“NANAKUSA EMBANKMENT PROJECT” – A PROJECT FOR EMANKMENT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WITH SPECIFIC DIVERSITY AND MAINTAINANCE, BASED ON COOPERATIONS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT SECTOR AND CITIZENS

Abstract

Mostly performed by junior high schools in around the lower reaches of Tone River, with the consideration of maintaining embankment’s flood control function, and also as the first experimental trial in Japan, NANAKUSA embankment project planted the region’s traditional plants on several parts of the embankment which is suffered by the Great East Japan Earthquake and has recovered, to realize an embankment vegetation with specific diversity and “feel of Japan’s four season”, implement maintenance works under the cooperation between governmental sector and citizens. As a result, it can be said this project has become an important milestones for future river management by helping citizens feel rivers more closely, fostering attachment to their hometown and raising public awareness of disaster prevention.