On June 1-2, 2024, Ms. Koyama, OUIK’s Research Associate, attended the 34th Japanese Society of Landscape Ecology (JALE) conference in Sendai to learn about issues and experiences related to regional recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and to share research conducted after the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
On the first day, both oral and poster presentations took place. Researcher Koyama presented a poster regarding the use of well water during the water shortage immediately following the Noto Peninsula earthquake. This study, conducted in collaboration with Special Professor Kiyoharu Yanai at Ishikawa Prefectural University, investigated the situation of well water usage, its quality, and its relationship with geology in Nanao City, Notojima. By visualizing the data using GIS, the research underscored the importance of securing water sources in the region in preparation for future disasters.
The afternoon seminar featured presentations on long-term monitoring efforts of sandy beach ecosystems in coastal areas post-Great East Japan Earthquake, the process of pine forest regeneration, and community-driven initiatives aimed at recovering coastal vegetation. Attendees learned about the significance of researchers’ involvement in the recovery process and the value of citizen participation in these efforts.
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Poster Presentation |
Panel Discussion |
Participants took part in an excursion the following day to the Sanriku coastal area, where they visited sites affected by the tsunami from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and facilities where recovery projects are underway. The Kamoi tidal flat, located at the mouth of the Nanakita River, is rich in benthic organisms such as shellfish and crabs, and has been known as a stopover site for migratory birds. However, the environment was significantly devastated by the tsunami from the 2011 earthquake. To protect this tidal flat, local residents and researchers collaborated to advocate to the government to reconsider the location of the seawall construction, relocating it inland, which helped preserve the wetland. (The canal running along the coastal sandy beach was constructed from the Edo period to the Meiji period.)
 The coastal wetlands and tidal flats that have been preserved by relocating the flood control levee. |
 Participants peering into the abundant shellfish found in the tidal flats. |
 A surviving black pine forest that was spared from tsunami damage (with tall trees) alongside a dense regeneration of young black pines underneath.
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 A walking path (art installation) established along the coastal area that was affected by the tsunami. 津波で被災した沿岸部に設置された |
 A flood control levee where sand has accumulated and coastal plants have begun to take |
 Hamabōfu (Coastal Plant)
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Afterward, the participants visited the Natori Trail Center, one of the facilities of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which connects the Pacific coast from Aomori Prefecture to Fukushima Prefecture. This 1,000-kilometer trail (sidewalk) was created after the Great East Japan Earthquake through the collaboration of the Ministry of the Environment, relevant local governments, private organizations, and local residents. It was established as a path that conveys beautiful natural scenery, memories of the earthquake, and the lives, history, and culture of people living in harmony with nature, fostering interaction between local residents and visitors. Currently, it connects 4 prefectures and 29 cities and towns. Local elementary schools are involved in route planning and map creation, and community-rooted initiatives are being promoted. In recent years, it has also gained attention as a tourist destination, being selected by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Must-Visit Destinations in 2020.”
 Inside the Natori Trail Center |
 Trail map |
In this conference, participants were provided with opportunities to learn about various cases related to the recovery process 13 years after the earthquake, the protection of valuable natural environments, and the involvement of researchers in utilizing these areas as regional resources through field inspections. It was confirmed that there are places where sand has accumulated due to the construction methods of coastal levees, leading to the recovery of vegetation, as well as areas where pine growth is delayed and the increase of invasive and inland species has posed challenges in pine forest restoration sites where soil transported from inland areas has been used for embankment. Moreover, the importance of long-term monitoring of changes in the coastal areas post-disaster and sharing the results was also recognized. These insights are expected to be utilized in future research activities by OUIK aimed at recovery in Noto.
