The Futurability of Islands: A Japanese Reflection on the Harmonious Coexistence of Nature and Humankind

Abstract

Islands are usually described as ecologically fragile places. Their sustainable ­development requires careful and long-term design. By “long-term” I means at least 100 years, whereas most development designs and plans are set up for much shorter terms of a few years at most. Development policies are usually designed for limited terms because political and/or economic planning is based on a strict budget and strict time frame in power which, for ministers and politicians in democratic societies­, averages at around 3.5 years. Although detailed budget sharing may be ­possible only for cycles of a few years, practical planning should be conceived for such terms within a longer perspective of centuries and on the basis of appropriate scientific estimates. Sustainability will be maintained only when such long-term estimations are successful.