Resource Conservation and Community Vitalization Forms of Rural Communities in Hilly and Mountainous Areas

Abstract

This study examines the relation among location characteristics, resource conservation, and vitalization forms of rural communities in hilly and mountainous areas in Japan. Using data from rural communities in the Shimane prefectures, we examined the community location factors affecting the resource conservation and vitalization forms in hilly and mountainous areas in relation to management forms, including utilization of subsidies under the Japanese-style direct payment policy. Our analysis resulted in the following findings.

First, multifunctional payment projects with broad-based management are contributing to the formation of new social networks between the residents in these communities and the organizations that conduct the projects. Second, bridging social capital is functioning within a range of elementary school districts, which complements bonding social capital in some respects. Third, location factors such as multiple-valley and small parcels may increase conservation costs within multiple communities. Fourth, local government officials report that there is little additional grant funding for broadening the management area with multiple communities relative to the cost of broadening the area. This limited distribution of the subsidies may weaken the promotion of broad-based conservation. Although the expansion of the conservation area with multiple communities is effective, results of this study imply that it is appropriate to start in an area with local attachments.