Nature Conservation Law, 1972 (Law No. 85 of 1972).

This Law aims at protecting and managing natural resources and natural ecosystems.
The Law makes provision for the designation of, and for the determination of conservation plans relating to the following areas: wilderness areas which are areas that preserve and maintain the original ecosystem and that are free of human influence; nature conservation areas which are natural areas that preserve and maintain natural ecosystems such as alpine vegetation, marine areas and rivers, lakes and sea coasts with valuable wildlife, offshore seabed, etc.; and prefectural nature conservation areas which are areas other than marine areas that preserve and maintain valuable natural environment at the prefectural level.
The State must establish a basic policy to conserve the natural environment to prescribe the following matters: (i) basic concepts concerning nature conservation; (ii) basic matters concerning nature conservation measures; (iii) basic matters concerning the standards for nature conservation measures, including standards for the designation of prefectural nature conservation areas, and standards for securing biodiversity in connection with those areas; etc.
The Law further provides for the following: acts prohibited within the wilderness areas; designation of special areas within the nature conservation areas; compensation for loss; offences and penalties; etc.