On September 9, Fukushima Prefecture became the 27th local government in Japan to join ICLEI.

Fukushima was one of the regions most severely affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, suffering from an unprecedented triple disaster: earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the lingering issue of reputational damage from the nuclear accident, the prefecture has steadily advanced its recovery.

Today, Fukushima is actively working toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In terms of nature conservation, Lake Inawashiro within the prefecture was registered under the Ramsar Convention this July, and efforts are underway for its preservation.

Fukushima decided to join ICLEI out of a strong desire to share its recovery experience and carbon-neutral initiatives with the world, while also building partnerships with cities across the globe.

To mark the occasion, a membership ceremony was held at the Fukushima Prefectural Government. At the event, ICLEI Japan Chair Kazuhiko Takemoto presented the membership certificate to Governor Masao Uchibori. Local media also covered the ceremony, which was broadcast on the evening news. The certificate was placed in a frame made from locally produced Fukushima cedar. We are honored that Fukushima has chosen ICLEI as a platform for international collaboration.

Welcome to ICLEI! Let’s move forward together toward more sustainable cities.