2003 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 103-111
The mountain area of Yakushima Island was inscribed on the World Nature Heritage List in 1993 because of its unique fauna, flora and landscape. The area is also conserved by national organizations under four types of nature protection systems. These are “wilderness areas,” “national parks,” “forest ecosystem reserves” and “natural monuments.” The Kagoshima Prefectural Government has also been making some efforts for nature conservation on Yakushima Island according to the Yakushima Environmental Culture Village Concept. These include establishment of a foundation, advancement of environmental education, nature protection activities, and supporting NGO activities. Furthermore, Kagoshima Prefecture oversees the Yakushima Mountain Utilization Measure Council which is expected to deal with current problems such as mountain facilities, overuse, eco-tourism and expenses.
