Project Status | Full Research (FR) |
Duration | Apr. 2019 - Mar. 2027 |
Research Program | Program2: Fair Use and Management of Diverse Resources |
Project No. | 14200145 |
Project Title | Adaptive Governance of Multiple Resources based on Land-Sea Linkages of the Water Cycle: Application to Coral Reef Island Systems |
Abbreviated Title | LINKAGE Project |
Project Leader | SHINJO Ryuichi |
URL | https://www.chikyu.ac.jp/rihn/activities/project/project/12/ |
Keywords | Coral Reef Island System, Land-Sea Linkages of Water Cycle, Use and Management of Natural Resources |
Research purpose and content
1) Objectives and background
The LINKAGE Project aims to elucidate adaptive governance strategies necessary to achieve resilient, nature-integrated societies in the coral reef island systems of the Western Pacific, where people sustainably utilize limited multiple resources like water, fishery and forest resources amidst climate change and socio-economic shifts. The goal is to cope with these changes while effectively managing and using resources.
The islands nurturing rich coral reef seas span the tropical to subtropical regions. Water is extremely precious in these coral reef islands, and inhabitants have ingeniously utilized limited water resources like groundwater and springs since ancient times. Water is intimately tied to people's livelihoods as a resource but also circulates, transforming in shape, and serves as a medium linking land and sea. The scale of water circulation connecting land and sea in these islands is small, intricately connecting the coral reef ecosystems that nurture marine resources essential to our lives. However, recent influences from land use and socio-economic changes have caused water resource depletion and deteriorating water quality in these islands, becoming a factor in the degradation of coral reef ecosystems through the water cycle (Fig. 1). Furthermore, changes in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and rising sea surface temperature exacerbate these conditions. To sustainably utilize limited natural resources (multiple resources) like vulnerable water, fishery and forest resources in coral reef islands, enhancing adaptive governance capable of addressing climate change and socio-economic shifts is crucial (Figs. 2, 3, 4).
Following are some specific backgrounds:
・ The increased use of chemical fertilizers globally significantly improved food production, but in advanced nations like those in EU and Japan, excessive fertilization became evident (Nishio, 2002). In Japan, consumption of chemical fertilizers for crops other than rice surged from 1961 to 1973. Sugarcane cultivation in the Ryukyu Islands was promoted, leading to excessive fertilization, contributing to the eutrophication of water environments, including the rise in nitrate nitrogen concentrations in groundwater.
・ Sugarcane cultivation and brown sugar production expanded due to the reinforcement of the Satsuma domain's tax system during the Edo period, later becoming a major industry representing Amami and Okinawa after the Meiji era. Post-World War II, facing natural disasters like droughts in the 1960s, there was a rapid and extensive shift from rice cultivation to sugarcane farming.
・ Widespread use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and large machinery led to a dramatic increase in grain production in export-oriented agricultural countries. This resulted in importing cheap grains and a rapid advancement of productive livestock farming domestically and in advanced nations. However, this also led to environmental issues due to unrecycled livestock waste.
・ The El Niño effect globally raised sea temperatures from 1997 to 1998, leading to widespread coral bleaching in the Ryukyu Islands during the summer of 1998. Subsequently, although coral coverage showed signs of recovery, massive bleaching recurred in 2016 and 2022.
・ In natural resource-limited island regions, diverse elements have been valued as "resources" against the backdrop of rare nature. Traditional Ecological Knowledge and languages have flourished to utilize these elements as "blessings" for food sources, construction materials, medicinal purposes, and more. Techniques have been developed to convert these elements into valuable assets for human life. The interaction between the cultural diversity nurtured by these people as a survival base and biodiversity is termed "biocultural diversity." In recent times, there's an increased recognition of the importance of cultural values such as wisdom, techniques, economic practices, worldview, developed over years of human-nature interaction, in the context of global biodiversity conservation and environmental problem-solving. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (also known as the ‘Earth Summit’) held in Brazil in June 1992 adopted the "Convention on Biological Diversity". It aimed at encompassing biodiversity within the framework of global collaboration, emphasizing not only biodiversity conservation but also the protection of traditional cultures related to resource utilization and fair distribution of benefits, highlighting the cultural and social sustainability of human activities. Subsequently, the interaction between region-specific biological diversity and cultural diversity has been elucidated through Maffi's research from a biocultural perspective. As a result, the theory of biocultural diversity has gained attention as a concept related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the realization of human potential in organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (Maffi 2010, Hong 2014, Wantzen et al. 2023).
