Research framework
Strategic Research Program
Harmonization with Nature Research Program
We conduct research and technological development on the measures for conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ecosystem services, which are essential for establishing a society in harmony with nature.
- Overview of Harmonization with Nature Research Program
- PJ1 Sustainable ecosystem management strategies for a society with a declining population
- PJ2 Management of ecological risk causative factors that threaten biodiversity and human society
- PJ3 Biological responses, acclimations, adaptations, and resiliencies to environmental changes
- PJ4 Research on problem solving using ecosystem functions
- PJ5 Integrated research for balancing conservation and utilization of biodiversity and behavioral change
Basic and fundamental approaches
Foresight and Advanced Basic Research
- Spatial Analysis of Biodiversity and Ecosystem
- Analysis of changes in biodiversity and ecosystems
- Analysis of the structure and function of ecosystems
Policy-Oriented Research
NIES will promote the formation of a research core for the observation and assessment of biodiversity, and enhance cooperative research network with other organizations within and outside of NIES to accumulate and analyze information related to biodiversity, including biological distribution. This will contribute to the formulation of goals for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and to the understanding of the degree of achievement of these goals.
Also, the Lake Biwa Branch Office in Shiga Prefecture, which is a joint laboratory under the Regional Environment Conservation Division and the Biodiversity Division, will work with the Ministry of the Environment and Shiga Prefecture to conserve the water quality and ecosystem of Lake Biwa and its watershed.
Intellectual Research Infrastructure Development
Genome analysis and DNA barcoding
We will promote whole-genome analysis of organisms related to environmental problems and analyze the genetic diversity obtained from environmental DNA or wildlife. We have also obtained and released DNA barcode sequences for identification of species. 
Preservation of biological resources
Since 2002, we have cryopreserved tissues and viable cells of domestic endangered animal species in liquid nitrogen for the purpose of scientific research for biodiversity conservation and for providing the access to the materials by current and future generations. We also collect, maintain, and distribute microalgal strains and endangered algal strains.
- Preservation of genetic resources of endangered wildlife species
- Collection, preservation, and distribution of strains of microalgae and endangered algae (MCC-NIES)
Long-term ecosystem monitoring
We have been monitoring water quality and freshwater organisms, such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates, of Lake Kasumigaura over 40 years. We also develop new monitoring methods, analyze long-term changes in water quality and aquatic communities, and identify the factors related to these changes. In addition, in the area of genetically modified crop monitoring, we are conducting research related to the monitoring of oilseed rape to prevent it from going wild and expanding its distribution.
- Long-term lake monitoring and contribution to domestic and international observation networks
- Genetically modified oilseed rape
Development of biodiversity and ecosystem databases
Biodiversity information accumulated through research has been compiled into databases and made available on our websites.
Cooperation between natural and social sciences
While research on the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems tends to be centered on organisms and their surrounding environments, it is also important to estimate the value of biodiversity and ecosystems and establish a society to conserve them. Thus, we need a research approach from a social scientific viewpoint as well as collaboration with various stakeholders and citizens, including building a social mechanism to enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. Based on this point of view, the Biodiversity Division conducts the following activities:
- We established a cooperative research group based on collaboration between the fields of social science and biodiversity conservation. Researchers specializing in ecology and those specializing in social science and economics (belonging to or outside of the Social Systems and Biodiversity Division) collaborated to set up a new interdisciplinary research.
- We participate in the activities of Social Dialogue and Co-production Office and promote interactive dialogue and collaboration with various stakeholders and citizens.
- We are conducting research projects and conservation activities in cooperation with environmental NGOs and NPOs (e.g., the Japan committee for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems).
