Abstract
Interest in natural sources of renewable energy has risen in Japan. Several wind-power facilities have been built along the western coast of Hokkaido because of the excellent potential for wind energy. The impacts of the construction of wind-power facilities on coastal dune vegetation are not clear. In this paper, we review the existing research on the effects of wind-power generation on rare coastal dune grassland habitats on the Zenibako coast of Hokkaido. We identified permanent and temporary direct impacts. The disturbance of coastal dune vegetation was temporary, but the rate of vegetation loss can be critical. Changes in wind direction or the amount of sand movement can have important effects on dune vegetation. The social concern for the local natural environment was also important along the Zenibako coast. The government should consider these factors when selecting sites for renewable energy facilities.