・ The biodiversity in Okinawa includes a unique richness, where diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs and subtropical forests intricately intertwine. However, this abundant nature has faced significant crises due to human activities, particularly war, post-war US military base construction, rampant development post-Japan's reversion in 1972, urbanization, and the tourism industry. These crises not only entail the loss of healthy ecosystems but also pose a crisis for valuing natural resources multifacetedly as "resources" and for creating a diversity of knowledge and techniques for resource utilization, encompassing the crisis of living in a more humane way.
Based on above background, this project aims to: 1) elucidate scientifically connections facilitated through the land-to-sea water cycle using various stable isotopes, environmental tracers, and metagenomic analyses, comprehending and predicting the response of multiple resources to climate change and socio-economic shifts, 2) reveal the cultural values, connections, and diversity of nature nurtured within island life through a historical, ecological approach, and uncover mechanisms for maintaining survival bases in resource-limited island communities, 3) clarify the transitions and intricacies between local and global governance through behavioral sciences and multi-level institutional analysis, and 4) emphasize knowledge (scientific, local, policy) as a crucial component in adaptive governance, aiming to visualize their interrelations and attempting to integrate scientific knowledge with local knowledge in creating new value systems. Through these outcomes, this project aims to contribute to the realization of a resilient, nature-symbiotic society capable of addressing climate change and socio-economic shifts in coral reef island systems.
2) How does the research contribute to the solution of the global environmental problems?
The targeted global environmental issues encompass three main areas: 1) Depletion and pollution of water resources and associated resources, 2) Degradation of coastal ecosystems represented by coral reef ecosystems that occur through the water cycle, and 3) Decrease in ecosystem services of coastal ecosystems affecting socio-economics (Fig. 3). Through the lens of adaptive governance of multiple resources in island societies, this approach situates rapidly cycling coral reef island systems as experimental grounds most susceptible to global environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts. It seeks to elucidate how the latest scientific knowledge, together with normative traditional knowledge, relates to local knowledge and behavioral changes. Proposals for adaptive governance concerning the use and management of water resources, including coastal areas, are put forth as effective measures in vulnerable island regions. By disseminating academic research outcomes through collaborative action research involving stakeholders from various sectors, continual feedback into the local community occurs. Analyzing and exploring the norm-generation process necessary for stakeholder consensus formation contributes to addressing and resolving global environmental issues.
3) Methodology, structure and schedule
The LINKAGE project comprises four units -Natural System, Community Capability, Governance, and Knowledge-Bridging units (Fig. 5). It adopts various research methodologies from natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Moreover, it integrates these insights, including data visualization, and actively engages in collaboration with society through action research, summer schools, roundtable conferences, among others. By establishing coordination among the units based on the targeted global environmental issues, we will conduct the "transdisciplinary research" that the RIHN aims for.
The research areas include the Ryukyu Islands (Yoron Island, Okinawa Island, Tarama Island, Sekisei lagoon, Palau Islands, and the Wakatobi Islands in Indonesia (Fig. 6). These islands exhibit diverse characteristics derived from various parameters such as topographical and geological features (high and low islands), status of water resources, characteristics of coastal ecosystems, presence of conservation areas, differences in socioeconomical and industrial structures (Fig. 7). Keeping these island-specific features in mind, the research progresses by organizing commonalities and specificities for each island. The roadmap pursued by each unit is given in Fig. 9.
4) Expected results
In the LINKAGE project, the aim is to elucidate adaptive governance necessary for the utilization and management (governance) of multiple resources in tropical and subtropical island environments, with a focus on "water resources" and related resources. This effort involves uncovering adaptive governance crucial for the management of multiple resources in these regions. Understanding the interconnectedness facilitated by the water cycle between land and sea, the link between biodiversity and cultural diversity, the complex interplay between awareness and institutions, and the emergent new insights from their integration are expected to lead to multifaceted proposals for choices. It is anticipated that this integrated approach will yield new insights that contribute to proposing multifaceted choices. Moreover, it aims to provide fresh insights into the transformation of values and behaviors concerning the utilization of sustainable and renewable natural resources.
