Supported projects under development in various regions of the world.

Example of Project Overseas

Thailand

Future Creation Project Through Local Knowledge and Traditional Knowledge of the Karen Tribe

Conference of Earth Environment from Akita is working on conserving the ecosystem services in the very biologically diverse Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex (KKFC) in Thailand, as well as on building an effective and balanced resource management system.

The goal of this project is to create villages in which people's livelihood and nature conservation can coexist by utilizing the inherited local knowledge and traditions of the Karen tribe living in KKFC that contribute to sustainable utilization of natural and cultural resources. Specific initiatives included supporting introduction of sustainable organic farming, and developing teaching materials for building a sustainable community, targeted at elementary and junior high school students. Furthermore, since many similar issues are found throughout Asia, the project is also taking actions to spread the initiative to other regions, for example, holding workshops that cover a wide area in order to develop the human resources necessary for continuing activities and build consensus.

The project has helped people deepen their understanding about the value of natural resources and continue to autonomously manage the systems that have been built.

Hand weaving, representing the Karen tribe's traditional culture
Hand weaving, representing the Karen tribe's traditional culture

Example of Project in Japan

Nature-based Solutions by Urban Green Infrastructure

The Toshima Green Infrastructure Network (TGIN), based in Toyoshima Ward, is seeking ideal forms of urban green infrastructures1 that address issues presented in local communities, and then promotes and implements such infrastructures. Green infrastructures are being implemented in collaboration with local store associations, local residents, local governments, NPOs, and Taisho University students.

For example, TGIN has created a rooftop farm and a rain garden at the Taisho University Nishisugamo campus, where TGIN is based, and is searching for ways to use green infrastructures to solve various societal challenges, such as the heat and heavy rain caused by climate change, earthquakes that directly hit the capital, and biodiversity loss.

Additionally, TGIN is communicating ideal forms of urban green infrastructures to society at large. It is trying to increase the scale of its activities through collaboration with initiatives in other regions inside and outside Japan, as well as mutual learning.

1 Urban green infrastructure is an initiative that promotes wise utilization of nature's functions within urban areas in order to promote sustainable communities, such as growing a variety of crops in rooftop farms at Taisho University (The Gamall Farm) and having children in the neighboring communities come on a tour or experience harvesting
Harvesting sweet potatoes at a rooftop farm with children from the neighboring communities
Harvesting sweet potatoes at a rooftop farm with children from the neighboring communities