Structural Features of the Networks among Civic Groups in Tama River Basin

Abstract

This study aims to clarify structural features of the networks among civic groups active in protecting the river environment. We focused on the networks of civic groups in the Tama River area, located near Tokyo. These groups have showed increased collaborative activity since the 1970s. We analyzed networks by classifying their structures into two element, namely, a management element and an activity element. Our study provides three results. Firstly, the management element offers an important system that provides daily information to civic groups in the river basin area. Secondly, the management element can establish a task force to adjust activities conducted by the activity element. And thirdly, although networks have been promoting the sharing of information among civic groups since the 2000s, the networks should also develop a structural function that allows them to conduct several simultaneous activities.