WWF Japan, Bridgestone to Launch Lake Biwa Environment Project

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan and Bridgestone Corp., Japan's largest tire maker, announced on September 21, 2004, that they will jointly launch a water environment project in Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. They plan to monitor the freshwater ecosystem in the lake in cooperation with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and local government agencies to promote the conservation of the water environment.

Lake Biwa is one of the world's oldest lakes, with a history of more than four million years. In recent years, however, an endemic species of Lake Biwa catfish and other domestic fish species have been rapidly disappearing from the lake. Also, the total catch has decreased drastically over the past 50 years. Water pollution, a growing population of alien fish species, and the rapid decline of fish habitats such as natural water channels or reed marshes due to land development are thought to be the main causes of the deteriorating ecosystem in the lake.

With the start of this project, the field activities in and around Lake Biwa will go into full swing. Bridgestone will provide 36 million yen (about U.S.$324,000) for the project, and employees working at its Hikone Plant, located on the eastern lakeside, and their families will participate in ecological surveys and other related activities.

The project period is from fiscal 2004 through fiscal 2006. Over these three years, WWF Japan and Bridgestone plan to create biological data maps that will also include alien species. Through preparing a manual for ecological survey work, creating a website for the project, and organizing field trips, seminars and symposiums, they aim to establish the basis for a water environment protection plan for the future.


Posted: 2005/01/10 10:54:34 AM
Japanese version