The Slow Progress of Nature Restoration Projects: A Case Study of Tidal Flat Restoration of Unused Coastal Reclaimed Land in Ago Bay

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  • 自然再生事業の緩慢な進捗とその意義──英虞湾の沿岸遊休地における干潟再生の事例──
  • 自然再生事業の緩慢な進捗とその意義 : 英虞湾の沿岸遊休地における干潟再生の事例
  • シゼン サイセイ ジギョウ ノ カンマン ナ シンチョク ト ソノ イギ : アゴワン ノ エンガン ユウキュウチ ニ オケル ヒガタ サイセイ ノ ジレイ

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Abstract

<p>Ago Bay in Mie prefecture, Japan has lost more than 70% of its tidal flats because of land reclamation in order to create rice paddies. In addition, the large-scale growth of the cultured pearl industry after World WarⅡ has further damaged the bay's natural environment. It is generally accepted that these two factors have contributed to the current condition of serious “red tides" and the existence of anoxic waters in the bay. There are approximately 500 plots of reclaimed farmland in the bay, and most of them are not being used at present. In fact, in 2010, for the first time in Japan, a tidal flat restoration project, which reintroduced seawater into reclaimed land, was undertaken in Ago Bay. The restoration did not require major funding, since the process used simply involves opening a water gate dividing the land from the sea, or slightly opening part of a sea dyke. This restoration method has proved very effective in terms of increased biodiversity and water purification. However, seven years after commencing the first project, only four sites have been subject to restoration attempts. This article examines the reasons why these simple restoration projects have not been extended, through research data gathered from participant observation, interviews and questionnaires. The results show tidal flat restoration projects are valued by local citizens in general terms, demonstrating the slowness of uptake in the projects is not rooted in the negative perceptions of the local populace. On the other hand, it has been difficult for citizens, who cannot see a positive indicator such as an increase in the number of asari clams in the restored tidal flats, to fully appreciate the value of the projects in relation to their own lives. Also, there is much effort required to conduct restoration projects including negotiations among various stakeholders, and undertaking a change of land use. Management bodies have to be established and restrictions on users have to be agreed upon. The main reason why the number of projects has not increased could be due to gaps in the perception of the value of the restoration in comparison with the various potential costs of the project. The slow progress is rooted in a different sense of time amongst the stakeholders. Too slow a progress can result in the termination of projects although it can also present opportunities to create and attribute diverse types of value to tidal flat restorations.</p>

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