Framework for improvement of farmland biodiversity in Japan

Abstract

The first agri-environmental programme in Japan, which started in 2011, is aimed at the conservation of biodiversity on farmland in Japan. For its smooth enforcement, a framework is required in which biodiversity conservation is visible and clear to farmers and the public. Such programmes will be effective when options can easily be adopted and the concept is appropriate and regionally specific for the farmers. While the result-oriented payment approach provides biodiversity’s concrete contribution to the improvement of farm settings, entry-level incentives are also necessary to encourage farmers’ initial participation, as biodiversity has an environmental value as public goods.

Keywords:

• farmland biodiversity
• agri-environmental policy
• Japanese Agricultural Policy Biodiversity Indicators
• agricultural systems

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This is part of the project on ‘Selection of Functional Biodiversity Indicators and Development of the Assessment Methods’ (2008–2011).