Training on Environmental Education in Japan
(12 July - 15 August 2004)

Components of Training :

• Briefing from various Government Departments, NGOs/NPOs
• Briefing / visiting schools
• Briefing / Visiting Nature Centres and participate in some activities
• Universities
• Contributions

The study started with briefing from JICA - TIC and JICA BBEC officer. Subsequently the briefing from the Ministry of Environment, National Institute of Educational Research, NGOs and NPOs provided an overview of policy making related to environmental education for school implementation and management of national parks and land policy. Also the strength of NGOs/NPOs were emphasized by the relevant parties which shows a strong commitment towards environment by the public.

Briefing and school visits show strong collaboration among the school, Local Education Office and the parents. Interacted with 4 school at various levels including the Model School for EE in Japan. A formal presentation was done in one school on Sabah and BBEC. Also during the study, participated in the TV conference between SMK Sanzac, Sabah and Setagaya Junior High School in Tokyo at the JICA-TIC centre.

The practical part of this study was the interaction with some activities in Nature Centres. All the centres visited have something unique and practice a lot of environmental education activities and well equipped indoor activities (resources). This concept need to be studied in detail and implemented at least in the centers managed with the BBEC projects.

Both Prof. Abe, Prof. Kubota, Prof. Baba and their associates provided many enriching opportunity for me as an academic to learn and share my thoughts on EE. The contact with Prof. Abe will help BBEC in the long-run as he is inclined to EE which is developing into Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The school visit with him and subsequently sharing of ideas with him and his Masters students gave great joys to me. Similarly, the conferences in Kankai and Rikkyo Universities provided a wealth of knowledge for me. The EE messe was a unique informal way of disseminating environmental awareness among the public. The visit to Naha National University in Okinawa provided a better understanding on wetlands.

I took along with me a CD on Sabah, materials on BBEC and Sabah. All these materials were distributed to all the places I visited. Furthermore, I commented on request, ways of further improving the existing situation on EE in their respective places. Also briefed Mr. Kobayashi on his visit to Sabah for the BBEC project.

Aspects That Can Be Carried Out In Sabah

1. Training of nature interpreters.
2. Producing guidebook for the visiting public in nature centers - at least at the one managed by BBEC programme.
3. Recruting permanent staffs for nature centers at Keningau and Inobong.
4. Producing of activity - sheets for all nature centers.
5. Promoting the nature centers among the school and public.
6. More exhibitions on environment in the cities-mall.
7. Attending key conference on Education for Sustainable Development.
8. Having one or more staffs permanent or JOCV for the Teachers Task Force.

For the moment these are my remarks.

Thank you.

Dr. Ambikavathi Periasamy