2022/5/6
The United Nations University supports municipalities that promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On May 6, 2022, we held an SDGs seminar with the staff of the Naka-Noto Town Hall in Ishikawa Prefecture.
In the opening lecture, Researcher Koyama from the United Nations University OUIK presented on “Hints for Incorporating the Perspective of SDGs into Local Policies.” She provided foundational knowledge about the SDGs and explained their relationship with the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) “Noto Satoyama Satoumi.” She introduced indexes showing the current status of SDGs promotion in Japan as of 2021, highlighting issues related to gender and the environment that Japan should particularly focus on, using graphs and maps. She also shared examples of initiatives from cities in Japan that have been designated as SDGs Future Cities. Researcher Koyama noted, “Naka-Noto Town is a region certified as a GIAHS, and traditional food culture and lifestyles that utilize local blessings remain. Activities that leverage these aspects are expected.”
In the second half of the seminar, participants engaged in a workshop discussing “Naka-Noto Town, where residents can continue to live happily 100 years from now.” Participants were divided into groups to discuss what kind of Naka-Noto Town they want to pass on to the next generation in 100 years, the challenges that exist, and what can be done now to address these challenges. Ideas were shared that emphasized issues related to declining birthrates and an aging population, such as, “We must secure the population for the town’s survival,” and “What does it mean for the town to be a place where young people want to live?” Various opinions emerged, including “A town where traditional houses (azumadachi – building facing east architecture) remain,” “Actively welcoming newcomers,” “I want to make miso and other traditional foods at home to preserve our food culture,” “Utilizing forests,” and “Sharing clothing,” among others.
