Using the World Natural Heritage registration, an environmental culture approach to improve the well-being of the islanders in Amami

The solution has been implemented by Kagoshima University since 2009 on an archipelago of islands in southwestern Japan that is rich in natural biodiversity but faces challenges related to declining population, industry, and communities, as well as the transmission of local culture.
The university saw the designation as a national park and registration as a World Natural Heritage site, together with biodiversity conservation measures, as opportunities to increase the value of the region ,slow the decline of the local population, reaffirm the environmental culture of the islanders, and to improve their well being through two means: improved livelihoods and spiritual fulfilment. This study highlights a successful capacity-building initiative in the areas of industry, welfare, education, and the environment.

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