On October 6, 2023, OUIK researcher Juan conducted a one-hour lecture for approximately 50 students at Kanazawa Municipal Seiou Elementary School. This lecture was part of the “Sustainable Nature Project,” which has been active in the area since 2019. The project includes citizen science activities where children engage in counting and recording fireflies at Kuratsuki water canals as part of their research and data collection on living organisms.
The theme of the lecture was “Kanazawa’s Biodiversity and the SDGs.” Juan started by explaining the concepts of biological and cultural diversity and their interconnections. To convey this message more effectively to the young students, he introduced several examples from the vicinity of Kanazawa Municipal Saiou Elementary School. Specifically, he showcased two gardens where living creatures and artists coexist, thereby strengthening the relationship between nature and culture.
Finally, Juan shared some ideas with the students on how they could contribute to the SDGs and the conservation of biocultural diversity. Educating children about the many benefits of urban nature is essential for preserving Kanazawa’s unique and valuable social and environmental systems. The SUN Project will continue to focus on fostering intergenerational connections and conserving nature for the future.
