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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Japan's Henri Fabre Institute

Activities to foster naturalists and revive the ecosystem of cities through insects

Activity grant

Project Description

The Japan's Henri Fabre Institute was established with the concept of fostering children with a strong sense of well-being and contributing to solving problems faced by the natural environment through insects. We have opened the Fabre Insectarium, a "house for insect's poems," which is the main base for activities. Activities disseminated include specimen and organisms displays, as well as member gatherings and specimen preparation classes. We think it's extremely important to recover the truly rich natural environment for the people living in urban areas, and we will work on activities to revive the natural ecosystem around us through insects.

Fields
Ecosystems and the Symbiotic Society
Grant year
FY14/3 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
October 2014 - September 2017
Grant amount
7,992,000 yen
Activity region
Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
A gathering to observe insects at a riverbed

Overview of the Organization

Daisaburo Okumoto, President
Representative
Daisaburo Okumoto, President
Establishment
2002
Establishment purpose
With the image of French anthropologist Jean-Henri Fabre in mind, we aim to nurture a wholesome sense of nature within children. Children acquire a sound impression and awareness of nature whilst playing outside with friends, but in today's urban environment, this is more difficult, and Fabre's life is a direct link to touching the preciousness and wonder of life from animals. We want to raise naturalists by providing a natural environment and Insectarium to return that sense of nature and beauty once had by Japanese people.
Main activity areas
Sendagi district, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Hikarigoaka, Nerimka-ku; places of nature in Tokyo's suburbs
Staff
1 full-time staff member, 22 part-time staff members, 84 full members
Annual operating budget
5.81 million yen in 2012, 4.55 million yen in 2013, 8.18 million yen in 2014
WEB site
http://www.fabre.jp
Recent activities
  • Convey the diversity of nature and manage Henri Fabre Institute which reproduces the birthplace of Fabre.
  • Through lectures and practical guidance, nurture leaders and enlighten about the significance of learning from nature.
  • As part of dissemination of environmental conservation for children, mainly insect collection observation.
  • Maintain various green spaces and promote the creation of environments where people can be close with insects.
  • Collect and exhibit valuable specimens and data to prevent them from dissipation.
  • Collaborate and interact with similar groups in various areas.