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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Nakaikemi Net (NPO)

Mini rice field activities with citizen participation aimed at coexistence with rare plants and animals in Nakaikemi-Shicchi Wetland

Activity grant

Project Description

While Nakaikemi-Shicchi Wetland located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture is an important wetlands abundant in biodiversity, rice paddy farming has long been abandoned, the wetlands are not adequately managed, and the invasion of foreign species has also become conspicuous. Mini rice field activities in small lots that are conducted through citizen participation in hotspots near flowing springs for the purpose of harvesting small quantities of pesticide-free rice strengthen efforts towards natural preservation and contribute to the building of communities in which people can coexist with rare wetland plants and animals such as the Japanese eight-barbel loach, heike fireflies, and red dragonflies. The project aims to increase the motivation of local farmers towards rice cultivation aimed at biodiversity conservation and be an advance practical example of creating actual park plans that combine preservation and use as vegetation restoration facility in a quasi-national park.

Fields
Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
Grant year
FY2011 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
April 2012 - March 2015
Grant amount
3,000,000 yen
Activity region
Nakaikemi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Rice planting in a mini rice paddy in May

Overview of the Organization

Managing Directors Yasuo Fujiki, Shoji Okamoto
Representative
Managing Directors Yasuo Fujiki, Shoji Okamoto
Establishment year
2008
Establishment purpose
The Nakaikemi-Shicchi Wetland was newly developed in the Edo era, and has been farmed using traditional farming methods. The rice paddies do not dry because of the depth of the peat layer, and as a result it has remained an area that has been easy for many animals and plants to live in. Nakaikemi Net aims to create societies in which people coexist with nature starting from local communities by working together with governments, local residents, and many citizens to preserve and restore environments that support abundant biodiversity and promote sustainable cyclical use, and by conducting surveys and research together with researchers and engaging in environmental education activities such as nature observation meetings.
Main activity areas
Nakaikemi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture
Number of staff members
2 full-time staff members, 15 part-time staff members, 30 full members
Annual operating budget
2.16 million yen in 2009, 12.02 million yen in 2010, 19.5 million yen in 2011
WEB site
http://nakaikeminet.raindrop.jp
Main activities
  • Conservation and restoration activities (particularly localized rare species protection activities)
  • Introduced species elimination activities (American crawfish, Canada goldenrod, etc.)
  • Management, maintenance, development activities, surveys, research activities (in cooperation with research institutions such as universities)
  • Holding nature observation meetings, events, survey and research report meetings