2009/09/19 Day 7

At Kisen Wai-Wai Village :
- Video presentation by Indian exchange student about massive soil erosion happening along Ganges River.
- Make curry for lunch with wood stove.

Back on campus :
- Discuss how to prepare a draft of the students' declaration on environment
- Establish a drafting committee


We woke up late, and we were slow to make breakfast. We had to cut the scheduled lecture on biodiversity. But the meeting on campus went well without faculty guidance. They have started moving.

2009/09/18 Day 6

Today's program: FIELD TRIP to Kisen Wai-Wai Village

- Make your own bamboo chopsticks with a knife.
- Nature Bingo; A game to look for something in nature that fits various descriptions.
- Make your own supper using wood stove to experience a life of old days.
- Evening lecture: How they teach kids about environment and nature.

Situated in a mountainous area, this place re-creates a village of old Japan, about 60 to 100 years ago. Most buildings are made of wood and straw. We have to use wood stove to cook, and we have to burn firewood to make hot bath. Lots of insects, frogs, snakes, fish and other animals inhabit in and around the area.

Students really enjoyed the life in the countryside.

After the evening lecture, around midnight, students sit together and talked for hours about their feelings and problems they have, and exchanged their thoughts on how they should be at this stage of this camp. After many hours of input, they are feeling the need of output. I can hear the change of shifting gear.

2009/09/17 Day 5

Today's program:

FIELD TRIP 3: Sakai Eco-Town

- Kinki Environmental Industry Co., LTD.

- Kansai Saisigen Network

- Osaka Green Eco-Plaza

SESSION 3: Lectures

3-1. "Global environment viewed from the sky" (by Tateo YOSHIDA, JAL)

3-2. "The Historical Origin and Structure of Forest Devastation in Japan" (by Suehisa OOKURA, MGU)

NIGHT SESSION

National report presentations of the U.S., EU and Nepal.

Since students were always so eager to ask questions, we ran out of time at every field trip location and after every lecture or presentation. The whole day seemed to be packed without any spare time. We finished the last presentation at 9:50pm, but even after that, students were eager to have a discussion in their group before they fill their personal reflection sheets. I am really, really happy to see such enthusiasm among them. (K. Iwao)

2009/09/16 Day 4

FIELD TRIP 2:  
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka Factory
(Suzuka city, Mie Prefecture)

On their way in the bus, they watch DVDs

• "Tonari no TOTORO" (TOTORO, the neighbor)
• "SATOYAMA" (made by NHK)

to learn about the close relationship between human lives in Satoyama and the organisms living in the environment.


NIGHT SESSION:
National reports and reflections

2009/09/15 Day 3

Today's program:
FIELD TRIP 1:  Daiei Environmental Company
- Izumi Recycle Center
- Izumi Landfill
- Izumi Recycle Nature Park

SESSION 2: Lectures
2-1. History of pollution in Japan
 (by Prof. Kaori FUJITA, MGU)
2-2. Wastes Problems and Recycling Policies in Japan
(by Prof. Kazuki TAKETOSHI, MGU)

NIGHT SESSION
- Reports from students: China, Japan (Energy use & CO2 emission)

The last student from Philippines has joined us, so we have 22 all students.

2009/9/14 Day 2

Today's program:
- Discussion on our goals and expectations
- A lecture on human development and environmental sustainability
- Watch movie "The Inconvenient Truth"
- Campus & PC tech orientation
- Presentation of environmental issues in India, Korea, Japan, Canada and the world.
- Discussion and reflection of "The Inconvenient Truth"

2009/9/13 Day 1: Let it begin

It is finally here. Students are coming. We are ready to run.

Hope this would be a happy and fruitful opportunity for all of us.