Dissemination from the natural symbiosis site Yokomakura! A step toward becoming “nature positive” through v olunteer tourism

From the natural symbiosis site Yokomakura! A step toward becoming “nature positive” through volunteer tourism ​
Karatsu Farm&Food Press release: May 11, 2025 Dissemination from the natural symbiosis site Yokomakura! A step toward becoming “nature positive” through volunteer tourism ~Practicing nature conservation and international exchange in Satoyama connected to the world~
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/142434/68/142434-68-0f2dcd4d0c1497ab0369018b0324f968-1280×960.jpg The NPO Karatsu Farm&Food has started a full-scale volunteer tourism program in 2024 in the Yokomakura area (Oichi-cho, Karatsu City), which is a nature coexistence site (OECM registered site). This initiative is a new challenge that combines environmental conservation activities in satoyama and international exchange with the aim of becoming “nature positive” (reviving nature). We accept volunteers from all over the world and promote sustainable satoyama development together with local residents.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/142434/68/142434-68-cd961e4e6ec6a7035817c614501d297d-1280×960.jpg What is Yokomakura, a natural symbiosis site? The Yokomakura area is a satoyama area with rich biodiversity that was certified by the Ministry of the Environment as a “Site in Harmony with Nature (OECM Registered Site)” in 2023. A variety of ecosystems are protected, including the rare species spotted salamander, as well as fields, reservoirs, springs, and forests, and the region is working as a whole to preserve the environment. Yokomakura is attracting attention as a model area that contributes to the global goal of “30 by 30,” which aims to “protect nature locally and pass it on to the next
generation.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/142434/68/142434-68-d2fea1796b8a87572d7cab4453b03c38-1280×961.jpg Contents of volunteer tourism In the spring of 2024, we accepted two environmental conservation volunteers from France for the first time and carried out the following activities. • [Karatsu Honeybee Project] Support for beekeeping activities of Japanese honeybees • [Satoyama conservation work] Cleaning waterways, mowing ridges, plowing fields, setting up pillars for eggplants • Preparation for grazing]
Maintenance of goat shed and start of grassland management efforts • [Exchange between sites coexisting with nature] Inspection training to “Komaru no Satoyama” in Imari City They also participated in local events such as “Okamori” and barbecues, deepening cultural exchange. The bonds between participants that transcend nationality and language barriers are expanding the circle of nature conservation activities.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/142434/68/142434-68-feddfcdd2dc537cab26b98961f119011-1280×960.jpg Towards nature positivity “Nature Positive” is a global goal of restoring the richness of nature, rather than simply suppressing environmental destruction. Volunteer tourism in Yokomakura is • Conservation of biodiversity • Sustainable economic activities that utilize local resources • Environmental education and international exchange By combining these, we foster sustainable connections between nature and people, and between people.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/142434/68/142434-68-87dbabdfa34dc0c6ea9ea13a1149508c-1280×960.jpg Future prospects Karatsu Farm&Food aims to establish a model case of “volunteer tourism x nature positivity” based in Yokomakura and spread it nationwide. In 2024, we plan to further expand our acceptance from overseas and develop programs in diverse fields such as agriculture, environmental education, and cultural exchange. In addition, we will make maximum use of the local resources as a site that coexists with nature, and build a new vision for the future of the region as a “sustainable village forest connected to the world.” [Reference link] • Yokomakura Nature Coexistence Site (OECM registered site) https://karatsu-f-f.com/30by30.html • NPO Karatsu Farm&Food https://karatsu-f-f.com/ • Aichi Town Yokomakura Natural Symbiotic Area | ecojin https://www.env.go.jp/guide/info/ecojin/oecmsites/20241211.html