Front Line of ESD in Japan

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Front Line of ESD in Japan

• Prof. Shuichi NAKAYAMA
• Hiroshima Univ. of Economics
• At German-Japanese ESD Symposium
• Japan German Center, Berlin
• August 19, 2008

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ESD Major Achievements in Japan

• 1. Mandated CSR Report since 2004
• 2. National Movement since 2005
• 3. Japans Action Plan for UNDESD 2006
• Revision of the National Curriculum
• 
  2008
• Paradigm Shift in Life-Style to Eco-Life
• 
  2008

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Central Government Framework for ESD
Environment Basic Law 1993
1stEnvironment Basic Plan 1994 (Environment,
Parasitism, Participation)
3rd Environment Basic Plan 2006 (Sustainable
Society)
2nd Environment Basic Plan 2000 (International
Cooperation)
Japans Action Plan for the UNDESD 2006
1993 1994 2000 2003 2004 2005
2006 2008
Revised National Curriculum 2008
National Movement Team Minus 6
Environment CSR Report Law 2004
Environment Education Promotion Law 2003
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1. Mandated CSR Report since 2004

• Responsibility by
• Central and Local Governments to publicize CSR
  Report for promoting Sustainable Development
• (2) Corporate Sector should publish CSR Report
  and take business actions on the basis of CSR
  Report of others
• (3) Citizens should take seriously CSR reports
  when they take economic activities
• ?Activities can be seen at the Website CSR
  Project by Nippon Economic Newspaper Co.

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2. National Movement Team Minus 6 since 2005

• ? Six Recommended Actions for CO2 reduction
• 1. Set air conditioners to 28 degrees C in summer
  and to 20 degree C in winter.
• 2. Turn off the faucet every time you finish
  using it.
• 3. Drive your car more efficiently.
• 4. Choose eco-friendly products.
• 5. Say no to excessive packing.
• 6. Unplug electric appliances when no in use.
• ? Team Member as of June 30, 2008
• Individual 2,302,513 Businesses/civil
  groups 21,795

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3-1. Purpose of ESD in the Japans Action Plan
for the UNDESD (2005)

• ?To ensure that anyone can benefit from quality
  education, and that the principles, values, and
  actions necessary for promoting sustainable
  development are incorporated in all forms of
  education and learning environment, thus bringing
  about a revolution of action for realizing a
  sustainable future with respect to the
  environment, economy and society. ( p.3)

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3-2. Goals by the Final Year 2014

• Every one to come to participate in the creation
  of a sustainable society.
• 2. Educational institutions, NPOs, enterprises,
  and administrative organizations incorporate in
  their programs actions for building a sustainable
  society.
• 3. Everyone to extend their willingness of
  participate for building a sustainable society in
  developing countries. (Japan Action Plan
  p.4)

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3-3. Key Points in Japans Action Plan for UNDESD
(2005)

• ?In Chapter 3 Guidelines for Implementing ESD
• ?How to learn teach ?Willingness to
  participate
• 
  ?Problem-solving abilities
• 
  ?One-on-one dialogue
• ?Abilities to be developed systemic thinking,
• critical thinking , data analysis,
  communication skills
• ?Sense of ESD values respect for human life and
  dignity, diversity, non-exclusiveness,
  equal opportunity, environment
  

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4. Revised Course of Study 2008

• ? The importance of ESD A special mention was
  made at subjects in Junior High School Science,
  Geography and Civics.
• ? In Civics Building a Sustainable Society
• is a perfection of social
  studies
• ?Senior High School to be implemented
• by
  December 2008

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5. Paradigm Shift to a Nation of HERB

• Japans Ultimate National Goal is
• an Advanced Environmental Country
• or A Nation of HERB
• Healthy, Beautiful, Rich Ecology and Economy
• An Image of Sustainable Society
• ( 3rd Environment Basic Plan 2006, pp.4-5)

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Concluding Remarks(1)Image of ESD Paradigm Shift
Old Principles and Values New ESD Principles and Values
Mass Production Reduce
Mass Consumption Reuse
Mass Wastage Recycle
Old Type Society New ESD Type Society
Strong Business Society Recycled Type Society
More Convenient Society Low Carbon Society
Military Strong Society Co-existence Society
Old Philosophy New ESD Philosophy
Competition on Freedom Competition on Harmony
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Concluding Remarks (2)Curriculum Shift toward
ESD in Japan

• Every subject area
• must take
• a paradigm shift of
• contents and teaching methodology on the basis of
  Japanese Image of ESD World
• from the traditional principles
• to the new ESD principles