Discovery of Rare Dragonflies Leads to Development Project Scale-Down

The Urban Renaissance Agency (UR), an independent administrative agency in Japan, announced on January 20, 2012, that it will revise a development plan of the parks and other areas in Chiba Prefecture, following the discovery of rare dragonfly species in a pond slated for redevelopment, so that the plan conserves the current conditions of pond surface and the surrounding area the dragonflies live. The decision was made after a review by a committee of experts established to survey the dragonfly species in the park area of Chiba Newtown.

Chiba Newtown has been under development as an urban complex since 1967. A study conducted from April to August 2011 revealed, however, that an artificial pond for flooding control and other reservoir area built early in the city's development had become a habitat for more than six species of Libelluidae, including rare species listed on the Ministry of the Environment's red list and in Chiba Prefecture's red data book.

UR has decided to revamp its original plan to reclaim the entire reservoir area and instead preserve the conditions of water surfaces and use it as a public space for learning about the environment. The decision satisfied local residents, who want to keep the park in its existing condition.

UR to Implement Low Carbon Model Town in Kohoku New Town (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/030772.html
[Newsletter] Aspects of Comprehensive, Environmentally Conscious Housing Design -- Urban Renaissance Agency
http://www.japanfs.org/en/mailmagazine/newsletter/pages/027920.html
Red Data Book Completed for All Endangered Fauna (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/026522.html

Posted: 2012/05/01 06:00:15 AM

TAG Ecosystem , Food/Water , Non-manufacturing industry