IHI participates in an eco-tour to observe the Biwa trout salmon run organized by Higashi-omi City in Shiga Prefecture
On November 20, IHI participated in an eco-tour to observe the Biwa trout salmon run organized by Higashi-omi City in Shiga Prefecture.
The Echi River in Higashi-omi City is known as the river where Biwa trout, an endemic species of Lake Biwa, travels a long distance of about 30 km upstream to spawn. Biwa trout is a beautiful fish that is also known as the Jewel of Lake Biwa. However, due to concerns that their numbers are decreasing, they are considered Near Threatened on the Ministry of the Environment Red List. Every year from October to November, adult Biwa trout head upstream to the river they were born in to lay eggs. When the water levels rise from the heavy rains that last from May to June, the hatchlings migrate quickly down to Lake Biwa.
The purpose of this tour was for participants to experience the connection between people and the nature of the Echi River, through observing the Biwa trout salmon run. IHI has been working with Higashi-omi City on promoting the participation of the Collaborative Nature Restoration*1. Eight IHI Group employees took part in this tour in order to deepen their understanding of the Echi River, which is the purpose of this activity.
- 1 Collaborative Nature Restoration: Having local residents lead the efforts to restore the nature around them.
http://www.collabo-river.jp/about/
The tour began with a Higashi-omi City official giving an explanation on the purpose of the tour, Biwa trout ecology, and the challenges facing the Echi River. Afterwards, the participants made an attempt to confirm the spawning status of Biwa trout in the Shibu River, a tributary of the Echi River. In the Shibu River, the Echi River Fishery Cooperative Association has been taking the lead in creating an environment fit for Biwa trout to spawn since 2021. There is a sediment-control dam in the middle of the Shibu River, so every year a simple fishway is installed to assist the Biwa trout in their annual salmon run. On the day of the tour, the participants were able to observe traces of spawning, but were unfortunately not able to see any Biwa trout because of the delayed timing.
Lastly, the participants visited Kawakabe Ikimono Forest, a place for environmental learning in Higashi-omi City. The agricultural waterway adjacent to this location is the site where Collaborative Nature Restoration, the collaborative effort between IHI and Higashi-omi City since 2022, has been taking place. Since October 2024, this location has been certified as a “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site” by the Ministry of the Environment*2. After observing the waterway, the participants exchanged opinions with the members of the Higashi-omi City Forest and Water Policy Division from the Department of Environment, the organizers of the tour, on what IHI could do to further improve the rich nature in Higashi-omi City.
- 2 “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites” are sites where the biodiversity is being conserved through private entities’ initiative
The participating employees were able to deepen their understanding of the environment. They left comments such as “I thought I knew everything since I work in the HQ, but I was able to learn so many new things in this tour.” and “I did my best to do research, but found it best to go to the actual site and ask questions there.”
IHI strives to promote business activities with further consideration for biodiversity, aiming to create economies in which nature and technology are in harmony.
[Related Information]
October 2, 2024
For the first time for IHI, the Nature Restoration in Higashi-omi City has been certified as a “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site” (Japanese Only)
https://www.ihi.co.jp/all_news/2024/other/1201062_13686.html
IHI Group Helps to Restore Irrigation Canal Ecosystems in Shiga Prefecture
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/sustainable/topics/2023/detail/1200868_13570.html
IHI Receives Eco Sustainability Certificate from Ministry of the Environment
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/sustainable/topics/2024/detail/1201241_13714.html