Hokkaido’s Shiretoko peninsula was recently designated as a World Natural Heritage Site. The area was the third site in Japan to receive the distinction, which was officially made in July of 2005. Shiretoko, which is known as the last frontier of Japan, boasts a rich ecosystem. This includes an ocean nurtured by winter ice drifts, as well as a landmass covered with pristine forests.

Shiretoko peninsula, which means “the end of the world” in the Ainu language of Hokkaido’s indigenous people, was designated as a national park as far back as 1964 and has been rigorously conserved for many years. To this day Shiretoko still retains excellent landscapes and abundant nature, nearly untouched by mankind thanks to the area’s unfriendly terrain and harsh northern climate, which has thwarted the intrusion of humans.

The registration of the Shiretoko Peninsula as a World Natural Heritage Site is an honorable event. However, a sudden surge in tourism, which could result from the recognition, could threaten the pristine environment. We must fight against this, and remain determined to pass this heritage on to future generations.