Ecology and Sustainable Development in Japan

Abstract

This chapter fits Goal 15 of the SDGs and analyzes the protection and sustainable use of territorial ecosystemsEcosystem in Japan, focusing on sustainable agricultureAgricultureand forestryForestry. The beautiful natural landscapeLandscape and pristine nature in Japan are protected in nature parksNature park. After the Earth Summit in 1992, the government committed to protecting socio-ecological landscapesLandscape referred to as “satoyama.” They include farmlandFarmland, pastureland, and forests for logging. They are deteriorating because the population of farmers and forestryForestry 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 agricultureAgriculture has caused the loss of biodiversityBiodiversity in farmlands. Restoration projects have been implemented to restore biodiversityBiodiversity in rural areas. To reduce farmlandFarmland 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 sharingSolar sharing is one way to help farmers. Ecologically sustainable developmentEcological sustainable development is thus interwoven with social and economic factors.