Japan s National Biodiversity Strategy: Focusing on Urban Ecosystems

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1 Japan s National Biodiversity Strategy: Focusing on Urban Ecosystems Fumiko NAKAO United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies 9 September

2 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan

3 Japanese Nature Climatic characteristics Four seasons moderate precipitation Geological Characteristics Steep mountains, Swift river currents, Complicated Coastline Limited plains, Volcanoes, Typhoons

4 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan Biodiversity in Japan faces "Three Crises+ 1 Crisis 1 Habitat loss Development and other human activities have caused habitat loss and threatened species Species threatened Vertebrates : 22.9% Vascular plants : 24.1% Tidal flat: reduced by 40% since the end of WWⅡ Natural forest is only 17.9% of the total land area (cf. forest area is 2/3 of the land) Approx. 23.5% of vertebrates and vascular plants are threatened

5 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan Crisis 2 Traditional activities in Satoyama Gathering - fuel wood Ecosystem changes in the Satoyama area due to lack of appropriate management / human intervention - animal fodder - leaf litter for fertilizer Satoyama covers 40% of the land Forming unique ecosystems and landscape Introduction of Fossil fuels, Chemical fertilizer Crisis in biodiversity of Satoyama ; rural landscapes maintained through human intervention / management

6 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan Crisis3 Alien Species Prey on native species Alien species and chemical contaminations Competition Taiwan squirrels compete with Japanese squirrels Mongooses prey on endemic species in Okinawa islands Removal of vegetation Black bass prey on native fish Introduced Ibex in Ogasawara islands

7 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan Crisis caused by global warming Huge potential for species extinction and ecosystem degradation When the average temperature increases by 1.5 to 2.5 or more, it is estimated that approximately 20 to 30% of plant and animal species will face a higher risk of extinction. Change of breeding season of amphibians Loss of habitats Coral bleaching and dying will occur more frequently.

8 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 1993:The Convention on Biological Diversity entry into force The Convention on Biological Diversity: Article 6 Develop national strategies, plans or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity 1995: 1st National Biodiversity Strategy Quick response to the obligation under the Convention Involvement of 11 relevant ministries and open public comment 2002: 2nd National Biodiversity Strategy Identify 3 major crises on biodiversity in Japan 2007: 3rd National Biodiversity Strategy 2008:Basic Act on Biodiversity Revision within about 5 years Annual Progress Check Target 2005 MA 2006 GBO IPCC 4 th Report

9 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan Structure of 3rd NBSAP Part 1 4 Biodiversity Crises What is happening to biodiversity in Japan 4 Basic Strategies Basic Strategies to solve biodiversity related problems Part 2 Action Plans Specific measures and Policies to implement NBSAP

10 National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan Points of the 3 rd NBSAP Importance of Biodiversity Importance of biological diversity (biodiversity), which supports our livelihood, is described in plain language Long-term perspective Grand design; presents a desirable future image of the national land and adjacent sea area "Centennial Plan" aims to restore, on the national level, ecosystems which have been destroyed over the past 100 years. Involvement of various stakeholders The need for the involvement of local governments and the private sector is also emphasized Global aspect Enforce Global Aspect Global Warming Description of the adverse effects of global warming on biodiversity was newly added as an inevitable and serious crisis Importing Resource ; food, timber etc. Migratory birds, Marine mammals, coral reef These measures include some numerical targets: Improving the awareness of "biodiversity" from 30% to over 50%; Increasing the number of designated wetlands under the Ramsar Convention by ten.

11 Four basic Strategies of the 3 rd NBSAP The direction of measures which should be addressed in the next five years was organized in the four basic strategies. Mainstreaming Biodiversity in our daily life 1 Encourage local governments to develop biodiversity strategies; prepare biodiversity guidelines for private sectors 2 Hands-on nature experiences for school kids Securing linkages among forests, countryside, rivers and the sea 1 Realizing the ecological network at national scale 2 Promoting a comprehensive review of National and Quasi-National Parks, and promoting nature restoration 3 Studies on marine protected areas to secure sustainable fishery activities Re-building sound relationship between man and nature in local communities 1 Selecting key Satoyama areas to develop management models 2 Developing communities coexisting with wildlife through separating habitat and capacity building 3 Promoting sound activities of agriculture, forestry and fisheries which contribute to the conservation of biodiversity 4 Habitat management for endangered fauna and flora; combating alien species issues Taking action with global perspective

12 Action Plans of the 3 rd NBSAP Measures and Policies for National Land Area Ecological Networks Conservation of Priority Areas Nature Restoration Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Forests Countryside and Satochi- SatoyamaAreas Urban Areas Rivers and Wetland Areas Coastal Areas and Oceanic Areas Cross-Sectoraland Fundamental Measures and Policies Conservation and Management of Wildlife Sustainable Use of Genetic Resources Communication and Implementation International Cooperation Information Management and Technology Development Efforts against Global Warming EIA Environmental Impact Assessments 12

13 Action Plans of the 3 rd NBSAP Measures and Policies for Urban Areas Plans Formulation of comprehensive plans on conservation, restoration, creation and management of green space Measures Promotion of measures for conservation, restoration, creation and management of green space and waterside areas Public Awareness Raising of public awareness of conservation, restoration, creation and management of green space 13

14 Work with Asian Friends through Implementing the 3 rd NBSAP "SATOYAMA Initiative" Promote SATOYAMA Initiative which is a community based model of sustainable and efficient use of natural resources. Gather and share the wisdom and experiences of local community to be in harmony with Nature. Network building Flyway Partnership Important Biodiversity Area Network (Coral Reef, National Parks, Protected Areas etc.) Scientific understanding Monitoring site network (utilizing satellite image) ecosystem assessment Involving business sectors Dialogue among various sectors G8 Eco Asia COP10 Achieving 2010 target Sharing Japan s experiences and expertises to develop and implement NBSAP