5) Project organization and membership
The LINKAGE project comprises four units (Natural System, Community Capability, Governance, and Knowledge-Bridging units) as shown in Fig. 5.
●Natural System Unit (NU): This unit integrates researchers with diverse expertise in hydrology, geology, geochemistry, paleoenvironmental studies, coral reef ecology, biomineralization, environmental genomics and related fields to comprehensively study land-sea linkages in island water cycles (Fig. 8). It particularly includes young researchers specializing in breeding experiments to investigate the impact of land-derived nutrients stored in submarine sediments on coral growth. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive on-site investigations that involve multidisciplinary researchers, as well as the active involvement of undergraduate and graduate students to enhance the educational impact of interdisciplinary Earth environmental studies.
●Community Capability Unit (CCU): Comprising members from various backgrounds, including humanities (cultural anthropology, folklore studies, musicology), natural sciences (geography, biology, humanities informatics), local NGOs engaged in community-building based on cultural heritage and regional development, community museums, local government officials, and researchers in residence. This unit, enriched by the partnership with Prof. Sun Kee Hong, a leading expert in Asia-Pacific island studies (Institution for Marine and Island Cultures, Mokpo National University, Republic of Korea) through the MoU with RIHN and Mokpo National University n 2021, aims to comprehend and analyze human-nature interactions and their changes from multifaceted perspectives.
●Governance Unit (GU): Formed by researchers specializing in institutional analysis and awareness surveys, this unit investigates the interplay between local and global governance in coral reef island systems. Its members have research expertise in environmental governance, groundwater governance, protected areas, biodiversity, and behavioral sciences.
●Knowledge-Bridging Unit (KU): Facilitates communication and collaborative initiatives (participatory action research) among the aforementioned units, diverse stakeholders, and research outcomes. It includes individuals with proven track records in effective communication techniques, educational material development, and grassroots environmental conservation activities in Okinawa and Indonesia-based NGOs.
●In Indonesia, MoU has been established in 2021 with Halu Oleo University (HOU). In May 2023, the core members visited Wakatobi Islands and exchanged views with staff of Wakatobi BAPPEDA and Muhammadiyah University of Technology and Business, Wakatobi. A MoU was signed in 2022 with the former and in 2023 with the latter organization.
●In Palau, discussions have been initiated with JICA and JIRCAS to consider local partnerships.
Challenges and achievements for this year
1) Project overall progress
In the coral reef islands, external factors such as globalization, changes in industrial structures due to scientific and technological innovation, and climate change have increased environmental burdens, leading to the degradation of water environment and coral reef ecosystems. Simultaneously, decline of the socio-cultural community capability became a threat to the sustainable utilization of multi-resources. Thus, LINKAGE project aims to construct adaptive governance for multi-resources, fostering diverse knowledge exchange among actors to enhance the resilience of water-cycle environment and coral reef ecosystem with the limited resources of islands. The progress until this fiscal year is as follows:
1. Impact of changes in industrial structures due to globalization and scientific/technological innovation, and climate change
・ To elucidate the changes in the global environment and the changes in land-use and marine environment, analysis of annual rings of coral skeleton of microatolls drilled at reef lagoon of Yoron Island was conducted (Achievement No; AN 155, 156). Paleo-environmental analysis using giant clam is underway, having completed 14C-dating and chemical analysis.
・ In Ryukyu islands, improper management of livestock waste, such as piling livestock waste in the field has been observed, contributing to environmental burdens. The current state of recycling of livestock wastes has not progressed due to the lack of a transport system and the difficulty of using compost in sugarcane cultivation. Thus, we start considering the development of a self-sufficient compost fertilizer, along with an application to the Ministry of the Environment's 2024 Comprehensive Fund for the Promotion of Environmental Research.
2. Degradation of water environments/coral reef ecosystems due to increased environmental burdens
Many studies have been conducted about the impact of terrestrial nutrients on coral reef ecosystems. Our studies on coral reefs highlight challenges in skeletal formation when seawater phosphorus exceeds 2 µM, hindering growth even at 0.5 µM concentrations (Iijima et al. 2021; AN 180). While it was believed anthropogenic phosphates wouldn't reach limestone aquifers, our research identifies phosphate accumulation on sediments (Fig. 12), termed "accumulated phosphate." This concentration now serves as a new indicator for land-based pollution, monitored by the Sekisei Lagoon Natural Restoration Council.
