The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund
Introduction to Grant Projects
NPO Ukishimanuma Shizen Satozukuri no Kai
Conserving the Ukishimagahara wetlands in Numazu, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, which are a habitat for category IB endangered species such as lysimachia
Activity grant
- Project Description
The Ukishimagahara wetlands that stretch from Fuji to Numazu used to be a tresure trove of wetland plant species, but now the wetlands are disappearing due to water control measures, drainage work, and land reclamation, and rare Japanese lysimachia and seven other important species are in danger of extinction. This project aims to conserve these species through research, monitoring, planting and awareness-raising activities. Specifically, this will involve: (1) transfering important plants from their original habitat to abandoned farmland specially prepared for their cultivation, and monitoring and recording their progress, (2) raising awareness by holding observation tours for local residents, lectures at elementary schools, and creating and distributing an Ukishimagahara guidebook, (3) cultivating organic rice using azolla japonica as a fertilizer, and (4) conducting exchnage activities with a German organization.
- Fields
- Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
- Grant year
- FY2008 Activity Grants
- Grant term
- 3 years
October 2008 - September 2011
- Grant amount
- 2,700,000 yen
- Activity region
- Ukishima region (Ukishimagahara), Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Overview of the Organization

- Representative
- Akinori Katsui, Director
- Establishment
- 2003
- Establishment purpose
- The Ukishimagahara wetlands in Numazu once harboured a great diversity of life, but ecosystems are disappearing as a result of human activity and the environment that serves as a habitat for wildlife is changing dramatically. This group wants to preserve the few remaining native wetland plant species, protect wildlife from the threat of extinction, and provide opportunities for a wide range of people, especially local residents, to enjoy and learn about the nature of Ukishimagahara with the aim of realizing local development which facilitates the coexistence of people with nature.
- Main area of activity
- Ukishima region (Ukishimagahara), Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Staff
- 36 full members
- Annual operating budget
- 260,000 yen in 2005, 310,000 yen in 2006, 270,000 yen in 2007
- WEB site
- http://www.geocities.jp/Ukishimanuma/index.html
- Recent activities
- The group conducts the following conservation initiatives and activities to increase awareness and understanding of Ukishimagahara's natural environment:
-
- (1) Conserving and propogating wetland plant species by transferring them to abandoned farm land, and protecting azolla japonica, a category II endangered species, by implementing trial schemes demonstrating its nitrogen-fixing proporties as a fertilizer.
- (2) Collaborating with Numazu city to turn a manmade pond next to Numazu Aqua Plaza into a biotope, planting wetland plants, and cutting reeds to encourage growth twice a year.
- (3) Holding lectures and workshops once a year.
- (4) Holding wild grass, wild birds, and dragonfly observation tours several times a year.
- (5) Issuing reports three or four times a year.
- (6) Holding an educational course centered on observation in the wild for elementary school students in the Numazu area.
- (7) Conducting exchange with a German nature conservation group.