Ensuring Biodiversity Conservation via Renewable Energy Regulatory Ordinances of Municipalities in Hokkaido

抄録

Municipalities play an increasing role in achieving carbon neutrality; however, research on integrated approaches for renewable energy deployment and biodiversity conservation by municipalities is limited. We analyzed how biodiversity conservation is ensured in municipalities when regulating land use for the siting of renewable energy facilities, such as those for wind power generation, focusing on ordinances related to renewable energy in Hokkaido. After confirming the role of municipalities under relevant laws, we analyzed the provisions of the ordinances and guidelines of municipalities in Hokkaido. We confirmed a gap in the role of municipalities under the laws for promoting renewable energy facility installation and protecting biodiversity. The former is a main player and the latter is secondary. To bridge this gap and take initiatives in coordinating land use for renewable energy facility installation while avoiding risks to biodiversity in areas not included under renewable energy promotion or protected areas, municipalities must establish ordinances. However, <4% of municipalities in Hokkaido have enacted ordinances. Moreover, approximately half of the ordinances and guidelines lack specificity regarding biodiversity conservation targets and methods.