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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Japan Butterfly Conservation Society (JBCS)

Conserving endangered butterflies

Activity grant

Project Description

A quarter of all Japanese butterfly species are in danger of extinction, but there is currently nothing being done to conserve them. The main factor behind this is the deterioration of their woodland habitats, and there is a need for humans to maintain and manage these living environments. JBCS is an NPO that is assessing the situation of these habitats and carrying out local conservation initiatives. This includes researching the current situation of endangered butterfly species and taking action to conserve them and improve their habitats, as well as raising awareness among local people through lectures and observation tours, collaborating with regional conservation movements, creating pamphlets, and holding symposiums.

Fields
Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
Grant year
FY2008 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
April 2009 - March 2012
Grant amount
7,050,000 yen
Activity region
Japan
Surveying endangered aporia hippia populations by writing numbers on their wings

Overview of the Organization

Hisashi Fujii, Representative Director
Representative
Hisashi Fujii, Representative Director
Establishment
2006
Establishment purpose
While the number of endangered butterfly species is increasing, efforts to conserve them are insufficient across Japan, a situation that will lead to further butterfly losses. Also, as butterflies are found in many habitats and are easy to approach, they can act as important bellwethers for conservation efforts across the country. JBCS was established based on this way of thinking and aims to conserve butterfly species on a national level, and encourage the view that butterflies are a symbol of environmental conservation.
Main area of activity
Across Japan
Staff
1 full-time staff member, 1 part-time staff member, 188 full members
Annual operating budget
1.40 million yen in 2006, 8.56 million yen in 2007, 11.60 million yen in 2008
WEB site
http://www.japan-inter.net/butterfly-conservation/
Recent activities
  • (1) Butterfly conservation activities
    a) Researching butterfly species and proposing conservation measures
    · Researching endangered butterfly populations and their habitats, and proposing conservation measures based on this research
    b) Conserving butterfly habitats
    · Managing and maintaining important butterfly habitats (cutting grass, etc.)
    · Raising local awareness
    c) Cooperating with and providing advice to organizations involved in butterfly conservation
  • (2) Promoting and raising-awareness of butterfly conservation
    · Holding an annual Japan Butterfly Conservation Symposium
    · Publishing pamphlets on butterfly conservation
    · Holding events related to butterfly conservation across Japan, such as exhibitions, lectures, and observation tours