Presentation Information
[HS-P09]Sustainable Conservation and Nitrogen Cycling in the Arakawa Basin: High School Students' Practice in Integrated Watershed Management
Hanae Aruga (Tokai University Kofu Senior High School, Japan)
In traditional Japanese Satoyama landscapes, abandoned farmland, invasive species, and declining management threaten biodiversity and disrupt the nitrogen balance across the Arakawa River basin. To address these environmental challenges, our high school natural science club actively engages in an integrated watershed management initiative, treating the basin as a continuous axis. Our field activities span three geographical zones: downstream, we remove invasive plants and convert biomass into educational tools; upstream, we restore Satoyama forests through leaf-litter clearing and animal damage control; midstream, we restored abandoned paddies into multi-pond biotopes and joined conservation at the Goryo terraced fields.
This presentation highlights our student-led conservation practices and local environmental education initiatives. As a preliminary attempt to add a scientific approach, we conducted a summer water quality survey using simple nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) pack tests. Although a trial, results showed a clear tendency for nitrogen levels to decrease after water passed through restored paddies and biotopes (River: 0.5–1.0 mg/L; Inflow: 0.2–0.5 mg/L; Outflow: < 0.2 mg/L). This provided us with a direct understanding of the natural filtration capacity of agricultural wetlands.
Rather than focusing solely on laboratory data, our core strength lies in reconnecting nature, local culture, and community members through hands-on actions. Moving forward, we aim to deepen our scientific analysis through continuous monitoring, seasonal comparisons, and literature reviews, striving to establish a sustainable watershed management model driven by the younger generation.
Message to the Kyoto Declaration process:
As the next generation, we believe that restoring local nitrogen balance starts with real action in our own communities. By working together to protect the Arakawa River basin, we want to show how traditional rice paddies and Satoyama landscapes can naturally purify water and balance nutrients. We fully support the Kyoto Declaration and are excited to take action to create a sustainable future for both nature and people.
This presentation highlights our student-led conservation practices and local environmental education initiatives. As a preliminary attempt to add a scientific approach, we conducted a summer water quality survey using simple nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) pack tests. Although a trial, results showed a clear tendency for nitrogen levels to decrease after water passed through restored paddies and biotopes (River: 0.5–1.0 mg/L; Inflow: 0.2–0.5 mg/L; Outflow: < 0.2 mg/L). This provided us with a direct understanding of the natural filtration capacity of agricultural wetlands.
Rather than focusing solely on laboratory data, our core strength lies in reconnecting nature, local culture, and community members through hands-on actions. Moving forward, we aim to deepen our scientific analysis through continuous monitoring, seasonal comparisons, and literature reviews, striving to establish a sustainable watershed management model driven by the younger generation.
Message to the Kyoto Declaration process:
As the next generation, we believe that restoring local nitrogen balance starts with real action in our own communities. By working together to protect the Arakawa River basin, we want to show how traditional rice paddies and Satoyama landscapes can naturally purify water and balance nutrients. We fully support the Kyoto Declaration and are excited to take action to create a sustainable future for both nature and people.
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