Preservation and preemption in Japan’s Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Area

Japan's Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Area demonstrates how ecological preservation can be achieved through expanded civic engagement, though at the cost of marginalizing traditional forest users. This study highlights a successful case where the construction of a forest road in the 1980s threatened the ancient beech forest's integrity, leading to enhanced governmental commitment to conservation and public involvement. The research combines literature reviews, interviews with key stakeholders, and field observations to explore the balance between ecosystem protection, civic participation, cultural heritage, and administrative efficiency. Findings underscore the challenges of inclusive protected-area management, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in park management.

Mason, R. J. (2015). Preservation and preemption in Japan’s Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Area. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 26(3), 448–465. https://doi.org/10.1108/meq-11-2014-0159