I november 2008 samledes 27 unge fra 23 forskellige lande i Japan, for at debattere emnet "Thinking about a sustainable society". Den tidligere leder af Grøn Vision, Julie Nilsson, deltog i denne to ugers workshop, der resulterede i ni punkter hvor verdens unge mener der bør gøres tiltag. Diskussionerne var centrerede omkring følgende hovedemner:
· Action for a 3R oriented society
· Action for climate change
· Local society and environmental control
· Major Proposals
Disse emner blev diskuteret med udgangspunkt i erfaringer fra egne lande, samt besøgene i regionen Wakayama i Japan.
Herunder kan du læse korte sammendrag af de ni punkter, samt klikke dig videre til hele teksten.
Central theme: Learning through International Exchange
As a response from the 26 young people from the 23 countries we represent, we have learnt that through sharing our ideas, we are united as youth. While we represent many cultural differences, we have developed an understanding of major environmental issues by sharing our international experiences and providing solutions for global sustainability. Our Japanese experience has expanded the way in which we seek to tackle future problems so that tomorrow’s youth may also enjoy a healthy planet. We would like to express our appreciation to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for providing us with this wonderful opportunity and renew our pledge to continue our efforts upon returning to our respective countries.
General Proposals
a)
Reducing Mass Consumption: Lessons from Professor Nakashima
We should act now to ensure that future generations re-orient their thinking and value systems away from mass production, consumption and disposal towards ‘conscious consumption’, and embrace a lifestyle which is more in balance with the natural environment and upholds the spirit of chōwa, or harmony.
b)
Encouraging Education on Sustainability: Lessons from Wakayama Prefecture
We recommend that the youth of the world act within their own areas of influence and support the education of community members. All efforts must comprise strategies for influencing broader social and cultural issues which help to re-orient societies towards more sustainable practices.
c)
The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility and Technology: Lessons from the Nishihiro Coast
Technology should encompass the concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and economic viability through financial incentives such as the introduction of ‘eco-tax’ to motivate eco-friendly product purchases. Countries should advocate the use of appropriate technologies and demand that businesses support an environmental ethic.
Specific Proposals
· “4R+L”: Lessons from the past
World youth should act in accordance with the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) principles and incorporate the 4th R (repair) during their everyday activities. To achieve this, understanding mottainai in relation to local (L) areas is a good starting point.
· From Sound Material Cycles towards Complete Material Cycles: Lessons from Yuasa Soy Sauce
We need to reexamine the production cycle and provide a Sound Material Cycle (SMC) with the view to continue efforts and aim for as close to a ‘Complete’ Material Cycle (CMC) as possible. While CMC may be an impossible ideal, through constant improvements we can hope to come as close as possible to realizing this goal.
· Valuing forests and ecology systems: Lessons from Mr. Yamamoto
We propose that the existing forests should have an internationally recognized economic value. Furthermore, the recovery and reclamation of forests should be advocated. The economic value must also be combined with respect for nature, which is reflected in Japan’s deep connection to their forested areas.
· Implement branding strategies: Lessons from Matsuda Shoten
Each country should be required to brand products which satisfy ‘eco-friendly’ requirements. Such criteria would necessarily include issues concerning waste, social sustainability, economics and production processes.
· Making local decision making an equitable process: Lessons from Mr. Omosu
We propose that the local people should be considered as essential stakeholders. They are expertly positioned to participate in the decision making process, which creates a sense of wellbeing and feeling of empowerment among the people.
· Broader Social Outcomes of Environmental Protection: Lessons from The Koza River (Kushimoto eco-tour)
It is important to remember that protecting the environment also supports broader social outcomes such as physical and mental health. We recognized this, in particular, by understanding how we are all intrinsically connected to the natural environment.
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· Action for a 3R oriented society
· Action for climate change
· Local society and environmental control
· Major Proposals
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