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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Kankyou 21 no Kai

Establishment of the "Machi no Terakoya" (child learning center) for children to research and study the use of solar energy

Activity grant

Project Description

Establish a "Machi no Terakoya" (child learning center) that has devices and equipment (equipment for the independent power generation from sunlight and wind power, as well as a furnace that uses a Fresnel lens) for learning about natural energy on Awaji Island. At this learning center, children who refuse to attend regular school or who have other difficulties in society can study within a hands-on learning environment, in collaboration with their educational institutions, to help them in their return to society. At the same time, the center will provide education to the children of local families and their care-givers about natural energy problems.

Fields
Energy problem
Grant year
FY2012 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
October 2012 - September 2015
Grant amount
1,935,000 yen
Activity region
Goushiki-chou, Sumoto-shi, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
In both the first and second semester, 6 environmental science classes are held at elementary schools.

Overview of the Organization

Yuuichi Watanabe, Director
Representative
Yuuichi Watanabe, Director
Establishment
1999
Establishment Purpose
Taking the opportunity of the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol at the 3rd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP3), held in Kyoto in December 1997, the members of the Hyogo 21st Century Society gathered to carry out research into the promotion of the use of natural energy and the greening of the environment, to work towards the reduction targets of the Kyoto Protocol. The idea was to create a sustainable recycling-oriented society and work to prevent warming, to protect and improve the global environment, as well as to invigorate local communities and help to achieve a creative, affluent society.
Main areas of activity
All Hyogo Prefecture
Staff
1 full-time staff member, 2 part-time staff members, 26 full members
Annual operating budget
2.6 million yen in 2009, 2.58 million yen in 2010, 4.19 million yen in 2011
WEB site
http://www.kankyo21.org
Affiliated organizations
The Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center
Main actiivites
Use the Society's office as a "Machi no Terakoya" (child learning center) accredited by Hyogo Prefecture, to educate children and their care-givers about environmental problems by holding dozens of environmental science classes annually, using solar power generating and wind power generating equipment. These science classes will be held with the prior support of local community centers and public halls, as well as elementary, junior-high and high schools. The power generated will be supplied free of charge to the local community, to promote local exchanges. In addition, the project will protect the satoyama (border zone or area between mountain foothills and arable flat land), cultivate hibiscus at Goushiki-chou, protect bamboo forests, and encourage the planting of trees.