Daisen Nature Base

Daisen Nature Base is Sustainable Daisen’s new conservation centre and field headquarters in Kyu-nawa — the village at the heart of our work to protect the Japanese Giant Salamander and restore the health of the river ecosystem.

Located beside the river we have been surveying for Project BIG, our bypass ramp initiative, the Base gives us a permanent presence in the community and a practical hub for fieldwork, restoration, and outreach.

Why a base matters

Conservation here depends on trust.

For several years we have built relationships with local residents through practical support — helping with village tasks such as clearing drains, cutting grass, and maintaining shared spaces. Establishing a visible base in the village strengthens that cooperation and makes our work easier to understand and participate in. Local leaders have told us they are pleased the building is being cared for and used to protect the river and surrounding landscape.

At the river’s edge

The Base sits directly beside the river that forms the focus of our long-term monitoring and restoration work. This location allows us to respond quickly during key field periods, coordinate surveys efficiently, and support both permanent and temporary measures linked to Project BIG.

Bringing a beautiful house back to life

The building itself is part of the story.

After the sudden passing of the former owner, the house stood largely unused for several years. Built from high-quality local wood by a master carpenter, it feels almost like a living museum. It was once a source of pride for the village, and the community has welcomed its revival as a place that now supports conservation and local engagement.

What happens here

From Daisen Nature Base we coordinate salamander surveys, river monitoring, and restoration work, collaborate with researchers and engineers, support local efforts to address pollution issues, and develop new initiatives such as wildlife-friendly rice cultivation that links conservation with local livelihoods.

A place for wildlife and collaboration

The surrounding landscape supports rich amphibian and reptile life, with frogs, newts, and several snake species thriving in the mosaic of river, rice fields, and forest edges. The Base provides a place where conservation work, research, and local knowledge come together.

Stay connected

If you would like to support the Base, collaborate, or learn more about our work, please get in touch.