Shimanto River: Guardians of the Clear Streams

Shimanto River: Guardians of the Clear Streams

The Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture is known as "Japan's last clear stream" and its natural beauty attracts many people. 1996, a survey of urban residents showed that they were willing to pay an average of 14611 yen to preserve the clear stream, leading to discussion of introducing an environmental conservation tax. The Shimanto River is also an important tourist resource, and local governments are seeking to link environmental protection and tourism policies. A World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) survey confirmed that the river maintains a high level of transparency, although there are issues in some areas, and ecosystem conservation activities are being conducted together with local residents. It was also recognized as a national model case in the Environment Agency's 1996 edition of its White Paper on the Environment, and is attracting attention as an effort to balance nature and economy.