Transdisciplinary approaches for the reactivation of Japanese biosphere reserves

The first four biosphere reserves in Japan were designated in 1980, following the launch of UNESCO’s MAB Programme in 1971. However, they soon became dormant for over 30 years. We describe how these biosphere reserves were reactivated, as well as how new biosphere reserves emerged, focusing on the collaborative interactions among scientists, practitioners, environmental groups and government officials from transdisciplinary perspectives. These interactions are contributing to local sustainable development in Japanese biosphere reserves.