Development of Ecotourism in the Lake Tofutsu Ramsar Site

Abstract

This study focuses on ecotourism of Ramsar sites and explores the development of Lake Tofutsu in Abashiri City and Koshimizu Town, Hokkaido. This site has been under consideration for ecotourism since it was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 2005. Although a project to train certified guides failed in the early 2010s, kayak-based bird monitoring tours have begun in recent years. In this case, the important elements for the development of ecotourism are (1) the construction of a base facility, (2) continuous discussion among stakeholders, and (3) the formulation of local rules for conservation and sustainable use, all of which originated with registration under the Ramsar Convention. However, difficulties were also identified in securing ecotourism guides.