Ecology and Sustainable Development in Japan

Abstract

This chapter fits Goal 15 of the SDGs and analyzes the protection and sustainable use of territorial ecosystems in Japan, focusing on sustainable agricultureand forestry. The beautiful natural landscape and pristine nature in Japan are protected in nature parks. After the Earth Summit in 1992, the government committed to protecting socio-ecological landscapes referred to as “satoyama.” They include farmland, pastureland, and forests for logging. They are deteriorating because the population of farmers and forestry workers is declining and aging. The Natural Parks Act introduced a scheme to ensure that environmental NGOs maintain these areas on behalf of the farmers and forest workers. Modernization of agriculture has caused the loss of biodiversity in farmlands. Restoration projects have been implemented to restore biodiversity in rural areas. To reduce farmland abandonment, the government grants subsidies to help encourage eco-friendly agriculture. The government is encouraging active farmers to scale-up agricultural management to be competitive in the marketplace. Solar sharing is one way to help farmers. Ecologically sustainable development is thus interwoven with social and economic factors.