JAUE2022-054: A Study on Waterfront Management and Utilization Through Regional Cooperation

Abstract

The Kodomonomizube (Children’s Waterfront) Project has been promoted in Japan since 1999. In this project, rivers are developed as places for children to experience nature and environmental education and are managed and operated by local governments and citizen groups. However, river maintenance and use differ significantly between areas. In this study, we conducted questionnaire and interview surveys on Kodomonomizube managers to examine measures for sustainable conservation management and utilization of waterfront areas by citizen collaboration. We found that, due to increased time spent on English and information education, the time for nature experience learning in elementary and junior high schools has decreased, leading to reduced opportunities for Kodomonomizube activities. Furthermore, in the waterfront where citizens’ groups are involved in the planning stage of river improvement, post-improvement activities are present. However, in cases where the government led the development and management of the waterfront, activities tended to stagnate or be interrupted