Transcript Revitalizing Rural Areas: Green and Blue Tourism with hints of sustainability

Japan Ecolodge Association
www.japan-ecolodge.org
Revitalizing Rural Areas:
Green and Blue Tourism with hints of sustainability
July 15-17, 2009
World Ecotourism Conference 2009
Laos
Masaru Takayama
Japan Ecolodge Association/The International Ecotourism Society
www.japan-ecolodge.org
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Which Japan is real?
Create employment,
revitalize local economy
Leave for jobs, convenience,
modern life style
9 million people go to the
rural areas per year
Mt. Fuji
1,600
Once it was a quiet village
nearatMt.
Fujim
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Japan’s Green Tourism (GT)
GT originated in Europe
 Slow travel or vacation in the rural community
 Gov’t initiatives - Organization for the Revitalization
of Urban-Rural Interchange since 92
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Japan’s Green Tourism (GT)
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Attractions –
Climate
 Tradition
 Life
 Culture
 ‘Shun’ – optimum period of a particular foodstuff
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Japan’s Green Tourism (GT)
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Funding –
Gov’t subsidies – 943 million USD (FY2008)
 Investment – lodge, restaurant, furniture, etc.
 Limited to farmers, foresters, and fishermen
 Flat interest rates – 1.4% - 2.3 % for the total span
 Long term payments - Up to 25 years
 Partial exemption of the registration fee on mortgage
 Individual loan– 80% to 100% up to 18,000USD
 Corporate loan – 80% to 100% up to 2 million USD
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Japan’s Green Tourism (GT)
Capacity
Course Agenda
Building––
GT
Finance
instructor
training course
Introductory:
Programs 3days
Instructor:
Marketing4days
Coordinator:
Statistics at 4days
glance
 Site visits
 GT rural inn workshop: 2days
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Japan’s Marine
Ecotourism
Blue Tourism
(BT)
Attempt
to link fisheries and tourism
Half
of fishermen left since the inscription of the world heritage status
Decrease in catch and salary under limited fishing
Justify unproductive winter
photo credits: Shiretoko Nature Foundation and Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Association of Rausu
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Working with the community
ecolodge workshop
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Ecolodge workshop ‘walk-thru’
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Ecovillage project in West Africa, Benin
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Collaboration with Akita International Univ.
Center for Regional sustainability Initiatives
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Member lodge: Condominium Heart Rock
I. Environmental Sustainability:38％
II Food and Beverage:67％
III Reduction of Wastes and Recycling:88％
IV Saving Energy and Water:35％
V Green Purchasing/Chemicals/Misc.:30％
VI Care for environment as an ecolodge:50％
Registered on：August 3, 2008
Audit method：self-audit
Location: Ogasawara Islands
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Registered（Free member）：Agreed to
disclose the accomplishments regardless of
the percentage
 Certified 50+ (Paid member)：Satisfies all
categories 50% or more, renew membership
every 2 years
 Certified 70+ (Paid member)：Satisfies all
categories 70% or more, renew membership
every 2 years
 Certified 90+ (Paid member)：Satisfies all
categories 90% or more, renew membership
every 2 years
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Authorized as a certifier?
H20.6
現地調査
合格
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We are making efforts to be
environmentally-sound lodges.
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Farm Inn anima-no-sato
Hokkaido
Iwaobetsu Youth Hostel
Nature Inn Porch
Wonderland
Yamanakako Village
Aomori
Condominium
Heart Rock
Nagano
Yamakikan
Yamanashi
Kyoto
Miyama Heimat
Youth Hostel
Tokushima
Chiiori
Kutsurogino-yado Tetsuya
Ogasawara
Islands
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With experienced ecolodge partners
in many parts of the world.
Malaysia
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
US Virgin Island
Mongolia
Maho Bay
Three Camel Lodge
Thailand
Lisu Lodge
Costa Rica
Rara Avis
Finca Rosa
Blanca
Country Inn
Sri Lanka
Ranweli Holiday Village
Brazil
Australia
Fazenda Rio Negro
Cape Cassini Wilderness
Retreat
Network of 10 national and 9 international lodges
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Gallery – Kawasemi inn, Aso
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Sense of the place
Unparallel tour
Privacy/safety
Fully guided
Sustainability
Cost effectiveness
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Gallery – Beautiful Japan
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Challenges and Lessons
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Greenwashing
Certification not seen worthy
Niche market
Public transportation not always available
Site-specific and unique products
Empowerment of local community a must
Diverse tours to accommodate all ages and sex
Long stay still not common
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References on the web
Japan Ecolodge Association
 http://www.japan-ecolodge.org
 The International Ecotourism Society
 http://www.ecotourism.org/
 Ministry of the Environment
 http://www.env.go.jp/
 Spirit of Japan Travel
 http://www.eco-tourism.jp/
 Akita International University, Center for Regional
sustainability Initiatives
 http://www.aiu.ac.jp/~cresi/
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