Abstract
I propose solutions for the two regions of Mikata Five Lakes, Fukui Prefecture and Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, which are both designated as Japanese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (J-NIAHS). The challenges facing the two regions are the reduction of fishermen and fish catches. As a measure to solve these problems, I proposed that the two regions should cooperate technically and geographically, instead of dealing with each region alone. The concrete measure of technical cooperation is to hold the J-NIAHS Forum about once a year, and the concrete measure of geographical cooperation is to cooperate in each region with a short geographical distance. Rather than only focusing to become certified as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), it’s important for J-NIAHS to first cooperate with each other to raise awareness and attract tourists to these areas. In recent years Japan’s aging population and depopulation of rural areas has steadily increased, making it difficult to continue conventional agriculture. I consider it is effective for the areas certified as J-NIAHS to work together both technically and geographically to preserve the important agriculture, forestry and fishery systems, as well as the rural culture and landscapes that have been inherited up to now.
