Nature & Parks

The First National Report - Chapter 4

[International Cooperation] The First National Report under The Convention on Biological Diversity

Chapter 4. Basic Policy for the Conservation of Biological Diversity and Sustainable Use of Its Components in the National Strategy

4.1 Objectives and Achievement Schedule of the National Strategy

In Part 2 of the National Strategy entitled Basic Policy, the following two points are listed as long-term objectives. The target date for achieving these long-term objectives is mid-2lst century.

  1. The conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity must be ensured in Japan as a whole and within all representative biogeographical regions. The same must be ensured at prefectural and municipal levels, taking into account the natural and socio-economic conditions of each prefecture and municipality.
  2. Comparatively large and undivided areas must be managed properly as protected areas and/or other relevant areas, and effective connections among those areas must also be ensured to conserve the existing and potential natural reproductive interchange and diverse relationships among the living organisms.

In addition, the following three points are listed as current objectives to help accomplish the long-term objectives.

  1. Animals and plants living and breeding in Japan shall not be exposed to the threat of extinction.
  2. Regions important for the conservation of biological diversity shall be properly conserved.
  3. Components of biological diversity shall be used in a sustainable manner.

Because the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components are a global agenda, the activities for achieving these objectives shall be implemented not only as a domestic agenda but also as international activities. Japan shall actively utilize its unique skills to contribute to international cooperation with other countries.

[International Cooperation] The First National Report under The Convention on Biological Diversity

Chapter 4. Basic Policy for the Conservation of Biological Diversity and Sustainable Use of Its Components in the National Strategy

4.2 Matters for Consideration

In Part 2 of the National Strategy, entitled Basic Policy, the following items are listed as items to be considered for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.

[Conservation of Biological Diversity]

In conserving biological diversity, it is important to implement activities suitable for the characteristics of each region's natural environment. Different measures shall be taken including the exclusion of artificiality, maintenance of artificiality, positive reproduction, creation of habitat, and other measures in order to match the properties of natural environment in the respective regions-where the nature is highly preserved, where secondary nature prevails, or where the nature has largely been altered.

Efforts shall be made to gather the necessary scientific knowledge and information to facilitate the implementation of activities for the conservation of biological diversity.

[Sustainable Use of the Components of Biological Diversity]

To achieve the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, it is necessary to find out precisely whether the utilization pressure (degree of utilization) is within the capacity limit of natural reproducibility. Scientific knowledge shall be accumulated for that purpose. If any unknown area remains, the components shall be used with sufficient margin.

The traditional way of utilization shall be properly assessed, and such new technologies such as biotechnology shall be used in an environmentally sound manner.

[Items Common to Both Conservation and Sustainable Use]

The conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components shall be implemented with care to match the natural and social characteristics of the regions. Therefore, it is necessary to study the development of plan at the regional level.

Because the measures relating to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components are closely related with each other, it is necessary to implement them systematically.

Because the status of the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components affects the social and economic life of citizens, all actors shall actively and voluntarily participate in conservation and the sustainable use of components.

Because the Japanese economic activities can have a great impact on the biological diversity of the world, it is necessary to make efforts to eliminate any adverse effects, and to promote international cooperation for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.

Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan