Nature & Parks
State of Japan's Environment at a Glance: Natural Vegetation
The percentage of natural areas in Japan has been declining. For example, natural and secondary forests are declining while less natural woodlands, such as afforested areas, are increasing. In addition, the spread of urbanization has contributed to the overall decline in natural areas and greenery.
Changes in Naturalness of Vegetation over Time(Grid Count and Percentage)
Degree | Classification | The 2nd and 3rd surveys | The 4th survey | Increase or decrease | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grid count | Percentage (%) | Grid count | Percentage (%) | Grid count | Percentage (%) | ||
10 | Natural vegetation in grasslands and moorlands | 4,038 | 1.1 | 4,011 | 1.1 | -27 | 0.0 |
9 | Natural vegetation in forests | 66,979 | 18.2 | 66,394 | 18.0 | -585 | -0.2 |
8 | Substitutional communities similar to natural vegetation in forests | 20,046 | 5.4 | 19,733 | 5.4 | -313 | -0.1 |
7 | Substitutional communities in secondary forests | 70,484 | 19.1 | 69,030 | 18.7 | -1454 | -0.4 |
6 | Planted forests | 91,029 | 24.7 | 92,072 | 25.0 | -1043 | 0.3 |
5 | Substitutional vegetation in high profile grasslands | 5,737 | 1.6 | 5,626 | 1.5 | -111 | 0.0 |
4 | Substitutional communities in low profile grasslands | 5,939 | 1.6 | 6,498 | 1.8 | 559 | 0.2 |
3 | Fruit orchards, mulberry plantations, tea gardens, and other horticultural areas | 6,798 | 1.8 | 6,817 | 1.8 | 19 | 0.0 |
2 | Paddies, fields, and other arable land, residential areas with abundant trees | 76,945 | 20.9 | 77,311 | 21.0 | 366 | 0.1 |
1 | Urban land, developed tracts, and other zones where plant life is virtually nonexistent | 14,841 | 40. | 15,420 | 4.2 | 579 | 0.2 |
Naturally barren land | 1,392 | 0.4 | 1,416 | 0.4 | 24 | 0.0 | |
Open water areas | 4,170 | 1.1 | 4,211 | 1.1 | 41 | 0.0 | |
Unclassified land | 72 | 0.0 | 71 | 0.0 | 1 | 0.0 | |
Total | 36,470 | 100.0 | 368,610 | 100.0 | 140 | 0.0 |
(1994: National Survey on the Natural Environment - Vegetation Survey)
The 2nd and 3rd surveys: 1979-86, the 4th survey: 1988-92