Author(s): Katsumi Seki; Masayuki Yabe
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Abstract: The nationwide efforts in Japan for the creation of rivers richly endowed with nature were prompted by the call from the Ministry of Construction to this effect in 1990. The term "creation of nature-rich rivers" is being widely used today as a phrase denoting a basic principle for river improvement projects. The term is defined in the execution guidelines issued by the Ministry of Construction as the "implementation of projects aimed at the enhancement of the favourable living and breeding environments for animals and plants that are inherent in rivers and at the conservation and creation of beautiful natural scenery. " The creation of "nature-rich rivers" in alignment with the natural and social conditions surrounding the rivers and their localities is being promoted in accordance with this principle. At the same time, the rivers as they exist today have been formed by an interaction of the long history of the river basins and today's human activities. It is becoming increasingly important in the "creation of nature-rich rivers, " besides solving the technical problems, to achieve the coordination of the various competing demands that are made concerning the development of the rivers. Positive efforts are being made today for the "creation of nature-rich rivers" throughout Japan, supported by studies and research on the characteristics of rivers and on their natural environments and ecological systems, and by improvement and development of construction methods and materials, while ensuring coordination between the demands of all those concerned. Further development of new ideas and their implementation for the achievement of these ends are hoped for in future. Discussions are made below on the present status and the future prospects for the "creation of nature-rich rivers, " adapted to the characteristics of rivers and their localities in Japan and aimed at allowing a symbiosis between nature and human activities.
Year: 1993