The Key to Achieving 30by30 is "Private Sector Power"
Japan, along with other G7 countries, has committed to the "30by30" target (conserving 30% of land by 2030). Currently, Japan's protected land area is about 20.5%. To achieve the target, approximately 10% more (about the combined area of Kyushu and Shikoku) needs to be newly designated as conservation areas.
However, rapidly expanding national parks further is not realistic. This is why the Ministry of the Environment launched the "Nature Coexistence Sites (OECM)" system.
What Are Nature Coexistence Sites?
This is a system where the government certifies "areas where biodiversity is conserved through private sector initiatives." Once certified, the area is registered in an international database as OECM and counts toward achieving 30by30.
What Types of Places Are Eligible?
* Corporate on-site forests (factory green spaces, biotopes) * Woodlands managed by satoyama volunteers * Temple and shrine forests * Areas around golf course retention ponds * Urban rooftop gardens (depending on conditions)Benefits of Certification
For companies and organizations, Nature Coexistence Site certification has significant benefits.
- Enhanced Corporate Value: Can externally promote contributions to biodiversity (positive impact on ESG investment).
- Tax Benefits: Support systems are being considered.
- Regional Collaboration: Leads to building trust relationships with local governments and residents.
The Hurdle is "Monitoring"
To receive certification, data is needed on "what organisms are there and how is the area managed?" Regular monitoring is also required after certification.
For many companies, the cost of hiring experts for ongoing surveys is a significant burden. This is where leveraging "citizen science" and "technology" becomes important. Simple monitoring using smartphone apps and new technologies like environmental DNA are expected to serve as infrastructure supporting 30by30 achievement in the field.
What IKIMON Wants to Achieve
IKIMON was created precisely to lower this "monitoring hurdle."
- Employees and citizens photograph organisms with smartphones
- AI estimates species, experts verify
- Data accumulates and becomes foundational material for Nature Coexistence Site applications