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Hokkaido University sites registered in an international biodiversity conservation database

University News | August 29, 2024


An aerial photo of Uryu Experimental Forest (Provided by Forest Research Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University)


The Central Lawn of Hokkaido University’s Sapporo Campus

Two Hokkaido University sites: the Uryu Experimental Forest and Sapporo Campus, are two of the “Nationally Certified Sustainability Managed Natural Sites” (*) designated by the Ministry of Environment of Japan. 


As of August 2024, 48,000 hectares of the “Nationally Certified Sustainability Managed Natural Sites”—including the aforementioned two Hokkaido University sites—have been registered in an international biodiversity conservation database “Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures,” or  WD-OECM. This is part of international efforts to conserve 30% of the ocean and land areas as healthy ecosystems by 2030, called “30 by 30.”


Located in Horokanai Town in northern Hokkaido, the Uryu Experimental Forest is the oldest experimental forest owned by Hokkaido University. Covering the registered area of 24,953 hectares, the forest’s vegetation is characterized by a mixture of coniferous and broadleaf forests. 


The primary academic and administrative site of the University, the Sapporo Campus covers the registered area of 126 hectares, situated in the heart of Sapporo City. The campus ground is also a place of recreation and relaxation for many people, including citizens, due to its rich natural environment of green spaces, forests, creeks, and farms.


(*) The “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites” is a designation for an area where biodiversity is being conserved through efforts by the private and other sectors. 


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