Yokomakura, located on the island of Kyushu in the Yokomakura area of Ochi-machi, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, is a vital ecological site recognized under the “30 by 30” global initiative to conserve biodiversity. The area is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including species unique to the region, such as the Buchisalamander (Hynobius nebulosus), endemic to northern Kyushu. These biodiversity hotspots coexist within a mosaic of traditional satoyama landscapes, encompassing forests, rice paddies, and water systems that have been shaped by sustainable human practices over centuries.
However, modern challenges such as habitat degradation, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change threaten the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Despite these challenges, Yokomakura continues to thrive as an example of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, thanks to the efforts of local communities, educational institutions, and environmental organizations.
Collaborative conservation efforts, including partnerships with the Ministry of the Environment and Saga University, aim to monitor and protect biodiversity through surveys and innovative management practices. Yokomakura also serves as a learning site for environmental education, where local schools and community members engage in hands-on programs that nurture ecological awareness and inspire action for a sustainable future.
The preservation of Yokomakura supports not only local ecosystems but also contributes to global biodiversity conservation goals. By safeguarding its unique environment, the region provides a refuge for wildlife, ensures ecosystem services such as water purification and carbon storage, and fosters a deep connection between people and nature. This impact extends beyond the local community, offering valuable insights into sustainable living and biodiversity conservation that resonate on a global scale.
Yokomakura’s community-led restoration efforts are revitalising the local ecosystem. Through the promotion of organic farming and the establishment of circular systems utilizing local resources and waste, they are fostering a harmonious relationship between people and nature. This approach has led to the return of native species and the rejuvenation of traditional satoyama landscapes. Their collaboration with local residents has not only enhanced biodiversity but also strengthened cultural heritage, creating a sustainable model that inspires and uplifts the community.
In Yokomakura, significant efforts have been made to conserve biodiversity and restore the local ecosystem. Community members and stakeholders have actively participated in habitat restoration projects, including reforestation initiatives to support native species and the removal of invasive vegetation that threatens the ecological balance of the area. The region has also seen the establishment of agroforestry systems designed to harmonize agricultural productivity with ecological conservation, promoting sustainable practices that enhance both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Yokomakura’s achievements are the result of strong collaborations with various partners, including the Ministry of the Environment, Saga University, and local organizations committed to environmental stewardship. These partnerships have enabled biodiversity surveys, the introduction of conservation education programs, and the implementation of innovative management techniques such as cultural burning and agroecological approaches. Together, these efforts contribute to the region’s recognition as an OECM (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures) site, ensuring long-term protection and sustainability for Yokomakura’s unique ecosystems.
Food growing
Tree planting
Natural building
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