What is the Ramsar Convention?
- In 2022
- Izumi City , one of the First in Japan to Receive a Ramsar Convention Wetland City Accreditation
- In 2021
- Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes, Registered as a Ramsar Convention Wetland
|
Range |
It includes Arasaki, Higashi and Nishi reclaimed rice paddies, and part of the mouth of the Takaono River. |
|---|---|
|
Name |
Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes |
|
Area |
478ha |
Logo Mark
Ideas symbolized by the logo: The colors and shapes of the ground and water express the tidal flats.
The crane is depicted as relaxing in the abundant natural environment of the Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes.
Creator: Ms. Ryoko Matsuda
The Special Features of the Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes, a Ramsar Convention Wetland
The Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes consists of mainly reclaimed rice paddies that produce both early and regular season rice crops. Starting from the Edo period (1603-1867), reclamation took about 300 years to complete.
Wetlands attract waterfowl and other animals that feed on the abundance of life there. In Izumi City, sightings of about 300 species of wild birds have been recorded. Among these species is the Japanese crane, a rare sight in this country.
Izumi City is the largest wintering ground for cranes in all of Japan, with recorded sightings of seven of the world's 15 crane species and one hybrid species. The most common crane species wintering in Izumi City is the Hooded Crane, followed by the White-naped Crane. In East Asia, cranes breed in Russia, Mongolia, and China. The first group of cranes arrive in Izumi every year in mid-October, spend the winter here, and then migrate northward from February to March.
Ramsar Convention Promotion Projects in Izumi City
Here are some examples of activities taking place in Izumi City.
We promote projects based on the Izumi City Ramsar Convention Wetland Conservation and Utilization Plan.
①Conservation and Restoration Projects
Under Izumi's basic policy of preserving the history of wintering grounds and the abundant natural environment for future generations, specific efforts are being made from the 4 perspectives of improving the crane's wintering habitat, preserving and restoring the historical landscape, creating habitats for diverse creatures, and conducting activities for monitoring and raising public awareness.
- Installing Crane Protection Fences Using Natural Material (straw)
- Hometown Izumi Clean Operation
- Maintenance of Shimadzu Sluice Gate Ruins etc.
②Wise Use Projects
A core concept of the Ramsar Convention is making use of the benefits of wetlands while passing them on to the next generation. Based on the fundamental policy of learning from the wisdom of our predecessors and sustainably utilizing the blessings of wetlands, concrete efforts are underway from the 2 perspectives of promoting primary industries and supporting wetlands utilization for tourism.
- Training Eco Tourism Guides
- Creating Gifts & Recipes
- Utilizing the Original Logo Mark etc.
③CEPA Programs
In Izumi City, we promote crane-themed CEPA activities mainly for children, creating opportunities to familiarize them with the wetland environment and learn about it, in order to grasp the importance of wetlands. Under the basic policy of encouraging familiarity with wetlands and fostering hometown affection, specific initiatives include the 4 points of promoting inter-regional exchange, supporting environmental learning, enhancing the functions of site facilities, and disseminating information on wetlands.
- Ramsar Ranger Activities
- On-site classes on cranes and the Ramsar Convention etc.
④Project to Regulate the Use of Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes
【Project Objective】
On the grounds of Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes, there is concern about the risk of mass mortality and extinction of the species if an infectious disease were to occur and spread among the cranes, due to their concentration in a single area. Infectious diseases are also a serious risk to poultry farming, an important industry in Izumi City. In addition, the Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes attracts many tourists for photographing and watching wild birds, some of whom engage in dangerous side-stepping and parking on the roadside. Such behavior also interferes with farm work and the passage of local residents.
To address these issues, since 2016, we have asked for cooperation in restricting access to the crane wintering grounds, especially for tourism, and have regulated how they are used. We also ask that visitors pay into a Cooperation Fund for the Environmental Conservation of the Wintering Habitat of Cranes. In order to preserve the environment of the wintering grounds, promote their sustainable use, and pass them on to future generations, this money is used for the Izumi City Ramsar Convention Wetlands Conservation and Utilization Plan. Examples of fund allocations include: supporting the environmental conservation of crane wintering grounds, quarantine system enhancement, and crane protection and management.
We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all residents and tourists in the surrounding area regarding the purpose of this project.
The Izumi City Ramsar Convention Wetland Conservation and Utilization Plan
From January of 2020 to March of 2022, the Izumi City Ramsar Convention Wetlands Conservation and Utilization Plan, serving as a guideline for the conservation and utilization of the Izumi Wintering Habitat of Cranes, was developed by the Izumi City Council and its subcommittees. Based on this plan, various projects are being promoted.
- Top
- What is the Ramsar Convention?
- The Izumi City Wetlands Registration