MAFF Submits Proposal to Certify Products that Protect Biodiversity

The Biodiversity Strategy Conference of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) submitted in July 2008 recommendations for the use of a logo to recognize sustainable practices that value biological diversity in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

The Basic Act on Biodiversity, which came into force in June 2008, requires the Japanese government to take measures to encourage people to opt for products that protect biodiversity. The certification mark system is designed to support such products and places of production, and thus raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among producers and consumers. The system is also expected to improve Japan's rate of food self-sufficiency through enhanced public interest in supporting domestic products.

The logo is to be chosen from among the species in the higher levels of the local ecological pyramid or species indigenous to each region. For example, the stork, a species in the upper level of the farming ecosystem, was chosen as the certification mark for agricultural products of the region in the city of Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, where pioneering efforts have been made to conserve biodiversity. The ministry plans to publish a guide and casebook on progressive approaches like the efforts of Toyooka.

It will introduce this system to the world at the Tenth Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP10), which will be held in the city of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture in October.
http://www.maff.go.jp/e/index.html

Posted: 2008/10/25 05:53:27 PM