抄録
In July 2004, a large resort hotel opened on the estuary of the Urauchi River, Iriomote Island, Japan. The distinct environment of this area, which includes many endangered species, makes it important academically. However, no study has examined the environmental impact of development of this resort. Academic associations have claimed that the company and politics prevented an environmental assessment. The Ecological Society of Japan has founded a committee to examine the follow-up activities of public requests for development. Several types of investment, including academic studies to obtain basic information and public announcements, may have some effect on conservation. Hereafter, political investments of society and the social activities of specialists as independent individuals should play an important role in promoting conservation in this area.
