The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund
Introduction to Grant Projects
Terra People Association
A pilot recycling project to conserve the ecosystems and aquatic environment of Lake Inle - aiming to closely link environmental conservation and sustainable living
Activity grant
- Project Description
This project is part of a development effort aiming to create an inclusive, recycling-based society in southern Shan State, Myanmar. As well as improving the condition of ecosystems and the aquatic environment around Lake Inle, which have been suffering from deforestation and eutrophication, it also aims to help local people realize a sustainable lifestyle. Specifically, this will involve 1) researching the chemical properties of environmental pollution, 2) experiments using the lake's organic sediment and algae as fertilizer and animal feed, and 3) promoting recycling-based agriculture using these organic materials and algae. The chemical research and analysis will be carried out by Saga University.
- Fields
- Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
- Grant year
- FY2008 Activity Grants
- Grant term
- 2 years
October 2008 - September 2010
- Grant amount
- 17,630,800 yen
- Activity region
- Lake Inle and its surrounding area, Shan State, Myanmar
Overview of the Organization
- Representative
- Shouji Sato, Chairman
- Establishment
- 1983
- Establishment purpose
- The association was established to improve regional societies, contribute to world peace and friendship, and advance global understanding and cooperation regarding forestry and top soil through international cultural exchange. It also conducts activities under the 'Terra People Action' philosophy, which is 'acknowledge the interdepence of people, nature, and energy; care for all life; and work to strongly and gently cultivate beauty and abundance'.
- Main areas of activity
- Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, South Korea, and other countries
- Staff
- 6 full-time staff members, 334 full members
- Annual operating budget
- 41.71 million yen in 2005, 46.39 million yen in 2006, 56.67 million yen in 2007
- WEB site
- http://www.terrapeople.or.jp/main/
- Recent activities
- 1) International cooperation: the Terra People Fund (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar); developing small villages, supporting education, and promoting agriculture, forestry and livestock rearing in Myanmar; emergency aid; conducting study tours; etc.
2) International exchange: Asian youth exchange program, Japan - South Korea exchange activities
3) Regional development: holding seminars and symposiums, organising charity bazaars, promoting recycling-based agriculture, etc.
4) Global empathy education: dispatching lecturers to talk on international understanding, developmental education, environmental education, etc.
5) Other: issuing association reports, screenings of the movie Ningen no Tsubasa, etc.