Conservation of endangered ecosystem of warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved forest (lucidophyllus forest) with local community: implementation of collaborative management in Aya Town, southern Kyushu, Japan

Warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved forest (WEBF) (lucidophyllus forest) is endangered ecosystem in Japan, due to anthropogenic impacts, transformation to commercial forests, and poaching. Potential vegetation coverage in Japan is ca. 50% of the land, however primary WEBF is only remained ca.1.6% of the land. The habitats fragmented only into ridge, steep slope and sacred sites of temple and shrine in western parts of Japan. WEBF is characterized by high species richness such as co-dominants of Fagaceae, Lauraceae, and Theaceae. In 2005, the agreement on the "Conservation and Restoration Plan for the Lucidophyllous Forest Zone of the Aya River Basin [so-called "Aya Lucidophyllous Forest Project (Aya Project)]" was signed among the Kyushu Regional Forest Office, Miyazaki Prefecture, Aya Town, the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J) (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, NGO) and Teruha Forest Association (citizen group). Furthermore, the area is registered by UNESCO as Aya Biosphere Reserve (AyaBR), which is consisted of core (682ha), buffer (8,982) and transition (4,916) in July, 2012. Our final goals of Aya project aim to conserve and restore endangered forest ecosystem, implementation of sustainable development and promotion of local community in harmony with nature, and enhancement of environmental education through bottom up approach.