Mr. Youssef Nassef, with more than 30 years of expertise in international environmental policy and diplomacy—particularly with the Nairobi Work Programme and the Warsaw International Mechanism—recently visited Ishikawa Prefecture. To honor his visit, he delivered a special lecture entitled “Enhancing Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation through Community Engagement.”
Additionally, Juan Pastor- Ivars, researcher at the United Nations University OUIK, presented an innovative sustainable urban nature project currently being developed in Kanazawa City.
Mr. Youssef Nassef
Nassef began his remarks with, “I want to discuss international politics, not technical matters,” and went on to address the global awareness of environmental issues as well as the international framework established to tackle them. While it may appear that this movement originated only a few years ago, he pointed out that the foundation was laid during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972. He further highlighted that, unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated since that time rather than improved.
He explained how climate change problems impact humanity, including the challenges associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the complexities arising from differing perspectives among countries and sectors. Since the 1990s, he noted, there has been an increasing momentum for the international community to collaborate on these issues. Currently, policies are being implemented in two main areas: one focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the other on adapting to climate change. He emphasized that adaptation is not the most effective method for reducing emissions. To effectively combat global warming, it is advised that the rise in temperature be limited to within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Achieving this goal requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 43% from 2010 levels by 2030 and by 84% by 2050. However, analyses of long-term emissions from various countries revealed an increase of 10.6%, indicating a trend that is moving in the opposite direction.
The Paris Agreement was established at COP21, yet investment in fossil fuels shows no signs of stopping, leading to a continued rise in global warming. “We need to shift this mindset on a global scale,” Nassef emphasized, highlighting that fostering a clearer vision for a better future is essential for achieving this change.
He highlighted that the initiatives in Ishikawa Prefecture are robust, with strong leadership and a focus not on short-term gains but on fostering harmony with nature and enhancing human well-being. This is particularly evident in the region where the Satoyama-Satoumi Initiative is being implemented. He pointed out that, in contrast to larger areas, local communities have a more pronounced sense of connection. Additionally, he mentioned that building intergenerational value is easier in these smaller communities, allowing for long-term planning with consideration for children, grandchildren, and future generations.
He also discussed the significant progress in technology and highlighted the potential for an automass system in sustainable agriculture, although it is currently not advanced enough for commercialization.
It is important for each of us to cultivate a mindset that encourages thoughtful reflection, to embrace a visionary perspective that shapes our future, and to work towards a sustainable future. History has demonstrated that progress occurs when we break free from rigid ways of thinking and reject the notion that something is impossible,” he concluded.
Researcher Dr. Juan Pastor-Ivars
Next, there was a presentation on the Sustainable Urban Nature Project (SUN Project), which has been led by Juan, a researcher at UNU OUIK focusing on urban nature, since 2019.
Globally, discussions are taking place about addressing climate change and biodiversity in an interconnected way. Kanazawa points out that, in addition to climate change and biodiversity loss, the city is grappling with the challenges of an aging population and declining demographic trends, which are exacerbating the deterioration of social-ecological systems. To address this issue, the SUN Project aims to restore these systems by leveraging managed green infrastructure in a sustainable, multi-level fashion. Specifically, the project has identified three strategies: 1. preserving existing traditional green infrastructure, such as gardens; 2. converting abandoned gray infrastructure, like vacant homes, into green spaces; and 3. developing new green infrastructure to meet the contemporary needs of society.
In their research on biodiversity, they evaluated the ecosystems of a Japanese garden in Kanazawa, discovering that gardens serve as significant hotspots for biodiversity. Additionally, in their efforts to address carbon dioxide reduction—one of the greenhouse gases contributing to climate change—they studied carbon reduction in six chinju forests. Their findings highlighted the crucial role these forests play in mitigating carbon dioxide emissions.
A survey of approximately 300 participants revealed that their emotions were positively impacted by nature engagement activities, with 80% reporting an increase in positive feelings and 54% indicating a decrease in negative feelings. The SUN Project seeks to inspire citizens to become “gardeners” in their own communities, fostering a sense of ownership and maintenance of local green spaces. He concluded by stating, “We encourage citizens to engage, emphasizing that their efforts play a vital role in addressing the global challenges we face today.”
A question and answer session followed. In response to a question asking about the importance of involving local residents in the release of the crested ibis on the Noto Peninsula, Mr. Nassef replied that ‘involving citizens is also an opportunity for them to contribute to biodiversity and take initiatives to build their own future’.
Prof. Shen Xiaomeng
This time, along with Mr. Nassef, Prof. Shen Xiaomeng, Vice Rector of the United Nations University European Office and Director of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), as well as Dr. Shinobu Yamaguchi, Director of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), visited Ishikawa Prefecture. They spent three days exploring the Noto region and Kanazawa, meeting with local individuals engaged in community activities. At the end, both of them provided concluding comments on this special lecture.
Director Ms. Shinobu Yamaguchi
The United Nations University OUIK emphasizes the importance of linking the two conventions on climate change and biodiversity to foster local actions. We hope this special lecture will inspire concrete steps towards building sustainable local communities.