3. Impact on multiple resources due to the decline of socio-cultural community capability
In resources-limited islands, people have traditionally assigned inherent meanings to their surroundings and utilized them ingeniously. However, the lack of successors and shifts in livelihood cause the decline in the inheritance of traditional knowledge and practices, as well as the reduction in fish, plants, and animals used as food and materials. Additionally, as water-related infrastructures developed, the need for domestic use and beliefs in spring water declined, consequently diminishing the communal recognition of groundwater as a shared resource (AN 44). Therefore, we aim to elucidate the relationship between socio-cultural community capability and the utilization of multiple resources through dialogues and action research with local communities on islands. This includes exploring: 1) How biological resources have been utilized? (changes in livelihood, social changes, events), 2) How nature is perceived? (Folk knowledge, language, narratives, physical techniques, tools, and artifacts), 3) What role human expressive activities regarding interactions with nature can play in societal sustainability? (views on nature, folklore, songs, sketches, etc.), 4) How social adjustments regarding the use of nature have been carried out? (social organizations, morality, norms, resilience, etc.), and 5) What supports the economic structure of local communities? (Inter-island network analysis, moral economy, barter systems, etc.). Specifically, in order to understand the characteristics and temporal-spatial changes of biodiversity on each high and low island, a comprehensive survey involving local residents based on literature and standardized questionnaires was on-going, which will be consolidated into digital maps. We not only highlighted the instrumental value of traditional ecological knowledge but also unveiled the diversity and richness of values, knowledge, techniques, and other aspects of "nature" in island societies that are not readily visible (AN 2, 104, 140). Bridging various collected diverse materials and data between different actors and generations, efforts have been made to elucidate both commonalities and particularities of islands through the construction of community archives. This includes the creation of tools and opportunities such as booklets, old photography exhibitions, and art displays. In February 2022, We held the field workshop on Iriomote Island and invited Prof. Sun-Kee Hong to engage in extensive information exchange on trends in biodiversity research in Asia-Pacific islands, including the Ryukyu Archipelago. We further discussed issues related to the theoretical framework of island ecosystem conservation and socio-cultural community capability, and the positioning of individual research themes (AN 19, 36-39, 52). Furthermore, from the perspective of behavioral science, surveys on awareness regarding nature reserves and the movements of people during the COVID-19 pandemic have been conducted in Japan.
4. Adaptive governance of multiple resources
We aim to enhance socio-cultural community capability and improve resilience to global shocks. This section outlines the achievements while identifying challenges related to "awareness," "organization," and "norms" concerning adaptive governance of multiple resources.
●Awareness: Producing of learning tools and contents
・ We developed and utilized 3D Projection Mapping Model (P+MM) as a learning tool (Fig. 15). P+MM is a visualization tool projecting various information onto a 3D model through projection mapping. In the fiscal year 2022, P+MM of the southern Okinawa Island was completed, and this was utilized in community discussions. Participants were able to freely manipulate P+MM, fostering active discussions. Contributing to the project's aim of "integrating scientific and local knowledge through visualization," it facilitated bidirectional learning between researchers and local communities.
・ Publishing the LINKAGE booklet series as a communication tool with the community (Table 1).
●Organization: Constructing opportunities and communities for mutual learning
・ At Yoron Island, the "Mizunowa (water cycle) Lab Yoron" (environmental educational event) has been conducted to share scientific knowledge with local residents. In 2022, participation joined coral microatoll drilling, providing an opportunity to learn about reconstructing ancient environments from corals (Fig. 16).
・ In Yaese Town, two roundtable meetings on water resources involving diverse stakeholders were held to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders and organize watershed council meetings (refer to 9 for specifics).
・ Dialogue-based activity, "Mizunowa College" of Yaese Town, involves farmers, students, chamber of commerce members, and urban residents participate for learning and practicing environmental-friendly food and agriculture. Monthly farming activities and exploring distribution channels are underway for the Harvest Festival in March 2024.
