"IKIMONO-MIKKE" ("I found it!") is a public program designed to help people learn about the flora and fauna species that exist in their local neighborhoods. Each season a list of target plants and animals is created and participants in the program look for those species in their local area, reporting any findings on an Internet or mobile phone site or by mail or fax.

Open to anyone to participate, the program was originally launched by the Ministry of the Environment's Biodiversity Center of Japan as a fun way for people to learn about biodiversity, an issue the Center regards as critically in need of greater public understanding for the advancement of environmental objectives, given its key position within the larger issue of environmental conservation. The program encourages participants to observe local animals and plants and the ecosystems they inhabit and thus learn about the effects human activities have on biodiversity, including those caused by global warming.

While the issues of biodiversity and global warming have become more familiar to some members of the community, the general awareness level is still low. This program aims to serve as a gateway learning opportunity for those who are less familiar the issues as well as a chance for those who already have a certain level of knowledge to deepen their understanding. For people who are aware of the issues but not sure how to get involved, the program provides encouragement to start taking actions to reduce CO2 emissions and conserve biodiversity.

The program has added significance this year, given that in 2010, Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture, will play host to the 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP10).

"IKIMONO-MIKKE"

Discover life in nature. Transform the nature of your life.

IKIMONO-MIKKE: Participants who spot certain selected species (see the list below) while going about their everyday life report the time, location and other information (including photos) via the Internet, including by mobile phone, or by mail or fax. The information is incorporated in real time into the IKIMONO Map, which displays the locations of plants, animals and insect species observed. At the end of the survey, the data on each species will be collected and analyzed in consultation with experts in the field.

From July 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011 - The fiscal 2009 survey starts on June 1, 2009.

All residents of Japan are invited to participate, with the goal for the total number of participants set at one million.

Both the general public and media are invited to direct questions and requests to the following: