Keio Research Institute at SFC

Objectives

The 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10) was held in October 2010 in Nagoya City. Before this meeting, it had been reported all over the world that the former goal, to significantly decelerate the speed of biodiversity reduction, had fallen radically short of achievement. At COP 10, in response to this, it was agreed that efforts would be made to broadly promote understanding of the importance of biodiversity and advance the preservation of biodiversity on a global scale through the gathering of skills from a variety of sectors. However, the details of methods and process have never been made really clear, and the other globally important issue, global warming, has often been discussed as a separate issue. In this laboratory, we aim to clarify practical methods for biodiversity preservation not only from the natural scientific viewpoint, but also from the social scientific viewpoint, from the regional to global scale. We will also put greater emphasis on environmental education with the aim of bringing biodiversity to the forefront of major global issues.

Outline of Research Activity Plan (First Year)

We will conduct mobile tracking research into the migratory patterns of birds, including ducks and hawks, to Japan. This will include satellite tracking of the migration of each bird, and analysis of migration routes, stopover points, and sojourn times with consideration given to environmental factors, such as climate conditions. We will also start studies on the impact of global warming on the population, distribution, and arrival time of migratory birds, using data collected by one of our members, Professor Hiroyoshi Higuchi. In addition, we will initiate study on the potential environmental education program that will utilize the migratory bird tracking research.

Researchers, managers and professors