3 Japanese organizations dedicated to biodiversity and conservation

The world is facing many environmental problems, and Japan is no exception. The country’s rich biodiversity is at risk due to climate change and other human activities. In fact, as an island nation, it faces rising sea levels and more intense temperatures and extreme storms, which will threaten its natural environments and way of life.

Such environmental issues are complex, but, fortunately, there are Japanese organizations dedicated to protecting the country’s biodiversity. These groups are involved in various activities that help spread awareness, such as educational workshops and conference participation. They also conduct research and make policy proposals, among other things.

Natural Conservation Society of Japan

The Natural Conservation Society of Japan is one of the oldest such organizations in the country. It was founded in 1951 and is involved in communications, research and conservation of Japan’s species and environments. This includes cooperating with other organizations to protect endangered species such as the Asian black bear, whose numbers are especially low in Shikoku.

One interesting example of their work that is unique to Japan is their conservation work for satoyama. Combining the words for village and mountain, this term refers to a particular kind of Japanese rural landscape. Satoyama are often found between mountains and cities and have farmlands, grasslands, irrigation ponds and forests. The NCSJ has its own satoyama monitoring program where it hands out manuals regarding certain species and establishes monitoring networks throughout the country.

Japan Wildlife Conservation Society

認定NPO法人 野生生物保全論研究会（JWCS） は、日本が野生動植物を商業的に利用することでその存続を危うくしている野生生物種の保全を中心に、緊密に連携しあう実践と理論の構築を行っています。https://t.co/i3AvoSyUXh pic.twitter.com/6PCM7QRZgU

— JWCS (@JWCSJWCS) January 1, 2017

Another organization dedicated to helping the environment is the Japan Wildlife Conservation Society. It was founded in 1990 and focuses on workshops and conservation-related projects, including participating in international conferences. Furthermore, it recommends policies to the Japanese government.

It also conducts surveys and research. One notable recent example is a 2020 study that tried to build awareness of the use of endangered species in traditional medicine. The survey was aimed at college students in Japan, Hong Kong and Macau. Respondents largely answered negatively regarding the use of endangered species, though there was little awareness or interest about the use of such species in traditional medicine.

Biodiversity Center of Japan

The Japanese government itself has its own policies and initiatives to help protect the environment. The Biodiversity Center of Japan has been active since 1998. It was established to contribute to conservation efforts both in Japan and abroad.

Its four main functions are conducting surveys, collecting documents, international cooperation and providing information to the public. One of the main ways they inform people about environmental data is through the Japan Integrated Biodiversity Information System. This site is available in Japanese and English. Information provided includes public survey results, interactive maps showing recent images of natural scenery in Japan, Red List data and information on public facilities. The BCJ also monitors ecosystems throughout the country, holds exhibitions and has collections of specimens for preservation.

The challenges we face to save the environment are multi-faceted and cannot be fixed easily. We cannot solve these problems without a clear understanding of them. These organizations provide valuable services through their research and data that help build awareness and provide a roadmap for tackling environmental problems. Moreover, their proposals and activities can hopefully help balance our ways of life with the need to preserve our natural environments and species for future generations.