Beyond Wilderness: Human Landscapes Key to Survival

The world faces a critical "sixth mass extinction," necessitating a focus on human-managed landscapes like satochi-satoyama for biodiversity restoration. These intermediate zones, comprising farmlands and secondary forests, are now understood to be as vital as pristine wilderness. Japan is promoting its "Nature Coexistence Sites" initiative, launched in fiscal 2023, to certify private conservation efforts in areas like corporate forests and parks. Approximately 569 sites covering 110,000 hectares have already been certified.

Grasslands, a significant component of these sites, are gaining attention for harboring rare species and functioning as water sources. Historically, grasslands were maintained by controlled burning for thatch and agriculture. However, economic shifts since Japan's post-war high-growth era have reduced the value of thatch, leading to a decline in controlled burning and a shrinking of grasslands to about 1% of the nation's land. This decline is exacerbated by aging communities and population loss.

The significance of satochi-satoyama was globally recognized at COP10 in Nagoya in 2010. Japan's "New National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan" in 2002 marked a policy shift, acknowledging that human stewardship, not just its absence, shapes biodiversity. The disappearance of these landscapes has led to increased conflicts with wildlife, such as crop damage by deer and boar, and bear sightings.

Efforts to conserve these vital human-shaped environments are ongoing, with initiatives like the Aso region's collaborative approach to grassland management serving as an example. The government and various bodies are stepping in to support local communities in maintaining controlled burning practices. Companies also play a significant role, accounting for half of "Nature Coexistence Sites." The challenge now lies in fostering individuals and systems dedicated to protecting these invaluable transitional ecosystems.