The "Japan Nature Conservation Award" recognizes Japan's top nature conservation and biodiversity conservation activities. This year marks the 26th year since the award's predecessor, the Shin Numata Award, was established.

We are now accepting applications for the "2026 Japan Nature Conservation Award."

Grand prizes will be selected from three categories: Conservation Practice, Education and Outreach, and Children/Students. Winners will be announced on October 17, 2026 (Anniversary of the founding of the Nature Conservation Society of Japan).

The award ceremony will be held by visiting the activity sites of each award-winning group, scheduled for around October-December 2026.

The "Japan Nature Conservation Award" was established in 2014 by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Nature Conservation Society of Japan (Chairman: Toshiyuki Tsuchiya), on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the "Nature Conservation Charter." Its predecessor, the "Shin Numata Award," was established in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Nature Conservation Society of Japan's founding, making this the 26th year since the Shin Numata Award. To date, a total of 69 organizations and individuals have received the Grand Prize and Special Awards (97 cases in total including the Shin Numata Award). We look forward to receiving applications from across the country again this year.

Details here

2026 Japan Nature Conservation Award Special Website

Activities of the 2025 Nature Conservation Award winners and scenes from the award ceremony

Organizer

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Nature Conservation Society of Japan

Sponsors

IUCN-J (IUCN National Committee for Japan), Nature Conservation Charter Promotion Council

Application Deadline

August 20, 2026

Announcement of Winners

October 17, 2026 (Anniversary of the founding of the Nature Conservation Society of Japan)

Eligibility

All individuals and organizations, including children, adults, corporations, and local governments.

Self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted.

Application Categories

[Conservation Practice Category]

Activities and research that have achieved results in conservation and restoration of nature and biodiversity. We evaluate ambitious and steady practices that confront difficult challenges, utilizing each participant's position and characteristics.

[Education and Outreach Category]

Activities that have achieved results in education and outreach aimed at nature conservation and biodiversity conservation. Activities that embody the main principles of the Nature Conservation Charter are highly evaluated.

[Children/Students Category]

Activities and research undertaken primarily by children and students, from elementary school to university level. Activities undertaken by children and students with unique ideas, and which are ongoing rather than one-off events, are highly evaluated.

[Special Jury Award / Shin Numata Award]

The "Special Jury Award" will be presented to activities that received particularly high evaluation from the selection committee, second only to the Grand Prize. The "Shin Numata Award" will be presented to activities that are worthy of passing on the spirit of Dr. Shin Numata, who dedicated himself to nature conservation, to the future.

How to Apply

Download the prescribed form from the 2026 Japan Nature Conservation Award special website, fill it out, and submit it via the application form on the special website.

Details here

2026 Japan Nature Conservation Award Special Website

Reference

About the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Nature Conservation Society of Japan

Founded in 1951 with the aim of nature conservation and biodiversity conservation, it is one of Japan's oldest nature conservation organizations. Starting with the conservation of Oze, where a dam project was underway, it has continued its activities in Yakushima, Ogasawara, Shirakami-Sanchi, and other areas, laying the foundation for World Natural Heritage site registration, and continues to protect fragile nature throughout Japan through various activities. With the message "Opening tomorrow with the power of nature," it is an NGO working towards a society where humans and nature coexist, and where everyone from babies to the elderly can live smiling, surrounded by beautiful and abundant nature. It continues to research, protect, and utilize nature through activities across Japan, from mountains to the sea.

http://www.nacsj.or.jp/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 募集