Reviving Rivers, Tracing Memories - Agano River Restoration Progress (June 2004)

Reviving Rivers, Tracing Memories - Agano River Restoration Progress (June 2004)

The Agano River in Niigata Prefecture was once the scene of mercury pollution that caused Minamata disease, and in the 1970s, Showa Denko's discharge of organic mercury had a devastating impact on the health of residents, leading to compensation issues involving the national government. In the 2000s, with this memory in mind, Niigata Prefecture, local governments, and residents in the watershed began a full-scale river restoration project in cooperation with the prefecture. Activities focused on environmental education, waterside restoration, and wetland conservation. Elementary schools in the watershed conducted hands-on learning activities such as water quality surveys and fish observation by children, and attempts were made to pass on the pride and memories of the region to the next generation. Citizens' groups and fishermen also cooperated in efforts to restore the ecosystem. The restoration project, which was not limited to mere nature restoration, but included the quest
ion of "how to face the pollution of the past," attracted nationwide attention and was regarded as an advanced example of citizen-led watershed management.