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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Nippon Baratanago Takayasu Kenkyukai

Repair work in protected ponds for Japanese rosy bitterling and conservation activities in adjacent Kori River water systems in the Takayasu area of Yao City, Osaka

Activity grant

Project Description

Irrigation ponds in the Takayasu area in Yao City, Osaka are habitats for the Japanese rosy bitterling and fireflies, a Ministry of the Environment and Japan-designated endangered species. However, as the currents acting as the water sources for these ponds from Mt. Takayasu are unstable, their existence is threatened. This activity thus seeks to ensure sound water cycles in mountain villages including the downstream protected ponds and streams of the rosy bitterling. Specific activities under this project are, (1)cutting of undergrowth and thinning of man-made Japanese cypress forest (2) prevention of topsoil outflow using thinnings (3)dredging of protected ponds, repair work on irrigation ponds, water purification and restoration of Genji Fireflies in the neighboring streams.

Fields
Preservation of surface soil and forestsPreservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
Grant year
FY2007 Activity Grants
Grant term
2 years
July 2007 - June 2009
Grant amount
4,320,000 yen
Activity region
Takayasu area, Yao City, Osaka, Japan
Dredging of downstream section of Kori River, Yao City and embankment repair works

Overview of the Organization

Yoshihiko Kano, Director
Representative
Yoshihiko Kano, Director
Established
1998
Establishment Purpose
This organization is engaged in activities which aim for the conservation of vanishing Satoyama and water environments, and endeavors to maintain the biodiversity of creatures which have habitats in these environments, focused on residents of Osaka City and neighboring areas. Specifically, it deploys activities to protect the rare freshwater fish populations of the Japanese rosy bitterling. In addition, it actively promotes basic scientific research and R&D for environmental conservation, and conducts education and water environment consultation relating to the environment and wildlife. Through these activities it aims to contribute to the furtherance of the public good in these local communities.
Main areas of activity
Yao City, Osaka
Staff
2 full-time staff members, 10 part-time staff member, 100 full members
Annual operating budget
5.89 million yen in 2005, 7.5 million yen in 2006, 8.68 million yen in 2007
Recent activities
  • (1) Repair work and regular habitat surveys of protected ponds for preservation of the Japanese rosy bitterling
  • (2) Forest conservation activities for sound water cycles of Mt. Takayasu
  • (3) Water purification activities
    ·Scientific analysis of outcomes of pond draining
    ·Development of methods for removal of algae and algae propagation control
  • (4) Satochi-Satoyama biodiversity surveys
  • (5) Analysis of Japanese rosy bitterling genetic biodiversity surveys
  • (6) Environmental education
    ·Holding of "bitterling classes" for students from elementary school to university on a regular basis
  • (7) Protection and awareness-raising activities for the Japanese rosy bitterling
  • (8) Creation of a local industry network for the Takayasu Region