Iwate Prefecture started river restoration projects in January 2005 along the Ushiro River in Hanamaki City and the Morokuzu River in Morioka City involving removal of some of the concrete walls from their banks. These rivers were channelized in the past under a river management regime that focused exclusively on flood control and irrigation. Construction work this time aims to restore gradual slopes to the banks of these rivers, which are located near urban districts, so that people can walk down to the riverside. Concrete dikes in the area will be removed to restore the natural waterside environment. The construction phase will be completed by the end of fiscal 2006.

The opinions and requests of local residents were taken into account in planning the project. Three committee meetings were held on the Ushiro River plan to ask for opinions from project participants, including local residents, local government employees and school teachers. One committee meeting, three workshops with local residents and a meeting with primary school children were held with regard to the Morokuzu River plan.

Natural riverside environments like these need to be maintained to prevent excessive weed growth. Volunteer maintenance by local residents will be necessary, and these workshops and meetings are thought to have laid the groundwork for promoting such activities.



Posted: 2005/04/03 01:41:53 PM
Japanese version

TAG Ecosystem , Food/Water , Local government , NGO/Citizen , Other