Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- amid /uh-MID/
- detrimental /de-truh-MEN-tl/
- influx /IN-fluhks/
- strive /strahyv/
- sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/
[preposition] – in the middle of or surrounded by
The negotiations took place amid the bustling atmosphere of the city’s financial district.
[adjective] – causing harm or damage
The excessive use of pesticides can be detrimental to the health of both humans and the environment.
[noun] – the fact of a large number of people or things arriving at the same time
The opening of the new shopping mall led to a significant influx of shoppers into the area.
[verb] – to try very hard to do something or to make something happen, especially for a long time or against difficulties
Despite facing numerous challenges, she continued to strive for excellence in her studies.
[adjective] – causing, or made in a way that causes, little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time
Installing solar panels on rooftops is a sustainable way to generate clean energy.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Amid concerns about overtourism impacting the iconic Mount Fuji, the Yamanashi Prefectural Government is considering a transformative solution to alleviate the strain caused by overcrowding. Governor Kotaro Nagasaki has proposed the introduction of a light rail transit system as a potential remedy to this issue. Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Nagasaki stressed the urgency of addressing the escalating challenges linked to excessive tourism.
As Mount Fuji celebrates its 10th anniversary of being designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Nagasaki acknowledges the pressing need to address the detrimental consequences of overtourism. The UNESCO designation brought forth three key responsibilities: managing the influx of visitors, mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, and harmonizing the site with its natural and historical context. Unfortunately, the past decade has witnessed the exacerbation of over-tourism’s negative effects on this revered hiking and tourist destination. Failing to adequately tackle these challenges could jeopardize the esteemed UNESCO status. Nagasaki has proposed a forward-thinking solution: a light rail system that would replace the existing Fuji Subaru highway leading to one of Mount Fuji’s fifth stations. The rail system aims to regulate visitor numbers by limiting passengers, reducing private vehicles, and emphasizing a blend with the natural surroundings, spirituality, and enhanced tourist experience. The Yamanashi Prefectural Government is resolute about realizing this vision and is currently conducting a feasibility study for the light rail system. They aim to secure stakeholder support, including local residents, by March 2024. Urgency stems from a twofold increase in fifth station visitors between 2012 and 2019, causing overcrowding, environmental issues, and reduced tourist satisfaction. Shifting from quantity to quality, Nagasaki and his team strive to preserve Mount Fuji’s sanctity while ensuring a sustainable, enriching visitor experience.
As Mount Fuji celebrates its 10th anniversary of being designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Nagasaki acknowledges the pressing need to address the detrimental consequences of overtourism. The UNESCO designation brought forth three key responsibilities: managing the influx of visitors, mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, and harmonizing the site with its natural and historical context. Unfortunately, the past decade has witnessed the exacerbation of over-tourism’s negative effects on this revered hiking and tourist destination. Failing to adequately tackle these challenges could jeopardize the esteemed UNESCO status. Nagasaki has proposed a forward-thinking solution: a light rail system that would replace the existing Fuji Subaru highway leading to one of Mount Fuji’s fifth stations. The rail system aims to regulate visitor numbers by limiting passengers, reducing private vehicles, and emphasizing a blend with the natural surroundings, spirituality, and enhanced tourist experience. The Yamanashi Prefectural Government is resolute about realizing this vision and is currently conducting a feasibility study for the light rail system. They aim to secure stakeholder support, including local residents, by March 2024. Urgency stems from a twofold increase in fifth station visitors between 2012 and 2019, causing overcrowding, environmental issues, and reduced tourist satisfaction. Shifting from quantity to quality, Nagasaki and his team strive to preserve Mount Fuji’s sanctity while ensuring a sustainable, enriching visitor experience.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a popular tourist destination and experienced issues related to overcrowding and its impact on the environment and visitor experience? If not, how do you perceive the concept of overtourism and its potential consequences?
- How do you think the introduction of a light rail transit system, as proposed by Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, could effectively address the challenges of overtourism at Mount Fuji?
- Do you believe that the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Mount Fuji and its subsequent challenges with overtourism highlight the delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving natural and cultural heritage?
- What potential obstacles or resistance do you think the Yamanashi Prefectural Government might encounter while trying to implement the proposed light rail system?
- What measures could be put in place to monitor and manage the capacity of the light rail system to prevent it from becoming overwhelmed by visitors?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- excessive
- address
- heritage
- environmental issue
- light rail system