Lake Nakaumi is located in Tottori and Shimane Prefectures. It is the fifth largest lake in Japan, and together with Lake Shinji, forms the largest brackish water area in Japan. Adjacent to the Daisen-Oki National Park, Lake Nakaumi, with its beautiful scenery and rich ecosystem, is an irreplaceable asset that provides various benefits to the residents of both prefectures as a place for recreation and relaxation, a tourism resource, a habitat for fish and shellfish, and a place for migratory birds to fly in.
Lake Nakaumi was once plagued by serious water pollution. During the period of rapid economic growth, factory effluent and domestic wastewater caused eutrophication, resulting in a succession of red tide outbreaks. However, thanks to the efforts of residents and the local government, sewage treatment facilities and environmental preservation activities are now being promoted, and water quality is steadily improving.
Lake Nakaumi was registered as a “Ramsar Convention Wetland” in 2005. This is an international framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, and as the area surrounding Lake Nakaumi is one of the best habitats for wild birds in the Sanin region, it is a proof that the area is recognized worldwide as a particularly important habitat for waterfowl. Since its registration, conservation activities have been further promoted, and the area has attracted attention from Japan and abroad as a place for environmental education and eco-tourism.
The Yonago Waterfowl Park is a symbolic facility of this park, which is a paradise for birds, with more than 100 species of wild birds, up to about 10,000 birds, such as whooper swans, anatidae, and herons, visiting the park every year. In addition, residents, Non-Profit Organizations, and government agencies work together to conserve the lake environments, and the park also focuses on environmental education for children and volunteer activities. Lake Nakaumi and Yonago Waterfowl Park play an important role in connecting people and nature as a base for ecosystem conservation and tourism in harmony with nature in this region.
In this poster presentation, we will introduce our efforts to ensure that people's lives and nature coexist with Lake Nakaumi, and that beautiful landscapes and rich ecosystems are preserved for the future.