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Through four billion years of evolution, life on
earth has expanded to almost infinite diversity, each species interacting with others and molding itself to its
habitat until a global ecosystem developed. This diversity of life forms is commonly referred to as biodiversity.
Biodiversity is not only crucial to ecosystem balance, but also brings immeasurable benefit to human lives.
In recent years, however, human activities have caused a rapid decline in biodiversity, such as through destruction
of habitats and overhunting.
This is true of Japan as much as anywhere else, where changes to the natural environment threaten many species
that have developed over millions of years.
Seeking to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of the natural environment on a global scale, the Convention
on Biological Diversity came into effect in 1993. After becoming a signatory, Japan adapted the National Biodiversity
Strategy in 1995, outlining a basic plan for reaching the goals laid out in the convention.
Following this national strategy, Biodiversity Center of Japan was established to encourage the conservation of
biodiversity in Japan and also to contribute to international efforts toward conserving biodiversity. |
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History |
1993 |
Convention
on Biological Diversity comes into effect |
1994 |
Study
group for Biodiversity Center is set up in the Environment Agency.
Study into a biodiversity information system begins. |
1995 |
Budget
for Biodiversity Center is allocated.
The National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan is adapted. |
1996 |
Construction
started. |
1998 |
Construction
completed. |
1998
April 9 |
Administrative
body for Biodiversity Center of Japan established. |
1998 June 24 |
Inauguration
ceremony held. |
1999 | Natural Environment Research foundation started the 6th |
2001 January 06 | "Biodiversity Center" was established |
2002 March 27 | Formulated a new National Biodiversity Strategy | 2010 March | Renewed the exhibition hall |
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