Two Ministries Join Forces for Better Aquatic Environment

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on April 28, 2004 that they had compiled a handbook on improving the environment for Japanese killifish, weatherfish, and other aquatic life in rivers and rice paddies.

Both ministries have so far taken separate measures in their respective areas of authority--agriculture and river management--to improve the aquatic environment close to human habitation. Differences in their priorities, however, led to less-than-ideal habitat for creatures in rivers, rice paddies and irrigation channels. The ministries started studying how to collaborate better, and this new handbook summarizes the study results.

The 80-page handbook illustrates the benefits and key points of new collaborative operations in agriculture and river management, taking up the cases of three model rivers, including the Arakawa River in Saitama Prefecture. The handbook also covers basic concepts, target setting, specific measures, and challenges in creating a good environment for aquatic life.

Examples of specific measures introduced in the handbook include eliminating steep drops between irrigation channels and rivers, and modifying concrete agricultural channels into more environmentally friendly ones by removing part of the concrete embankment or placing lumber on the bottom. The ministries will distribute the handbook nationwide to promote joint projects at the local level.



Posted: 2004/07/22 03:09:58 PM
Japanese version