Outline of the Kushiro International Wetland Centre
There are three Ramsar sites in the Kushiro Region. The Kushiro International
Wetland Centre (KIWC) aims to make use of this wealth of natural environment
and rich environmental education and outstanding facilities for awareness-raising
and aims to carry our international activities to conserve wetlands and to promote
their wise use in cooperation with specialists within and outside our region.
The KIWC is made up of local municipalities involved in the Ramsar sites located
in the Kushiro region, educational organizations, nature conservation groups, and
is carrying out activities under the cooperation of various international organizations
such as the International Waterfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB), the Asian
Wetland Bureau (AWB), and the Ramsar Convention Bureau.
In 1994, the year of preparation for the establishment of the center, we conducted
various programs, such as holding the "Wetland Conservation & Protection of
Migratory Birds Course" under commission as well as cooperating in the holding of
the "Nature Conservation & Natural Parks Management Course," both sponsored by
the Japan International Cooperation Agency, cooperating in the holding of the
International Workshop on Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and their Wetland
Habitats in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, translating and publishing
"The Ramsar Convention; its history and development," and concluding the agreement
on the affiliation with Kooragang Wetland and others in Australia.
In 1995, the center is also planning to carry out various programs such as projects
commissioned to it by JICA, the hosting of the "North East Asia & North Pacific
Environmental Forum," carrying out exchange programs related to affiliated wetlands,
participation in the Ramsar Brisbane Conference, cooperation in the 25th Anniversary
Campaign, and cooperation in the Ramsar Convention National Summit.
KIWC plans from now on to carry our various activities taking advantage of international
networks that were established through efforts to hold the Ramsar Kushiro Conference,
such as (1) organizing training programs and study tours, (2) holding conferences and
workshops, (3) conducting research and monitoring the status of wetlands and establishing
appropriate data bases, (4) giving technical advice on management of wetlands, (5) carrying
out activities for awareness raising and promotional campaigns, (6) providing services
for support of and advice on environmentally sound tourism in wetlands, (7) and promoting
international cooperation and assisting in activities of other organizations.
Sister Wetland Affiliation Project
The first wetland affiliation between local municipalities was signed as both areasare connected by the migration of Latham's snipe. The wetlands that were brought
together into a sister relationship were Kooragang Wetland and the surrounding wetlands
in Australia and the "Kushiro-shitsugen," "Akkeshi-ko and Bekanbeushi-shitsugen" and
"Kiritappu-shitsugen" in Japan. All of these wetlands are designated under the Ramsar
Convention's List of International Importance.
The details of the sister wetland affiliation stress the necessity for government
administrations at all levels to promote every activity to conserve wetlands based on
the Kushiro Statement adopted at the 5th Ramsar Conference in Kushiro held in June 1993.
Furthermore, both parties agree that they contribute to the international activities of raising
public awareness of the Ramsar Convention as the host municipalities of the 5th and the
upcoming 6th Ramsar Conference. Both parties agreed on the following:
1. Strive for exchanging of experiences, knowledge and skills for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
2. Strive for exchanging the results of survey and research activities and information on both wetlands.
3. Exchange delegates for visiting each wetland at regular intervals.
4. Exchange researchers and trainees studying wetlands.
5. Promote co-research on migratory birds between Australia and Japan including both the wetlands.
6. Develop mutual exchange between Kushiro International Wetland Center which will be established in the near future
and Shortland Wetland Center which is located in Newcastle City.
7. Co-operate to promote activities of enlightenment for the Ramsar Convention.
Signing ceremony in Australia
Activities based on the affiliation began in 1995
The researchers in the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project and the Australasian
Wader Studies visited Kushiro and studied Latham's snipe. Vigorous activities during
their stay included a survey in the wetland, exchange of ideas with local researchers
and a field trip with the students in the Outdoor Science Club at Kushiro Nishi High
School. A delegation of 15 students from Jesmond High School is expected to come to
Kushiro in September this year to visit their sister school, Kushiro Nishi High School,
and their sister wetlands including "Kiritappu-shitsugen."
This activity has received much international attention, as it is a revolutionary example of
international cooperation, and other countries have inquired about it.
