Conservation vs. Compensation: Tsurui Village's High-Stakes Land Buyout to Save Kushiro Wetland

On February 26, it was revealed that Tsurui Village in Hokkaido is in the process of acquiring approximately 10 hectares of land from Osaka-based Japan Ecology Co., the developer of a planned mega-solar project near Kushiro Shitsugen (Kushiro Wetland), for 80 million yen. This move is intended to protect the valuable landscape of Kushiro Wetland and the habitat of rare species such as the red-crowned crane.

According to village officials, the 80 million yen acquisition cost is expected to break down as approximately 4 million yen for the land itself, with the remaining 76 million yen allocated as compensation for expenses incurred by Japan Ecology for forest clearing and other related activities. The use of donations collected from across the country is being considered for this acquisition.

This high acquisition price, particularly the compensation to a company reportedly involved in legal violations, has sparked various reactions. Mountaineer Ken Noguchi expressed concern, feeling that "the price was considerably inflated," and worrying that "this could establish a business model where companies demand 'buy our land at a high price if you don't like it.'" Furthermore, some have pointed out Japan Ecology's past reports of violations of the Forest Act and Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act, arguing that "it would be understandable if it were a fine for a company violating laws, but paying them to leave is perverse," thus highlighting flaws in the law. Some critical voices even state, "Using landscape protection as a shield to force the village to buy land at '80 million yen,' disregarding market value, is tantamount to exploiting public funds under the guise of conservation activities. This tactic of using development as bait to demand high-price resale is no longer business; it's a threat to municipalities."

On the other hand, many voices praise Tsurui Village's decision. "It's certainly not a small sum for a small village. Yet, it's wonderful that they are acting to protect the habitat of red-crowned cranes and the landscape of Kushiro Wetland," one opinion said, agreeing that this acquisition is a more valuable act than solar power generation. Tsurui Village also purchased land from the same developer for 3 million yen last year, showing a continuous commitment to nature conservation.

Although this planned development site is located outside the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, it was considered important from a landscape protection perspective because it would appear in views from Otowa Bridge, a renowned roosting site for red-crowned cranes. Many wish for the preservation of Kushiro Wetland, with comments such as, "I was glad I went to see it the other day, so I really want it to be maintained as it is now."

This issue once again highlights a nationwide challenge: how to balance the importance of promoting renewable energy with the protection of local natural environments and landscapes.

The context

Kushiro Shitsugen (Kushiro Wetland) is Japan's largest wetland, located in eastern Hokkaido, designated as a Ramsar site for its international importance. It's a vital habitat for various wildlife, most famously the Japanese Red-crowned Crane (*Tancho*), an endangered species that symbolizes Japan. Tsurui Village is renowned as a primary winter feeding ground for these cranes, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers, particularly to spots like Otowa Bridge. While Japan actively promotes renewable energy, large-scale solar projects (mega-solar) often face local opposition due to their environmental and landscape impacts. The developer, Japan Ecology Co., has a reported history of environmental violations.