Announcement of the "Thinking about the Region and Biodiversity from Shuzenji's Satoyama" Symposium to Commemorate Natural Coexistence Site Certification

The Institute of Geo-Welfare Collaboration, Shizuoka University, in collaboration with the Shuzen-no-Mori Project Association, is pleased to announce that it will hold a symposium as detailed below.

Hankei-ji Mountain in Shuzenji, Izu City, which is the activity base of the Shuzen-no-Mori Project Association, was certified as the first Natural Coexistence Site (OECM) in the Izu Peninsula at the end of March, Reiwa 8 (2026), an initiative promoted by the Ministry of the Environment towards achieving the 30by30 target. As this certification grants a certain evaluation as a base for regional biodiversity conservation, this symposium is planned to widely publicize this initiative both within and outside the region and to further promote the activities in the area.

Furthermore, in cooperation with the Shizuoka University Eastern Satellite, the Shuzen-no-Mori Project Association has positioned the activities at Hankei-ji Mountain as a university research project since last year, promoting activities that involve local residents as part of "Geo-Welfare Collaboration (Geopark x Welfare)." On this occasion, the aim is to provide an opportunity for local residents to learn more deeply about their region and to consider how to conserve and utilize this place where valuable nature remains. Additionally, through the participation of diverse entities such as companies and administration from both inside and outside the region, the symposium aims to enhance and widely disseminate the value of the Natural Coexistence Site while preserving it.

We kindly request media organizations to provide advance publicity and on-site coverage on the day of the event.

Note

Date and Time Sunday, June 7, Reiwa 8 (2026), 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (including guided tour)

Venue Shuzenji Community Hall, Large Training Room (Shuzenji 838-1, Izu City)

Organizers and Cooperating Organizations Organizers: Shuzen-no-Mori Project Association, Institute of Geo-Welfare Collaboration, Shizuoka University

Cooperation: Shizuoka Prefectural Environmental Interaction Division, Beautiful Izu Creation Center, Izu City, NPO Whole Earth Nature School, Shizuoka University Eastern Satellite

Program for the Day

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