The Fight Against Erosion
Helping to Preserve Nature
The Minami Alps is an area of great natural beauty, but it is also prone to heavy rains in summer, and is buffeted by seasonal typhoons. The mountains are steep and the rapid rivers within the deep valleys can become raging torrents after heavy rains, leading to severe erosion and even landslides. However, some ingenious technologies help preserve the landscape and keep visitors safe.
Although they may sometimes seem out of place in natural areas, small check dams and retaining walls are invaluable tools in stopping erosion damage. While the concrete additions are noticeable at first, over time vegetation returns and thrives, the areas damaged by erosion recover, and the construction fades into the landscape. These manmade structures help protect the native animal and plant life, the mountains themselves, and the people living along the rivers.