Status of proteced areas
The natural environment of the Shiretoko peninsula is proteced by several agencies, such as Ministry of the Environment, forestry agency, local government. In each of these areas, the Environment Agency, the Hokkaido government, town of Shari and Rausu coordinate management activities to ensure appropriate protection of the resource and the provision of opportunities for people to enjoy the natural environment. These multiple layers of protective legislation in Shiretoko interact in a complete system that stands apart in excellence from other protected area in Japan
1)Shiretoko National Park
Established in1964 by the Environment Agency
Area: 60,986 hectares
With special proteciton area acounting for 61% of its area, Shiretoko is the most thoroughly protected National Park in Japan.
2)Mt.Onnebetsu Wilderness Area
Established in1980 by the Environment Agency
Area: 1,895 hectares
One of the only 5 such area in the country; more strictry regulated than National Park
3)Shiretoko National Wildlife Protection Area
Established in1982 by the Environment Agency
Area: 44,053 hectares
(special protection area: 23,630)
4)Shiretoko Forest Ecosystem Protection Area
Established in1990 by the National Forest Agency
Area: 46,004 hectares
The wave of land development that swept through Japan after the late 1970’s threatened to reach lands within Shiretoko National Park that had been cleared during the pioneering days. In 1977, Shari town began a nation-wide donation project in order to acquire and restore the privately owned pioneer lands.