●Norms: From Learning to Behavioral Change:
Our study revealed that accumulated phosphorus inhibits coral skeletal growth. However, current environmental standards targeting coral reef areas domestically or internationally are scarce. ’The ‘Basic Act on Ocean Policy’ lacks awareness of the connection between land and sea. Moreover, despite coastal land development significantly affecting the sea, there are no cases specifically focused on conserving coral reef ecosystems. Integrated water resource management stands as a representative system related to the water cycle. Although Japan enacted the Water Circulation Basic Act in 2015, emphasizing the importance of groundwater as public water, coastal areas are not included, neglecting marine ecosystem conservation. The discussion about environmental issues and resource management considering land and sea as an integrated entity is a crucial challenge.
●Theorization: A systematic review of adaptive governance and groundwater governance was advanced.
2) Amendments to research objectives, methodology and organization as applicable
The research on the invisibility of groundwater through awareness surveys conducted using a behavioral science approach uncovered the necessity of additional international comparative studies involving multiple countries.
3) Results achieved this year
1. Impact of changes in industrial structures due to globalization and scientific/technological innovation, and climate change
・ Analysis of coral cores from Yoron Island revealed environmental changes within reefs over the past 300 years. Changes in carbon isotopes indicated an increase in atmospheric CO2 since the industrial revolution (AN 148).
2. Deterioration of water environment/coral reef ecosystems due to increased environmental stress
・ Analysis of coral cores from Yoron Island attempted to understand the impact of terrestrial influences through trace element analysis of nutrients like phosphorus (AN 147).
・ We developed a simple boron separation technique for analyzing boron isotopes in groundwater (AN 46), and determined the contribution rates of various sources to island groundwater (Fig. 10; AN 162, 173). We also gained new method on how to estimate pollution load sources using nitrogen and oxygen isotopes (Fig. 11; AN 51).
・ We conducted electrical surveys on the east coast of Yoron Island, observing changes in solute concentrations like phosphates due to saltwater intrusion into limestone aquifers and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in response to tidal fluctuations. The maximum SGD velocity was 55.2 cm/sec, highlighting the importance of managing terrestrial loads via groundwater in coral reef island systems (AN 153).
・ We investigated accumulated phosphorus on sediments in the Sekisei Lagoon. A negative correlation between accumulated phosphorus and juvenile coral density was found (Fig. 14), enabling establishment of a threshold value of 0.62 µg/g P. Taking this threshold into account helps the recovery management of coral reef (AN 172).
・ We developed a 3D water circulation model for southern Okinawa Island, Yoron Island, and Kuroshima Island, aiming to refine the model based on observational data (AN 152).
3. Impact on multiple resources due to the decline of socio-cultural community capability
・ We conducted collaborative research with locals to collect and document historical and cultural materials regarding changes in wisdom and lifestyle practices related to the surrounding nature, aiming to contemplate the future of the islands. The diversity of natural values and biocultural diversity, beyond ecosystem services and utilitarian value, has been revealed through discussions and fieldwork (AN 2, 101).
・ We explored diverse expressions like soundscapes, sketches, music recordings, and paintings to understand the variety of expressions reflecting the richness of engagement with multi-resources. Identified challenges in heritage preservation due to economic dependencies and lifestyle changes in island communities.
4. Adaptive Governance of Multiple Resources
●Awareness: Producing of learning tools and contentst
・ We continued development of P+MM of Yoron Island. Next year's agenda involves incorporating the outcomes of LINKAGE. At "Mizunowa Lab Yoron," a geological excursion was conducted to study the island's formation. Additionally, a geological excursion for elementary school was conducted in Okinoerabu Island.
・ We published "Environmental Education Utilizing Local Nature" as a booklet (Fig. 17; AN 1). This initiative is part of environmental education for primary and middle school students in Yaese Town, including activities from "Mizunowa Summer School." Instruction and materials for utilizing island nature as a field in school education have been proposed. Moreover, there are plans to publish two LINKAGE booklet series (Table 1).
・ Collaborating with local residents to develop an original board game as a communication tool (AN 158).
●Organization: Constructing opportunities and communities for mutual learning
・ The "Accumulative Phosphorus" proposed by this project was adopted as an investigation item for monitoring projects in the Sekisei Lagoon Nature Restoration Council. Our project members initiated the formation of a Working Group for terrestrial load countermeasures.
