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Youth Project
ICLEI Japan actively supports the international activities of youth initiatives led by its member local governments, providing comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process—from selecting participating students to supporting them during their activities.
Below are case studies from Tottori Prefecture, Nagoya City, and Fukushima Prefecture.
Youth Initiatives in Tottori Prefecture
🗓️2023
Tottori Prefecture dispatched local students to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) for the first time. The three selected students presented Tottori’s initiatives toward achieving a decarbonized society at the Japan Pavilion and exchanged views with participants from other countries.
In addition, the students livestreamed updates from the venue for audiences in Japan together with Mayor Katsunori Aoki of Katsushika City, who was also attending COP28.
🗓️2024
Tottori Prefecture implemented a mutual exchange program between local students and students from Turku, Finland.
Students from both countries visited each other’s regions and explored the theme of “food circulation,” a key element in achieving a decarbonized society.
They conducted site visits to relevant facilities and engaged in discussions and exchanges of ideas.
🗓️2025
Following the previous year’s initiative, Tottori Prefecture dispatched three local students to Turku, Finland.
The students studied key themes including biodiversity, circular economy, collaboration with businesses, and sustainable urban development.
They also had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Piia Elo of Turku.
A visit by students from Turku to Tottori is also planned. Further details are available here.
COP28 Student Voices: “Tottori Reborn!”
Youth Initiatives in Nagoya City (Fujimae Tidal Flat Youth)
Based on interviews with three youth participants who attended the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23 to 31, 2025, we highlight youth activities at the Fujimae Tidal Flat, a Ramsar-designated wetland in Nagoya City.
(From left: Hayu Nakata, Ryosuke Nishi, and Akihiro Kishi)
― About the Fujimae Ramsar Society －
The Save Fujimae Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) is a non-profit organization that conducts conservation activities, awareness-raising, research, and visitor engagement at the Fujimae Tidal Flat in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The Association also offers training programs for “Gatarangers,” volunteers who guide and support visitors to the tidal flat. Currently, around 50 members are actively involved in its activities.
In addition, the Association is entrusted with the management and operation of the Inaei Visitor Center and the Fujimae Tidal Flat Activity Center—facilities established by the Ministry of the Environment—and continues to promote the importance of environmental conservation, including that of the Fujimae Tidal Flat.
Fujimae Ramsar Society Tidal Flat Ranger Course Gataranger Jr. Program
― About Fujimae Tidal Flat Youth ―
Fujimae Tidal Flat Youth is a group composed of members aged 15 (excluding junior high school students) to 35 who belong to the Association. Currently, around 20 members are actively involved.
Their main activities include research and monitoring, in which they study tidal flat organisms through hands-on fieldwork; CEPA activities (Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness), such as study sessions and environmental education and outreach events for children; and a succession of activities, through which they inherit and carry forward the traditions and initiatives established by the Society.
In particular, the succession of activities is considered highly important, as the Society’s membership is aging and there is a risk that valuable knowledge and skills may be lost. Passing these on to the next generation is therefore a key priority.
― What motivated you to join the Association―
⚪ Akihiro Kishi
“I’ve loved birds since I was young, so I have been visiting the Fujimae Tidal Flat since elementary school. Later, when I was in university, I was introduced to a part-time position with the Fujimae Ramsar Society, which led me to join. I now serve as a board member of Fujimae Tidal Flat Youth.”
⚪ Hayu Nakata
“I’ve always loved dolphins and whales, and I used to go to the Nagoya Port Aquarium almost every week. While talking with one of the aquarium staff, I was introduced to the ‘Gataranger Jr. Program’—a hands-on learning program run by the Fujimae Ramsar Society for elementary school (from fourth grade) to junior high school students—when I was in fourth grade. That experience inspired me to get involved.”
⚪ Ryosuke Nishi
“In my childhood, I didn’t really enjoy going outdoors. However, after developing an interest in birds, I started spending more time outside and began visiting the Fujimae Tidal Flat with my family. I later learned about the Association while I was in university, which led me to start participating in its activities.”
