White storks flying over a paddy field in Kawachi Town, Ibaraki Prefecture (Sankei Shimbun), July 9, 2023.
Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - 'SDGs Bonds' Fuel Conservation Efforts for Japan's Endangered Wildlife
Local governments around the country are issuing SDGs bonds to fund biodiversity conservation efforts. The bonds take their name from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Authorities are channeling a portion of funds raised through these bonds into habitat improvements for endangered species like the crested ibis and the Oriental white stork, both designated special natural monuments. Demand from investors, including businesses, is strong.
Conserving Storks and Ibis
Bonds issued by Ishikawa Prefecture in February 2024 incorporated funds for building and improving rice paddies. These fields serve as feeding grounds for the endangered crested ibis.
Ishikawa is known as the last prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu where crested ibises lived before once going extinct in the country. Ibis now inhabit the prefecture again after birds bred in captivity were released into the wild.
Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth to learn more how SDGs bonds are being channeled into wildlife conservation efforts.
And find more great articles on the environment and the challenges of achieving the SDGs on our affiliated website Japan 2 Earth (J2E), sparking a transition to a sustainable future.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
