This paper examines the relationship between characteristics of action groups receiving the Multifunctionality Payment Grants and the action groupsʼ engagement in conservation activities for the rural environment, based on the nation-wide data consisting of 20,000 action groups in 2019. We found that action groups involving non-farmers such as local community associations, schools/parent-teacher associations, and NPOs, were more likely to engage in activities related to ecosystem conservation, such as nature surveys, eradication of invasive species, and habitat protection. Specifically, action groups consisting of NPOs were the most likely to engage in these activities. NPOs may attract members with more biological knowledge and experience regarding natural resources, or they may play a greater role in enhancing the partnership between action groups and organizations with expertise in conservation. Commitments of such NPOs and organizations could promote biodiversity conservation. Action groups located in Shiga, Kanagawa, and Tochigi prefectures were more likely to implement ecosystem conservation activities. There used to be a requirement by the prefectural government to commit to ecosystem conservation in Tochigi and Shiga. Tochigi Prefecture also established the system which provided ecosystem specialists to action groups as advisors for nature survey. These requirements and system could enhance action groupsʼ engagement in ecosystem conservation.
