people from several
groups including two companies and three residents' associations cooperated, we are building up
close relationships with the local community. Young participants’ idea of waste problems has
improved steadily through such activities as separating and disposing the garbage after the cleanup.
They used to be satisfied with the cleanup activity itself, but as they realized the importance of
cutting off the original cause, they tend to discuss more about activities for raising public awareness.
Separating the garbage
Washing the tools after cleanup
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Event name: Gurimoja in Mudflat
Wetland name: Manko
Organizer:
Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center
Reporter:
Norikazu SHIKATANI (Staff, Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center)
Date:
22 February 2015
Location:
Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s): Families
Number of participants:
27
Key message: Aware the link between people and wetland life by drawing pictures imagining the
world under the mudflat.
Brief description:
The participants took a walk on the board walk beside the center and watched the numerous holes
on the mudflat before receiving a nature interpretation by “Dr. Crab” about the ecology of species in
mudflats. The participants were encouraged to imagine the invisible world in the mud through
questions like “how is it like inside the holes?” and “what kind of species living there?” in order to
rouse their interests and curiosity in the life of species in mudflats and the links between the species
and the surrounding nature or other species. When they come back to the center, they drew and
connected the underground world that each of them imagined, on huge blackboards according to
each one’s free idea to illustrate the biodiversity and linkages of life in the wetland. In order to get
familiar with the wetland world, all of them shared the meaning of each one’s drawing and learned
about wetland ecology from a nature interpreter.
Achievement:
Some of the parents of the participants had regarded the mudflat as a dirty place. But they realized
that it was the human life that spoiled the mudflat, and understood why they should not throw
garbage away. One of the kids drew a picture of a poop. He looked a little proud of himself when he
found out that a poop has an important role in the cycle of animals and plants. Everyone seemed to
get another perspective on the nature.
Link of photos or report of event: http://manko-mizudori.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2015-02-25
Watching the holes from the boardwalk
The tidal flat eventually connected to the coral reef
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Event name: Symposium “Sustainable Local Community Development Working with
KODOMO (Children)”
Wetland name: N/A
Organizer:
Osaki City, Wetlands International Japan, Ramsar Center Japan
Reporter:
Emiko NAGAKURA (Staff, Wetlands International Japan)
Date:
1 February 2015
Location:
Osaki Citizen Activity Support Center, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
Key stakeholder group(s):
Policy-makers, youth, local community, and elementary and junior high
school children
Number of participants:
90
Key message: Sharing the idea of ESD, Considering a new collaboration with adults who support
environmental learning activities for children.
Brief description:
The symposium was divided into two sections. The first section consists of activity reports and
presentations and the second section consists of a panel discussion and a program for kids. The first
section included a report of the previous event, “KODOMO Ramsar Miyagi Osaki”, in addition to a
presentation about the activities of Osaki Ikimono(organisms) Club and introduction of daily activities
of the members(elementary and junior high school children) of Osaki Ikimono Club. The panel
discussion of the second section covered the issues such as ; each one’s activity, the change in the
awareness and behavior of the participants in KODOMO Ramsar, reviewing each wetland and region
for its advantages through participants’ exchange, and perspectives for children’s supports. The topic
of the kid’s program was “the identification of native and introduced freshwater shrimps”.
Achievement:
The panel discussion summarized everyone’s opinion and concluded that each district has various
kid’s programs which are supported by many strata of local people, and that it will contribute to
vitalize local community that the children, who learned about their region, exchange with children
from other region and come back to their hometown after growing up through various inspiring
experiences. A local newspaper company reported the event.
A scene of the panel discussion
Kid’s program “Identification of Freshwater Shrimps”
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