A Study on the Changes and Implications of Japan's Natural Park Management Policy by the Revision of the Natural Park Act

Japan's revision of the Natural Parks Act in 2022 was made in response to the demands of the times for a decrease in population, a change in travel patterns according to various needs, and a change in perception of the use of the natural environment. It is characterized by the ‘Circular Cycle of Protection and Use' as a keyword for natural parks that have been managed with more weight on protection. In other words, the core of the revision is to improve the value as a local resource suitable for stay–type tourism by protecting and utilizing nature at the same time. In the process of managing and utilizing natural parks, it is also characterized by the emphasis on a cooperative system with local communities, such as establishing a plan by a council composed of local related private businesses. If the plan to promote natural experience activities and improve the maintenance of use bases is recognized by the Minister of Environment or the prefectural governor, it is also a major change in the revision of the law to simplify the procedure to enable it without permission for the implementation of the project. It is noteworthy that the revision of the Natural Park Act has legally given the community a role as a true subject in natural park management, and the community has changed to have greater authority and respond quickly and actively to natural park management and utilization.