Current Situation of Water Environment based on Citizen-led Observations in “Satochi, Satoyama” namely Japanese Front-country

Abstract

　We present an overview of a citizen-led monitoring project for accessible water bodies, discussing its outcomes and future challenges. Initiated in 2005 by the Ministry of Environment, the “Monitoring Sites 1000 Satochi Project” focuses on “Satochi” or “Satoyama,” defined as intermediate front-country between urban and back-country areas. Water bodies include small streams, irrigation channels, reservoirs, and cultivation springs. Through simplified observations including measurements of water temperature, pH, and visibility, two types of springs and reservoirs were identified in the front-country. The turbidity of small streams and irrigation channels varies seasonally and is influenced by both precipitation and land use. Water quality characteristics were determined for each small catchment area; however, consistency was lacking across diverse climatic and vegetation zones. Although civic observations are crucial for local environmental monitoring and conservation, unresolved conceptual and technical issues threaten the project continuity.