Initiatives

Started in May 2017, this public-private partnership initiative aims to restore the city environment to one suitable for wildlife, including insects and birds, by ensuring the planting of native trees and plants that are naturally distributed in Tokyo.

More specifically, its purpose is to expand the planting of native species, which will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Tokyo and the formation of an ecological network and OECM by registering, providing a logo, and publicizing green spaces on the premises of private properties, where native species are planted positively, as EDO-MIDORI Registered Green Spaces.

The origin of name comes from the former name of Tokyo, Edo, where people lived close to nature, loving flowers, plants, and wildlife and enjoying the changing seasons.

Eligible green spaces are those on the premises of private buildings such as office buildings and shopping centers, with a site of 1,000 square meters or more.

Requirements for registration as an “EDO-MIDORI Registered Green Space.”
1.Green areas with an area of 100 square meters or more planted with trees
2.Percentage of an area of native trees
    ・Tall trees: 40% or more
    ・Medium trees and shrubs: 10% or more
3.Number of species of native trees
    ・Tall trees: 4 or more
    ・Medium trees and shrubs: 3 or more

Green spaces that are particularly outstanding in terms of habitat and growth environment for wildlife are distinguished and registered as “Excellent Green Space.” The registration requirements include reducing using of chemical herbicides, insecticides, etc., and securing feeding and hiding places for insects, birds, etc.

13 private green spaces have been registered so far, which ensure planting and the environment suitable for wildlife in a creative manner and provide green spaces friendly to both wildlife and humans. However, it is sometimes difficult for green space managers to maintain the area with consideration for ecosystems and measure the degree of contribution to local biodiversity conservation, which has become an issue. There is also the issue of financing the cost of maintaining green spaces.

They hope to spread a value that creating and maintaining green spaces with consideration for wildlife is “粋(Iki)” – a Japanese aesthetic sense which was born in Edo period and means chic and considerate- by providing technical support, such as the dispatch of experts to solve these issues, and raising public awareness of the program.