15 SATOYAMA Initiative In recognition of the potential inherent in socio-ecological production landscapes for optimizing ecosystem services and human well-being in sustainable manner while also conserving biodiversity, the International SATOYAMA Initiative aims to help evaluate and promote the revival, amelioration and wide dissemination of the best mechanisms for managing such landscapes. Initiative s Threefold Vision Wisdom sustainable use, re-use and recycling of natural resources Traditional ecological knowledge and modern science Creating a New commons 15

16 SATOYAMA Initiative The Five Perspectives Local Communities livelihood Understanding &Assessment of the Landscape Vision Appraisal of local traditions and culture and their adaption to modern-day socioeconomic conditions Stakeholders participation Plans for optimizing ecosystem services

17 City dwellers and Satoyama-like Landscape 17 River basin (water security) Food security Education Culture

18 Satoyama-like Landscape in Suburban Area 18 Volunteer activity in woodland School Farm Urban citizens have great potential to become the stewards for satoyama-like landscapes. Through public awareness, education, conservation activities and agricultural activities

19 SatoyamaInternational Partnership NPOs/ NGOs Private Sectors Educational/ Academic Institution s Internatio- nal Organizations To be launchedat COP10 National/ Local Governme nts

20 Can Cities play a major role on biodiversity Conservation?

21 YES! YES! YES! 21

22 Biodiversity and Cities/local governments Main streaming of BD National Land planning and development with the view of biodiversity conservation Development and management body of urban infrastructure. Community coordinator Contribution to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use Interaction within the city as well as with Rural area Development of ecosystem networks in urban area Promote citizens awareness and education Development of Local Biodiversity Strategy

23 The basic Act on Biodiversity

24 Legal Framework for Nature Conservation in Japan Basic Act on Biodiversity The National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan National Survey on the Natural Environment Nature Conservation Law Natural Parks Law Law for the Promotion of Nature Restoration Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Wildlife Protection and Proper Hunting Law Invasive Alien Species Act Law Concerning the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity through Regulations on the Use of Living Modified Organisms

25 The Basic Act on Biodiversity awareness of the biodiversity issues has been raised internationally Japan commits itself to lead a initiative toward COP10 introduced a fundamental Act for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, The Basic Act on Biodiversity. enforced 6 June, 2008 The Basic Environment Law Convention on Biological Diversity Basic Environment Plan The Basic Act on Biodiversity The Basic Act for Establishing a Sound Material Cycle Society National Strategy on Biological Diversity Basic Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society

26 Outline of the Basic Act on Biodiversity Purpose To promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and to aim to realize a society in coexistence with nature in order to enjoy benefits from rich biodiversity for many years to come Principles conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity from a long-term viewpoint 1Conservation 2Sustainable Use Responsibility Fundamental principles 3Preventive and adaptive response measures 4Long-term viewpoint 5 Synergies with measures against climate change National and local governments:to implement measures based on the principles Industries, citizens, NGOs :to make efforts to take actions based on the principles

27 Provisions provided by the Basic Act on Biodiversity Article 5 Responsibility of local governments Local governments shall be responsible for formulating and implementing, with the purport of the fundamental principles, policies pursuant to the government s policies and other policies according to the natural and social conditions of their areas with regard to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Article 13 Formulation of regional biodiversity strategy Prefectures and municipalities shall endeavor to independently or jointly set a basic plan on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity within their areas (hereinafter referred to as regional biodiversity strategy ) based on the National Biodiversity Strategy.

28 What is Biodiversity? ~3 Diversities~ Ecosystem Biodiversity tidal flat Coral reef forest grassland wetland river etc Species Biodiversity Estimated number of species 5~30 million species (IUCN 2008 Red List) Genetic Biodiversity Difference between the west and east sides of the Central Mountain Area in cycles in which Genji fireflies emit light. Difference between Indonesia and the Solomons in colors of their wing.

29 Benefit from Biodiversity Basis for existence of all life and livelihood photosynthetic activity of plants CO2 absorption prevention of global warming Oxygen supply Plant transpiration Climate stabilization Water cycling Use value Food and timber Ex. Tuna Eel Gene resources Application to biotechnology such as pharmaceutics Genetic characteristics of wild species - breeding Biomimicry Basis for enriching culture Local cooking/food, liquor Such as, Octopus of Akashi Potage of Japanese sand lance with nails Trout sushi Longtooth grouper festivals and folk songs Security of livelihood Natural landscape Disaster reduction Bountiful forest Water secrity Biodiversity closely related human life

30 International cooperation framework for conservation of biodiversity Convention on Biological Diversity The details 1992 CBD were adopted 1993 The Convention entered into force The objectives of the Convention 1Conservation of Biodiversity 2Sustainable Use of Biodiversity 3Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits of biodiversity The number of participating countries 191 countries [including EC. The US does not concluded yet] CBD/COP6(Hague)(2002) Adoption of the 2010 Biodiversity Target significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss at all levels

31 Toward COP10 in Aichi-Nagoya The year 2010 and COP10 will be a landmark year Hold in the target year of the 2010 Biodiversity Target Adopt a post 2010 Biodiversity Target The year 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity Main Agenda Status of the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target, and a post 2010 Biodiversity Target International regime for Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Biodiversity and climate change, business and biodiversity, and cities and biodiversity etc. For the success of COP10, as the host country Involving various stakeholders, including the government, local governments, private bodies, NGOs, citizens, children and youth Application of international trends into domestic measures and its early realization Contribution for international communities based on the experiences in Japan Hosting regional/international meetings ex.) Capacity-building Workshop on 4 th National Report for South, East and South-East Asia