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ORGANIZERS

Onshirin Regional Public Organization

Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

International Association for the Study of the Commons

REGISTRATION OFFICE

c/o Convention Linkage, Inc.
Sanbancho KS Bldg.
2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-0075, Japan
Phone: +81-3-3263-8695
Fax: +81-3-3263-8693
Email: info@iasc2013.org

Conference Organizers

The Onshirin Regional Public Organization

In the early 17th century, when Japan was ruled by the Shogun, a group of 11 villages situated around the northern foot of Mount Fuji came together to set the rules governing usage of an area of mountain forests and meadows of approximately 8,100 hectares on the mountain’s northern slopes. The villagers harvested grass, firewood, lumber, and other natural resources in this area in accordance with these rules. This system is called ‘iriai’.

In the late 19th century, the Emperor Meiji replaced the Shogun as the ruler of the country, and Japan adopted the institutions of a modern state. To ensure that the region would develop with a respect for the Iriai system , the people of the 11 villages coordinated their efforts, becoming a co-operative under the modern system. This is the origin of the Onshirin Regional Public Organization.

Since then, the people of this region have managed and harvested resources and planted trees according to the rules set by the representatives from the region . The organization has also adapted the Iriai system to the changes of the time, for instance, permitting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to use some land for training facilities, and receiving land rent payments and subsidies from the government.

Until now, Iriai system – the benefits from the land and forests – have been limited to resource harvesting and forestation. However, the Onshirin Regional Public Organization is exploring new forms of Iriai. We hope that in the forest and wilderness, we can discover new ways to help people in Japan’s advanced contemporary society live healthy and fulfill lives.

The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature

The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) is a national research institute located in Kyoto, Japan. RIHN solicits, hosts and funds fixed-term (3-5 year) research projects on pressing areas of interaction between humanity and nature. RIHN research projects work across the natural and social sciences and humanities, seeing humanity as living in the midst of a dynamic, yet changeable nature, and seeking integrative, innovative solutions to environmental problems.

The International Association for the Study of the Commons

The International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) is the leading professional association dedicated to the study of the commons. In bringing researchers from different disciplines together with practitioners and policymakers, the IASC improves understanding of shared resources and provides rich empirical data and theoretical guidance for sustainable management of commons around the world.

Supporters

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan
Yamanashi Prefecture
Shizuoka Prefecture