セクションアウトライン



    • Unification or exclusion? Community engagement and management for rabbit Island

      Abstract:
      Ōkunoshima Island, known as “Rabbit Island,” has gained popularity among tourists, but managing the resident rabbits and interactions with tourists has largely relied on Usakatsu visitors, dedicated volunteers engaged in rabbit care. This dependence stems partly due to the rabbits being classified as an alien species. While Usakatsu was initiated by certain rabbit enthusiasts to improve the welfare of the rabbits, increasing number of participants with diverse goals and motivations has resulted in challenges and uncertainties. Some activities by Usakatsu visitors were not aligned with the Ministry of Environment’s (MOE) objectives, leading to concerns. To address these issues, the MOE implemented the “Ōkunoshima Mirai Supporter System,” to unify volunteer efforts according to their objectives. However, its effectiveness in sustaining rabbit tourism remains unknown. This presentation examines the impact of the new management system and its role in achieving sustainable rabbit tourism while addressing the challenges faced by Usakatsu visitors.