JICA counterpart training on the wetland conservation project along the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

From June 27 to July 28 in 2006, two experts from Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserves in Yucatan State in Mexico stayed in Japan to learn about sustainable use of the natural environment, focused on eco-tourism and fisheries. These training programs were implemented as a part of the wetland ecosystem conservation project, which was launched by JICA in the above area in 2003. Experts of wetland conservation from KIWC were also sent to Mexico in 2005, and provided guidance on the "monitoring method" for wetland conservation.
Of all training programs implemented in various regions in Japan, KIWC were entrusted with training programs implemented from July 16 to 25 in Hokkaido. We conducted on-site training, such as eco-tour programs, which has been implemented in Kushiro Wetlands and Kiritappu Wetlands, and "cooking experience of fish dishes in fishermen's lodging" under guidance of local fishermen, for the purpose of showing case examples of eco-tours closely linked with local industries.

Wetland eco-tour "Kushiro Wetlands seen from spring water and ruins"

An eco-tour targeted for local residents was conducted on December 10, 2006. 22participants visited the Hosooka district in Kushiro Town, and carried out experiments to measure the amount of discharge and water temperature at the site where water from peripheral forests flows into Kushiro Wetlands. We were surprised to find that more than 10 tons of water came from a small spring every day, and we realized that such water moistened vast wetlands.
Then, we went out to the ruins from the Jomon Period and observed pit dwellings and shell mounds. Standing in front of the remaining pit dwellings covered with snow, we imagined about life of people at the time when the climate was warmer than at present and Kushiro Wetlands were a big brackish-water lake.
Although it was a cold day with light snow fall, all participants walked around briskly in forests and enjoyed the view of trees and wetlands dusted with white snow. Finally, we were offered hot green tea at the Hosooka Visitors Lounge, and enjoyed "wetland water" at our leisure.

JICA training program of the wetland ecosystem conservation project for Mongol

A training program targeted for 4 participants from Ogii Nuur, a Ramsar site in Mongol, was conducted from November 21 to December 1, 2006. It aimed for conservation of the environment and ecosystem in Ogii Nuur, and was conducted as a part of activities to develop human resources needed to promote public awareness of the JICA's "Catchment Area Management Model Program" under preparation, in local communities. Participants from Ogii Nuur consisted of the chairman of the village assembly and officials of the relevant ministries and agencies.
Of all of the training programs implemented in the Kanto region and Hokkaido, KIWC took charge of implementing training programs in Hokkaido. We explained case examples of activities for wetland ecosystem conservation, which were conducted in wetlands in the Kushiro area and their related facilities, and introduced examples of promoting public awareness in local communities and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
KIWC implemented training programs in 2001, and sent experts of birds and wetlands in 2002, as a JICA project for conservation in Ogii Nuur.

Dispatch of KIWC experts to Korea

In the 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands held in November, 2005, it was decided that the next meeting will be held in Korea in 2008. In December, 2006, three representatives from KIWC, including an expert and a technical committee member, were invited to Changwon City, the next host city of the conference. They made presentations in a seminar organized by the city and visited wetlands such as Junam Reservoir in the city, telling local concerned parties and citizens how important local residents' participation is to wetlands conservation.

"Eco-tour in winter" commemorating World Wetlands Day

On February 3, 2007, an eco-tour for local residents to visit wetlands in winter was conducted to commemorate World Wetlands Day on February 2. Twenty-three　participants went to Lake Toro by the SL train "Fuyunoshitsugen-go" which runs on the eastern side of Kushiro Wetlands for a limited season, enjoying the wetland landscapes in winter from the train window, including the snaking stream of the Kushiro River. Then the participants took a trip to the lakeside to observe overwintering plants in a sphagnum bog and gray heron's colonies in the surrounding forests, and looked for wildlife footprints.
The visitors then walked on the ice surface of the lake, and observed "omiwatari (the upheaval of ice across the lake due to difference in temperatures)" and spring water flowing into the lake. After that, they enjoyed tasting fried surf smelt caught in the lake, and received guidance on ice observation from the staff of the Lake Toro Eco-Museum Center.
All participants had a great time on this tour, not only by seeing spring water flowing into the lake from the surrounding forests and the surface ice of the lake but also by hearing the sounds, feeling the coldness, and tasting the fried surf smelt grown in the water environment. The experience to utilize all five senses made us think about a role for wetlands in fisheries in light of the theme for World Wetlands Day 2007, "Wetlands and Fisheries".