Marine Comanagement Plan of Shiretoko World Heritage site

Shiretoko, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, exemplifies a unique case where the protection of its terrestrial and marine ecosystems was driven not by government mandates but by local stakeholder initiatives. The site's outstanding universal value lies in its connection between land and sea, yet it faces challenges from coastal fisheries. This study highlights the pivotal role of comanagement by fisheries cooperative associations (FCA) in strengthening ecological risk management. Unlike traditional World Heritage Sites protected by national laws, Shiretoko's conservation success hinges on local decision-making and stakeholder collaboration. The research emphasizes the importance of such collaborative approaches in safeguarding biodiversity and marine ecosystems without relying on international oversight.

Matsuda, H., & Makino, M. (2021). Marine Comanagement Plan of Shiretoko World Heritage site. Ecological Risk Management, 255–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6934-4_16