n Nature-Positive Economy Strategy The Japanese government is actively promoting a “nature-positive” economic strategy that encourages businesses to consider biodiversity and ecosystem services in their operations and decision-making. n International Engagement Japan is looking to participate in global biodiversity credit systems with a goal of creating new markets for nature-based solutions beyond its borders. n Corporate Disclosure Driven by investor demand, companies are more frequently disclosing their nature-related impacts and dependencies through frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). 16 Potential economic benefits of Japan’s biodiversity focus include the following: n New Market Opportunities An increased focus on nature conservation promises to ignite growth in eco tourism, sustainable agriculture, and carbon offset markets. n Enhanced Brand Reputation Companies demonstrating commitment to biodiversity can attract environmentally conscious consumers and investors. n Resilience to Climate Change Protecting and restoring ecosystems can provide important climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits. Fisheries, oceans, and the Blue Economy—focused on sustainably using ocean resources for economic growth and ecosystem health 17 —are areas of growing interest for both public and private sectors. However, industries dependent on natural resources face increasing challenges due to climate change and global market fluctuations. The eel market exemplifies this vulnerability. Overfishing, coupled with concerns about declining water quality, has significantly disrupted eel fisheries. 18 Eel, a key element of Japanese cuisine, has seen its supply dwindle, leading to soaring prices—from ¥2,300 per kilogram in 2010 to over ¥5,500 in 2023. 19
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Ten Years in the Making
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