Issued by the Kushiro International Wetland Centre Kushiro,Hokkaido,Japan

Events commemorating the 20th anniversary of
Kushiro-shitsugen's designation as a Ramsar site
"Eco-tour to Kushiro-shitsugen by Steam Engine Locomotive"

Kushiro-shitsugen was designated as Japan's first Ramsar site on June 17, 1980 and the year 2000 marked its 20th anniversary. As of January 12, 2001, the number of Ramsar contracting parties is 123 countries and that of wetlands designated as Ramsar sites is 1,045. 
　With an aim to increase these numbers to the target of 200 contracting parties and 2,000 Ramsar sites, a variety of activities are conducted throughout the world, promoting not only the protection of wildlife in wetlands but also the preservation and wise use of natural resources in wetlands, such as fish and water. Other activities include the rehabilitation and restoration of the wetland environment, which contribute to regional environmental conservation, and the promotion of wetland conservation initiatives at the local level and international cooperation associated with this topic. 
　This fiscal year, KIWC organized events commemorating the 20th anniversary of Kushiro-shitsugen's designation as a Ramsar site, under such themes as ecotourism and the restoration of wetlands. One of these events was the "Eco-tour to Kushiro-shitsugen by Steam Engine Locomotive," held on January 13, 2001. 
　Last year, JR Hokkaido conducted a trial steam locomotive (SL) run through the winter wetland (called "SL Winter Shitsugen-go" train) for the promotion of tourism. This SL, which enabled passengers to enjoy the winter view of Kushiro-shitsugen through the train windows, turned out to be very popular with tourists and local residents. Thus JR Hokkaido decided to operate the "SL Winter Shitsugen-go" train again this year. 
　To maximize this opportunity in which participants can observe winter wetlands using an SL - a public transport means, KIWC organized the "Eco-tour to Kushiro-shitsugen by Steam Engine Locomotive." Fifteen people, including three sets of a parent and child, participated in this event. 
　After meeting in front of JR Kushiro Station, the group went to the Hosooka View Point, the destination of this tour, by bus. From there they walked to JR Kushiro-shitsugen Station and took an SL to Kushiro Station. 
　On the bus, Mr. Shinsho, Manager/Director of KIWC and the instructor of this program, explained the tour schedule and scenery seen from the bus window. 
　After getting off the bus at the Hosooka View Point, Mr. Shinsho showed children rabbit footprints left in the snow. Exited, the children ran through the snow looking for more traces of animals. On the way to the Hosooka Visitor's Lounge, the children took Mr. Shinsho's place and acted as instructors, conveying knowledge and information they learned from him about animal footprints. 
　At the Hosooka Visitor's Lounge, Director Watanabe instructed the tour participants on the production of a "Wood Letter (a wooden postcard)." Using chisels, the participants engraved their own designs on a plate shaped like Hokkaido. This "Wood Letter" can be mailed with stamps equivalent to ¥120. 
　Because the group included schoolchildren in the lower grades and even preschoolers, it was feared at first that these small children might not be able to do the engraving. Such a worry, however, turned out to be groundless. The children drew wildlife inhabiting Kushiro-shitsugen or their favorite vehicles, and, using chisels and the help of adults, they were able to complete great works of their own.
　Leaving the View Point, the group headed for JR Kushiro-shitsugen Station, again following animal footprints. At the station, the instructor led the group members to a site near the station with spring water, telling them that this water never freezes even in winter and showing them frost columns rarely seen in residential areas. 
　Then the instructor told the group members to listen intently for five minutes without making a sound, and, after five minutes, asked them what they heard. Some adults answered that they heard nothing but the sound of the camera rewinding. Consequently, they were amazed to hear children say "birds' chirping," "the sound of the wind" and "the rustling of trees."
　The members got on the "SL Winter Shitsugen-go" train and enjoyed their return trip to Kushiro Station, appreciating the splendid view from the train windows and talking with other participants. 
　After the trip, the children said that they had had a good time running around in the snow-covered field without worrying about getting dirt on their clothes, adding that it was great fun to find many things in nature, such as animal footprints and spring water. Adult participants said that this tour enabled them to experience unusual pleasures, such as wading through deep snow and producing an artwork using chisels, for the first time in many years. 
　KIWC intends to organize a variety of Eco-tours and environmental education programs for the promotion and raising awareness of wetland conservation involving local residents.