Overview
"Nature Coexistence Sites" is a certification system launched by the Ministry of the Environment in 2023. It is a mechanism for the government to certify "areas where biodiversity is conserved through private initiatives and other efforts," serving as Japan's main implementation form of
OECM (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures).
It is a groundbreaking system where places not previously recognized as protected areas—corporate forests, factory green spaces, satoyama, rooftop gardens—are officially evaluated for their contribution to biodiversity.
Theoretical Background
Means to Achieve the 30by30 Target
The "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework" adopted at CBD COP15 in 2022 set the "30by30 target" of conserving at least 30% of land and sea by 2030.
However, achieving 30% with only strict "legally protected areas" like national parks is difficult (Japan's protected land area is about 20.5%).
Therefore, there is an international trend to count places where diversity is effectively protected outside protected areas as "
OECM" to achieve 30%. Nature Coexistence Sites serve as a domestic filter for receiving this OECM certification.
Detailed Explanation
Certification Requirements
The Ministry of the Environment's evaluation criteria mainly consist of the following elements:
- Clear Boundaries: The area must be clearly defined on a map.
- Governance and Management: Continuous management must be conducted based on land ownership or usage rights.
- Biodiversity Value: Rare species must be present, or a healthy ecosystem centered on native species must be maintained.
- Long-term Conservation: Conservation continuation for at least 5 years must be guaranteed in principle.
Benefits and Incentives
- For Companies: Can "quantify and visualize" contributions to biodiversity, serving as powerful evidence for TNFD compliance and ESG investment evaluation.
- For Local Governments: Can brand regional natural resources under a national system, leading to creating connected populations.
- Tax Benefits: Property tax reduction measures are being considered and introduced for some green spaces.
Certification Process
- Application: Twice a year, in the first half (spring) and second half (autumn).
- Review: Review by an expert committee.
- Certification: Certificate issued by the Minister of the Environment.
- International Database Registration: Registered on international maps as OECM (if desired).
Critical Examination
Concern About Becoming "Paper Parks"
There is a pointed risk (greenwashing) that certification itself becomes the goal, and places without substantial management or of low quality get certified.
To prevent this,
"quality assurance through monitoring (continuous observation)" is essential, not just at certification time.
Difficulty of Evaluation
How to prove "biodiversity value" is a challenge. Detailed vegetation surveys by experts cost significant amounts, so applying is currently a high hurdle for small and medium enterprises and citizen groups.
IKIMON's Contribution
IKIMON can provide efficient and effective support for obtaining and maintaining Nature Coexistence Site certification.
1. Data Foundation for Application and Maintenance
To receive certification, a list of "what organisms are there" is needed. Continuous monitoring is also required for certification renewal.
By utilizing IKIMON, the following benefits emerge:
- Low-cost Basic Surveys: Collect data through employee or citizen participatory events.
- Automated Continuous Monitoring: Daily posts become reporting data as-is.
- Quality Proof: Objectivity of data is guaranteed through photo-attached records.
Through these, as a "DX tool for Nature Coexistence Sites," we contribute to reducing corporate burden and improving the quality of biodiversity conservation.
References
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan. Nature Coexistence Sites | 30by30 | Biodiversity.
- IUCN (2019). Recognising and reporting other effective area-based conservation measures.