― Reflections on Participating in Ramsar COP15 ―
⚪ Ryosuke Nishi
“In May 2025, Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, visited the Fujimae Tidal Flat. During her visit, she held a discussion with youth engaged in activities at the tidal flat and strongly encouraged us to participate in COP15 and engage with youth from around the world. Inspired by her encouragement, Nagoya City decided to send members of Fujimae Tidal Flat Youth to COP15, which led to our participation. I have heard that this was the first time a local government dispatched youth participants to a Ramsar COP.
It was my first time presenting at an international conference, and I felt nervous communicating with people from different countries. However, as we interacted, I realized that despite our different nationalities and backgrounds, we shared many common interests—such as a desire to protect wetlands and a love of birds—which helped us quickly connect with one another.
I also had the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls, and I was deeply impressed by its immense scale. In addition, I find it truly remarkable that the City of Victoria Falls, with such magnificent natural surroundings, and the City of Nagoya received Wetland City Accreditation at the same time.”
⚪ Hayu Nakata
“As it was an international conference, I had the impression that many government officials were in attendance. Until then, I had simply enjoyed the tidal flat and had never really considered wetlands from an administrative perspective. Being able to learn from that viewpoint was very refreshing, and I believe it will be extremely valuable for me moving forward.”
― Expectations for ICLEI ―
⚪ Akihiro Kishi
“I first became involved with ICLEI when I participated as a youth delegate in an international conference held in Kunming, China, in November 2023. From my experience at COP15 as well, I feel that ICLEI’s global network enables connections with a wide range of people at international conferences. I believe this strength of connection is one of ICLEI’s greatest advantages and something I truly admire.
I feel that many young people in Japan have yet to take a step toward engaging with the global community. Having ICLEI staff present helps lower the language barrier and provides opportunities to present at international conferences. In that sense, it offers very meaningful learning experiences and exposure for youth.
As youth engagement is expected to expand across various fields in the future, I hope to make use of ICLEI’s network to involve young people further and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.”
― In Closing ―
Interest in youth engagement is increasing across a wide range of fields, including climate change and biodiversity. ICLEI Japan will continue to support the initiatives of its member local governments and the activities of young people, and by amplifying the voices of youth—the leaders of the next generation—on the global stage, will further contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Introduction Video on the Activities of Fujimae Tidal Flat Youth
Youth Initiatives in Fukushima Prefecture
In October 2025, at the “Malaysia – Japan Environment Week” held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Togo Uchida, Executive Director of ICLEI Japan, served as moderator of a high-level plenary session.
During the session, youth, businesses, and local government representatives from Japan and Malaysia engaged in discussions on advancing a decarbonized society.
From Fukushima Prefecture, three students from Fukushima University—Ayano Kojima, Yuri Shiota, and Mirai Ninodaira—who have been appointed as “Fukushima Carbon Neutral Ambassadors,” took the stage. Representing a region that has undergone post-disaster recovery, they shared their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and emphasized the importance of youth leadership.
During the panel discussion, they exchanged views with officials from the City of Kuala Lumpur and local students, reaffirming that passion and action are key to advancing sustainable development.
This initiative has further strengthened Japan–Malaysia cooperation on climate change and represents a leading example of youth-led international collaboration toward decarbonization. Further details are available here.
Associate Partnership is available to non-governmental organizations, universities, state and national government agencies and not-for-profit research institutions. The purpose of Associate Partnership is to facilitate dialogues between local governments and these partners, to provide knowledge transfer in line with ICLEI’s Mission and Charter, and an avenue for which partners can support ICLEI’s work and mandate.
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on Sustainable Development
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Eva Madeira Head of ICLEI Global Membership & Governance
Joining ICLEI means connecting to more than 2,500 local and regional governments as well as technical experts and a diversity community of partners worldwide. ICLEI Members actively engage with their peers through conferences, workshops, webinars and online platforms and take advantage of our connections with businesses, financial institutions and other implementation partners that help strengthen innovation and resourcing.
Eva Madeira Head of ICLEI Global Membership & Governance
Got any questions? I will be happy to assist. Please contact me at iclei(at)iclei.org
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Eva Madeira Head of ICLEI Global Membership & Governance
Got any questions? I will be happy to assist. Please contact me at iclei(at)iclei.org
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Eva Madeira Head of ICLEI Global Membership & Governance
Got any questions? I will be happy to assist. Please contact me at iclei(at)iclei.org