Abstract

Nature Positive Initiatives by the Gunma Prefectural Government

Rintarou HARADA

Natural Environment Division, Gunma Prefectural Government

 In December 2024, Gunma Prefecture became the first prefecture in Japan to issue the "Gunma Nature-Positive Declaration." By leveraging its abundant natural capital, the prefecture aims to establish itself as a premier hub for "Nature-Positive Management." This vision is centered on the formation of the "Gunma-version Nature-Positive Management Ecosystem," a framework designed to generate high added value through the concentration of nature-positive enterprises while simultaneously ensuring the conservation of biodiversity. To facilitate collaborative engagement among corporations, organizations, academic institutions, and local governments, the "Gunma Nature-Positive Promotion Platform" was established in May 2025. This platform actively supports these efforts through the organization of workshops and the provision of business-matching services. Furthermore, to implement a prefecture-wide transition toward nature positivity, the "Gunma Nature-Positive Strategy (2026–2030)" is scheduled for formulation in March 2026. This strategy defines the long-term vision for 2050 as the "realization of a society where biodiversity conservation and socio-economic activities coexist in harmony," with the mid-term goal of "achieving Nature Positive by 2030." To attain these objectives, the prefecture has established two core strategic pillars: the "Promotion of a Nature-Positive Economy" and the "Promotion of Regional Environmental Conservation." This framework delineates the respective roles and collective actions required from business operators, citizens, and the prefectural government.

(Translated by Naoto Kamata with support by Gemini)