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The Decline and Conservation History of Natural Shorelines - April 1995 The Situation in the 1990s A 1995 survey revealed that natural shorelines across Japan had significantly decreased, shrinking to approximately 55% of their total length. The primary cause of this decline was the increase in artificial shorelines, such as port development and revetment construction. Particularly concerning were the confirmed losses of approximately 40 kilometers in Hokkaido and significant natural coastline disappearances in Akita Prefecture, raising fears of ecological impacts. Natural coastlines serve as vital habitats supporting precious biodiversity, and their loss leads to habitat destruction for numerous plants and animals. In response to this situation, conservation activities and initiatives aimed at restoring natural environments have been advanced, but they have yet to yield sufficient results.

Progress in the 2000s Entering the 2000s, natural restoration projects advanced nationwide. Notably, Chiba Prefecture initiated a tidal flat restoration plan for Tokyo Bay, targeting the recovery of approximately 30 hectares of tidal flats. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Environment enacted the "Natural Restoration Promotion Act" in 2002, establishing a framework for local residents, businesses, and municipalities to collaborate on ecosystem restoration. However, development pressures remained strong, with new landfill projects continuing, creating numerous challenges. Situation in the 2010s By the 2010s, the impacts of climate change compounded the problem, further accelerating the decline of natural coastlines. In Okinawa, coral bleaching spread, leading to increased conservation activities on Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island. The government formulated the "National Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2020," setting clear goals for protecting and restoring natural coastlines. Fur
thermore, the introduction of "coastal erosion control structures designed for coexistence with nature" to curb coastal erosion progressed, but budget constraints and technical challenges hindered these efforts. Current Situation in the 2020s Entering the 2020s, Japan's natural coastlines show a further declining trend. According to a Ministry of the Environment survey, the total length of natural coastline had fallen below approximately 50% of the total by 2023, with the decline continuing. Landfill development is particularly advanced in urban areas like Tokyo Bay and Osaka Bay. The plastic waste problem has also worsened, urgently requiring responses from companies and local governments. On the other hand, companies and organizations such as Nestlé Japan and The Nippon Foundation are actively working to reduce plastic waste and tackle marine debris.

Conclusion The decline of natural coastlines remains a long-term environmental challenge in Japan. Efforts from the 1990s to the 2020s have yielded some results, but further action is essential. Striking a balance between development and conservation to preserve a rich natural environment for future generations is an urgent priority. Sources - Ministry of the Environment: Overview of the "Act on the Promotion of Nature Restoration" - Chiba Prefecture Tokyo Bay Restoration Plan Report (2005 Edition)
- Okinawa Prefecture Ishigaki Island Nature Conservation Activity Report (2015) - Ministry of the Environment "National Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2020" - Nestlé Japan Official Website "Plastic Waste Reduction Initiatives" - The Nippon Foundation "Setouchi Oceans X" Activity Report (2023) Source: 9-1995-04-15.pdf