Japan/Awase Tidal Flat
DB/nk
H.E.Mr.
Hiroshi Oki
Minister
Ministry
of Environment,
Kasumigaseki
1-2-2,
Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-8975,
JAPAN
4
April 2002
Re: Awase Tidal Flat
Dear Minister,
It has been drawn to the attention of the Ramsar Bureau that the ecosystem
of the Awase Tidal Flats, which are located on Okinawa Island, could be
under threat due to a development project. This project covers the whole
extent of the tidal flats. According to information received, this development
may have a negative effect on the hydrology and ecology of this coastal
wetland system.
We would like to draw your attention to the requirement under the Ramsar
Convention, Article 3.1, that "The Contracting Parties shall formulate
and implement their planning so as to promote the conservation of the wetlands
included in the List [of Wetlands of International Importance], and as
far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their territory" (emphasis
added).A number of Resolutions and Recommendations of the Conference of
the Parties have elaborated on the implementation of the "wise use"
principle of all wetlands. More recently, the last Conference of Parties
(May 1999) adopted Resolution VII.21 on "Enhancing the conservation
and wise use of intertidal wetlands", which inter alia:
13. URGES Contracting Parties to review and modify existing policies that
adversely affect intertidal wetlands, to seek to introduce measures for
the long-term conservation of these areas, and to provide advice on the
success, or otherwise, of these actions in their National Reports to Ramsar
COP8;
14. FURTHER URGES Contracting Parties to identify and designate as Wetlands
of International Importance a greater number and area of intertidal wetlands,
especially tidal flats, giving priority to those sites which are important
to indigenous people and local communities, and those holding
globally threatened wetland species, as encouraged by Resolution VII.11;
and
15. ALSO URGES all Contracting Parties to suspend the promotion, creation
of new facilities, and expansion of unsustainable aquaculture activities
harmful to coastal wetlands until such time as assessments of the environmental
and social impact of such activities, together with appropriate
studies, identify measures aimed at establishing a sustainable system of
aquaculture that is in harmony both with the environment and with local
communities.
(A copy of the full text of the Resolution is attached.)
As you will certainly be aware, the Awase Tidal Flats support a diversity of
microhabitats. This site is the breeding habitat of endangered blue mud
hoppers (Scartelaos histophorus) from April to July. We understand that
in addition to its biodiversity and hydrological values, this area is very
important for local communities. The proposed construction would also negatively
impact on bottom-dwelling fish and other organisms, and accumulation on
the seafloor of suspended sediments will cause the loss of natural purification
functions.
Consequently, if the information received is correct, concern arises from
the planned development project and its possible impact on the hydrology
and ecology of the coastal ecosystems and the local community. It is possible
that it would be difficult to avoid serious adverse effects upon the wetland
and its surrounding ecosystem if this project is fully implemented.
I would highly appreciate the careful consideration by the Government of Japan of this matter. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
If the Ramsar Bureau can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Yours sincerely,
Delmar
Blasco
Secretary
General
c.c. H.E. Mrs. Kawaguchi, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Japan.
Encl: Copy of Resolution VII.21 |
Renewal：2002/11/19 |