・ In the community-involved "Survey of the Island's Nature and Life through Old Photographs," a collaborative workshop with the library is scheduled for January 2024, followed by the 3rd Old Photograph Exhibition at Yoron Island in February 2024. This event will involve multi-generational dialogues using photo materials to compare and verify the individual and collective nature values and behavioral episodes (narratives) of the island and differences among generations and actors.
・ We helped developing educational material of geology of Island for marine education in schools with NPO in Yoron Island.
・ Co-organized with Ishigaki City, Taketomi Town, and Naha City Boards of Education, we organized the "Yaeyama School Rice Farming Experience Learning Summit (Online Classes)" with support of JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives), aiming to create opportunities to contemplate water cycle through rice paddy practices.
●Norms formation: From Learning to Behavioral change
・ Nitrate nitrogen concentration in groundwater on Yoron Island has shown a decreasing trend since around 1997. Improved fertilization methods in agriculture, measures against livestock waste, and wastewater treatment have been speculated to be effective measures. Projects and NPOs initiated by local residents for coral preservation, with scientific research evidence, have been ongoing. These activities are considered to have changed the norms of the residents and prompted behavioral changes towards effective nitrate nitrogen pollution control.
・ The correlation between the proposed "accumulative phosphorus" and the increase in coral bleaching rates was communicated through the Sekisei Lagoon Nature Restoration Council to various stakeholders. As a result, a cross-departmental team, "Shin-Sango Rangers," was established in Ishigaki City. Our scientific result and communication appear to have led to behavioral changes at the administrative level.
●Theorization: Conducting meta-analysis and systematic review
・ Systematic review of Adaptive Governance has progressed, with about 32% of the target papers completed by September 2023. Detailed analysis is planned upon completion of coding (refer to 9 for specifics).
・ Systematic review of Adaptive Governance targeting small island regions was conducted, focusing on 43 peer-reviewed papers. (refer to 9 for specifics).
・ With respect to the question, "Do hierarchy and multilayering enhance adaptability?" we hypothesize from the perspective of adaptive governance. (AN 156). As an example of how local knowledge was used in prefectural conservation policy, we investigated the process by which the results of biocultural diversity research in Okinawa Prefecture were used as an environmental assessment item in the prefecture's "regional strategy" based on the Basic Act on Biodiversity.
4) Results can be evaluated as having overfulfilled
The scientific evidence (the deterioration of coral reef ecosystems and their relation to terrestrial loads) was shared in the collaborative learning situation, which resulted in formation of Ishigaki City's Coral Conservation Team. This indicates the LINKAGE project's results contributed to behavioral changes at the administrative level.
5) Points to be evaluated that the goals were not reached
We have signed an MoU with HOU and Wakatobi Regency, and while conducting the baseline survey, there has been a request for cooperation from the Japanese side regarding understanding groundwater flow, aquifers, and water resource potentials. In response to this, we are progressing with acquiring survey tools, with securing investigation permits and visas.
6) Notable achievements and challenges as to contribution to the RIHN programs
In LINKAGE project, we aim to perceive coral reef islands as an integrated system of land and sea, revealing various thresholds and linkages within it, with the goal of contributing to the establishment of resilient societies. This aligns with the direction of the Taniguchi Program. We are also actively engaged in developing communication tools that stimulate shifts in values and behaviors, which is another area where we can contribute. Furthermore, in LINKAGE project, there is a focus on observing, studying, and monitoring the interaction between natural systems and human societal environments, another aspect through which we can contribute to the Taniguchi Program.
Future tasks
Creating Collaborative Spaces: There is a variation in residents' norms concerning resource use and environmental issues across different islands. Collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential for activities directed towards a common goal like coral reef preservation on the islands. In the Yaeyama Islands, mechanisms exist for collaboration among diverse stakeholders such as the Sekisei Lagoon Natural Restoration Council, where LINKAGE can support activities. However, most islands lack such "spaces," making the creation of these spaces the initial challenge. On Yoron Island, efforts are directed towards building a "space" by strengthening relationships with various departments of municipal administrative officials, visualizing monitoring results, enhancing information sharing and mutual understanding, strengthening initiatives from the residents' side, and aiming to create a "space" for sharing common challenges between the administration and residents.