Tax breaks planned for natl parks
Copyright 2001
The Daily Yomiuri (Tokyo)
December 19, 2001 Wednesday
In an effort to preserve privately owned undeveloped land and forests in national and quasinational parks, the Environment Ministry Tuesday decided to introduce tax breaks for owners who allow certain organizations and local governments to manage their property for them.
Landowners who sign what is tentatively called a "landscape preservation agreement" will pay less inheritance tax and no land-holding tax, according to the ministry. "Private land in national and quasinational parks tends to be developed because of its natural surroundings. Also, the government's development standards are less strict for such land, making it even easier for owners to develop it," a ministry official said.
National and quasinational parks are grouped into five categories according to the density of their forests, with each category having different development regulations concerning deforestation, construction and other factors.
Recently, some older owners who were unable to manage their properties have sought help from volunteers to care for these natural environments.
Under the new system, landowners would sign agreements with local governments or nonprofit organizations involved in nature preservation management.
After approval by the Environment Ministry, owners will receive the tax breaks, the ministry said.
"Landowners will have to allow their land to be used for preservation management activities," said a ministry official.