Examining the Challenges of Registering University Campuses as OECMs

: A Case Study of Fukushima University Kanayagawa Campus

Abstract

This study uses the Kanayagawa campus of Fukushima University, where a campus biodiversity conservation system has been in operation since 2009, as a case study to achieve the 30by30 goal. The study clarified the establishment process and operational status of Fukushima University's biodiversity conservation system and examines the challenges of registering OECMs (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures) on university campuses from the perspective of the university's organizational management. The results showed that although there were some institutional deficiencies at Fukushima University, both sides communicated and discussed countermeasures every time a case that needed to be considered arose between the university and faculty members. Therefore, close cooperation between the university and faculty members was important for the operation of the system. Many universities were considered to have potential for registration because the OECMs criteria are not limited to the protection of rare species, but also cover natural environments related to humans. The effectiveness of activities on biodiversity and the implementation of monitoring were seen as the main challenges for registration. The use of the campus for education and research, triggered by the registration, was considered to be a unique use of the OECMs by universities.