WORLD
Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula- UNESCO Wolrd Heritage site, one of the world's richest integrated ecosystems
Baku, October 3, AZERTAC
Japan’s Shiretoko is one of the richest integrated ecosystems in the world.
Encompassing both terrestrial and marine areas, the property is located in the northeast of Hokkaido and is comprised of a part of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which protrudes into the Sea of Okhotsk and the surrounding marine areas.
The terrestrial ecosystem has various types of virgin vegetation reflecting the complex topography and weather conditions of the property, and serves as a habitat for a rich and diverse range of fauna and flora, including endangered and endemic species such as Viola kitamiana.
Moreover, the property has one of the highest recorded densities of brown bear populations in the world. Shiretoko has significance as a habitat for globally threatened sea birds and is a globally important area for migratory birds, as well as for a number of marine mammals, including the Steller’s sea lion, Spotted Seal, Killer Whale, Minke Whale, Sperm Whale, Dall’s Porpoise and the endangered Fin Whale.
Inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, Shiretoko is protected by a number of national laws and regulations, including the Nature Conservation Law (1972), the Natural Parks Law (1957), the Law on Administration and Management of National Forests (1951) and the Law for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Species Conservation Law for short) (1992).