The Basic Act on Biodiversity aims to promote conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity, and to realize a society in coexistence with nature in order to enjoy the benefits of the rich biodiversity. It also clarifies the responsibilities of national and local governments, businesses, citizens and private bodies. Fundamental principles of the Act are: the conservation of biodiversity which shall be carried out for the purpose of ensuing the conservation of endangered species and of the diversified natural environment; and the use of biodiversity which shall be carried out for the purpose of using national land and natural resources in a sustainable manner to ensure that impacts on biodiversity are avoided or minimized. The government shall formulate a National Biodiversity Strategy in order to promote policies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in a comprehensive and planned manner. Policies of the government include: conservation of regional biodiversity where unique ecosystems have been maintained through agriculture, forestry and fisheries; conservation of diversity of wildlife species by conserving their habitat, regulating their capture, their transfer, etc.; prevention of damages by alien species; promotion of appropriate use or management of national land and natural resources; promotion of rational use of biological resources; promotion of biodiversity-friendly business activities; promotion of policies that contribute to the prevention of global warming; promotion of science and technology; and promotion of environmental impact assessment pertaining to biodiversity at the stage of planning business plans.
Basic Act on Biodiversity.