Historic Landscape Preservation and Improvement Plans Certified by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
Tokyo, Japan – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) has announced the certification of several “Historic Landscape Preservation and Improvement Plans” on July 30, 2025, at 05:00 JST. This significant initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding Japan’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the unique landscapes shaped by traditional agricultural and forestry practices over centuries.
The certified plans, detailed in a press release issued by MAFF, represent a collaborative effort between local governments, communities, and relevant stakeholders. They are designed to protect and enhance landscapes that hold significant historical, cultural, and scenic value, often reflecting the close relationship between people and nature that has characterized rural Japan.
These Historic Landscape Preservation and Improvement Plans are established under the Act on Preservation of Historic Landscape and Promotion of Improvement of Historic Landscape, commonly known as the Historic Landscape Act. This legislation provides a framework for identifying, preserving, and revitalizing landscapes that are deemed to have outstanding historical significance and contribute to the unique character of their regions.
The certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of each proposed plan. Key criteria typically include the historical significance of the landscape, the presence of traditional land use patterns, the maintenance of natural environmental features, the cultural value recognized by the local community, and the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed preservation and improvement measures.
While the specific details of each newly certified plan are outlined in the official MAFF press release, the overarching goal is to ensure that these invaluable landscapes are not only preserved for future generations but also actively improved and revitalized. This may involve a range of activities, such as:
- Preservation of traditional agricultural practices: Supporting farmers and foresters who maintain age-old methods that have shaped the landscape.
- Restoration of historic structures: Repairing and maintaining traditional farmhouses, irrigation systems, or other culturally significant elements within the landscape.
- Promotion of sustainable land use: Encouraging land management techniques that are in harmony with the historical character of the area and its natural environment.
- Community engagement and education: Fostering local pride and understanding of the historic landscape’s value through educational programs and community initiatives.
- Enhancement of scenic beauty: Implementing measures to maintain and improve the aesthetic appeal of the landscape, often through planting specific vegetation or managing visual elements.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries plays a crucial role in this process by providing technical guidance, financial support, and policy backing to the municipalities that develop and implement these plans. The certification signifies that the plans meet national standards and are eligible for various forms of governmental assistance.
This latest round of certifications highlights the ongoing dedication to recognizing and protecting the tangible and intangible cultural assets that contribute to Japan’s unique identity. By supporting these Historic Landscape Preservation and Improvement Plans, MAFF aims to foster sustainable rural development, preserve cultural diversity, and provide opportunities for people to connect with their heritage through these cherished landscapes.
The public is encouraged to refer to the official MAFF press release for a comprehensive list of the certified plans and further details on their specific objectives and proposed actions.
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農林水産省 published ‘歴史的風致維持向上計画の認定について’ at 2025-07-30 05:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.