KWIC was commissioned to organize a JICA Group Training Program entitled Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity on a Community Basis (May 27 to July 8, 2013) under the supervision of the Ministry of the Environment. The event was attended by seven administrative officials involved in wetland and biodiversity conservation in China, Costa Rica, Mexico and Malaysia.
Taking advantage of Japan’s natural environment and biodiversity, training was provided at various types of wetlands in five areas from Okinawa to Hokkaido. By studying examples including the Fuyumizu Tambo (winder flooded paddies) Project at the Kabukuri Wetland*1 and the trust movement at the Kiritappu Wetland*2, trainees learned how to encourage local people to take part in related activities and examined methods to enable sustainable use of the benefits provided by wetlands. The activities involved dialogue with officials from administrative agencies, NGO activists, farmers, fishermen and other related people. (*1Osaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture *2Hamanaka Town, Hokkaido)
At the end of the training program, attendees made presentations on action plans to be implemented after their return home. A number of ideas based on knowledge and experience gained in Japan were highlighted, including the launch of visitor center-based promotional activities and ecotourism for local residents.
