Report Cards for Rivers

Working with citizens' groups, Japan' Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) conducted a trial run of a "report card" system for rivers from late June through July, 2002. By grading people's satisfaction levels with rivers and their surrounding environment, the aim of this initiative is to determine both positive and negative aspects of rivers in order to conserve and improve them.

Evaluators rated each river's qualities in terms of the following 16 criteria;
(1) richness of the natural environment, (2) cleanliness of water, (3) flow of water, (4) litter, (5)safety, (6) scenic landscape, (7) historical and cultural landscape, (8) accessibility to dry riverbed, (9) accessibility to the river side, (10) availability of open spaces, (11) rest facilities and tree shade, (12) walking paths, (13) restrooms, (14) maps and signage, (15) parking lots, and (16) pleasantness.

The MLIT graded rivers on a five-point scale, considering the importance of these items and positive and negative points, as well as the need for improvements. The results will be used to help guide future river improvements and environmental education.

Report cards were prepared for 39 selected rivers in FY 2002. After reviewing the procedures based on opinions from citizens¡Ç groups, the MLIT will evaluate 123 rivers in 109 first-class river systems in FY 2003.




Posted: 2002/10/20 07:33:36 PM
Japanese version