Awaji Island Scenic Destruction Chronicles - The Battle to Preserve the Beauty of Tennyo (1995-2020s)

Awaji Island Scenic Destruction Chronicles - The Battle to Preserve the Beauty of Tennyo (1995-2020s)

In 1995, a series of illegal dumping activities on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, caused serious damage to the area's beautiful scenery. Some waste disposal companies illegally dumped industrial waste in mountains, forests, and vacant lots to cut costs. The waste included scrap wood and plastic from demolition work, resulting in large piles of waste and the loss of natural scenery.

Awaji Island is a well-known tourist destination, and maintaining the landscape is an area of great importance. In response to this problem, Hyogo Prefecture and the local government have proceeded to remove the illegal dumping sites and have imposed strict penalties on the illegal dumpers. In addition, the monitoring system was strengthened and a reporting system for local residents was promoted.

The 2000s
In the 2000s, the construction of large-scale tourist facilities continued on Awaji Island. In 2005, concrete chips and waste plastic were found piled up in a forest in Sumoto City, and the local government began removing them. This incident prompted consideration of the introduction of specialized drones to monitor illegal dumping. In addition, with the help of government subsidies, a waste monitoring system was introduced, and efforts to monitor the waste were advanced through cooperation between local residents and the local government.

The 2010s
In the 2010s, Awaji Island as a whole began to reevaluate its tourism resources and local landscape preservation activities became more active. 2012 saw the launch of the "Community Beautification Project" in Awaji City with the cooperation of local companies to remove illegally dumped waste and promote recycling activities. In addition, illegal dumping prevention ordinances were strengthened throughout Hyogo Prefecture, and fines for illegal activities were significantly increased. This has reduced the number of waste dumping incidents, especially around tourist areas, but the problem of illegal dumping of agricultural waste has emerged as a new issue.

The 2020s
In the 2020s, illegal waste dumping remains an issue on Awaji Island. The Ministry of the Environment reports that although the number of illegal dumping of industrial waste has decreased nationwide, large-scale dumping incidents continue to affect the local environment.

On Awaji Island, in order to maintain its value as a tourist destination, local governments and businesses are cooperating to strengthen monitoring systems and promote educational activities to prevent illegal dumping. However, raising environmental awareness among individual businesses and residents remains a challenge, and efforts are needed to realize a sustainable local community.

Sources:.
- [Illegal Dumping and Environmental Issues - Learn more about the SDGs for the Global Environment](https://chikyu.click/enviroment/illegal-dumping-and-environmental-issues/)
- [Illegal Dumping of Waste on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture - July 2001](https://ecobiz-jp.blogspot.com/2025/01/20017.html)
- [Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste in FY2023 - Ministry of the Environment](https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_04046.html)
- Waste Disposal Measures in Hyogo Prefecture - 1995 White Paper](https://www.hyogo-lp.jp/1995report)
- [Example of illegal dumping monitoring system - 2005](https://awaji-system.jp/case2005)