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One of the presentations during the GBF Peatland Workshop focused on the threat to a mire called Nakaikemi Marsh, which lies on the north coast of Honshu Island. Using photographs, species lists and video, representatives of the Nakaikemi Marsh Trust, described how this mire, which lies in a deep basin and contains a peat archive more than 60 metres deep (spanning more than 45,000 years), is now threatened by development proposals from the Osaka Gas Company Limited. The members of the Workshop were strongly of the opinion that the site was of considerable international significance, and that the proposed development posed a real threat to the site. Consequently it was agreed that a series of letters should be sent to those involved in deciding the future of Nakaikemi Marsh, urging all parties to consider ways in which destruction of the mire might be avoided.
Letters were sent to the Mayor of Tsuruga City, the Governor of Fukui Prefecture, the President of Osaka Gas Co. Ltd., the Japanese Environment Agency, and the Ramasr Bureau. The letters were sent by the International Peat Society (IPS) on behalf of the various delegates attending the Peatland Workshop. One of these letters is appended. Following receipt of the letter, discussions have now been opened between IPS (and partners) and the Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. Further progress on this issue can be followed on IMCG's "Site Issues" page.