Wetlands of Japan- Human, Nature, and Diverse Environments with Water (published).
On June 25, 2017, the Illustrated book, “Wetlands of Japan“, edited by The Japan Wetland Society, was published by “Asakura Shoten”.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to many people for their help.
This is the first book in Japan that focuses on the theme of wetlands and deals systematically, cross-sectionally, and comprehensively with wetland ecosystems and their relationship with humans from various perspectives.
The main features of the book are: rich illustrations with photographs and diagrams allow readers to see what wetlands look like, and each theme is explained by experts in each field and leading figures in as simple a manner as possible to make it easy to understand as a single-topic spread.
In addition to the articles, the book also includes columns, a glossary of terms, maps of the wetlands discussed in the book, and books and websites for reference.
This book is designed to be an introduction or reference for a wide range of people, not only researchers, companies, and organizations, but also those interested in wetlands, such as government officials and those who work in the community, as well as high school and university students and educators who are looking to learn about wetlands.
It consists of the following four major parts.
Part I: “Receiving the Blessings of Wetlands” gives various examples of the blessings people receive from wetlands that make them feel wetlands support their lives and livelihoods in their vicinity.
Part II, “Individuals who color the wetlands” introduces the attractive and distinct lives of various creatures found in the ecosystem in this unique wetland environment.
Part III, “Wetlands and their Mechanisms” presents wetlands of various shapes and forms by type according to their environment, such as their topography, and also introduces the functions and benefits of wetlands that have been acquired over the years.
Part IV: “The Mechanisms and People to Make Best Use of Wetlands” introduces changes and challenges to wetlands, and then explains the mechanisms for protecting wetlands, the importance of the people who play a role in conserving wetlands, collaboration with companies, and international cooperation for wetlands. It also introduces various cases for the future of wetlands.
This book gives us numerous reasons why wetlands are important and why they must be conserved, including the functions of wetlands and their interdependent relationship with human beings. This will help us to understand the importance of conservation efforts and the sustainable coexistence of humans and wetlands (Wise Use).
The author and the table of contents can be found at Asakura Shoten’s website (in Japanese):
https://www.asakura.co.jp/books/isbn/978-4-254-18052-7/
To all of you involved in wetlands
The Japan Wetland Society was established in September 2008 through the initiatives of former President Tatsuichi Tsujii and former Secretary General Satoshi Kobayashi to promote the wise use of wetlands by conducting basic and applied research from various perspectives, including the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.
On January 15, 2013, former President Tsujii passed away suddenly due to illness while in office, leaving the society without a president for about eight months.
With the great Dr. Tsujii as our inspiration, the entire Board of Directors together with the members of the society will work together to promote the development of the Japan Wetlands Society as well as the conservation, restoration, and wise use of wetlands in Japan and around the world.
We’ve got everything off to a good start, let’s keep it that way.
Yukihiro Shimatani