Working in Environmental Action Research in Japan Simon Gilby Policy Researcher, Kitakyushu Urban Centre (Sustainable Cities)
About IGES Established in 1998 under an initiative of the Japanese government and with the support of Kanagawa Prefecture Aiming at realizing sustainable development in Asia, the Pacific, and beyond. Acts as an Agent of Change aiming to both undertake research into transitions as well as facilitate them through interventions in policy processes and on the ground project implementation. IGES has offices in Japan (Hayama, Kobe, Kitakyushu, Tokyo) and abroad (Bangkok and Beijing) 2
High Level Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (HLS ESC) 3 Nov 2007 3 rd East Asia Summit adopts Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Oct 2008 East Asia Summit Environmental Minister s Meeting inaugurated 3 rd East Asia Summit Oct 2008 Ministers agreed that Environmentally Sustainable Cities (ESC) shall be an immediate priority area for initial collaboration. 1 st High Level Seminar on ESC Mar 2010 1 st HLS ESC held in Jakarta, Indonesia 1 st HLS ESC Chair s Summary Recommendations led to the creation of the ASEAN ESC Model Cities Programme
High Level Seminar on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (HLS ESC) Key Annual Seminar for East Asian Regional ESC discussion and action as inclusive platform for Regional, National and Local Actors. 4 All documentation can be found at: www.hls-esc.org
Created following the 1st HLS ESC IGES and ASEAN Secretariat co-secretariat Funded by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Launch in April 2011 with 14 cities across 8 countries Year 2 commenced in May 2014 with 21 cities Programme followed organic and bottom-up approach Cities and countries implemented initiatives based on their unique local sustainability visions, priorities and goals. Model City Framework agreed at Year Closing Workshop in July 2015 http://modelcities.hls-esc.org/ 5
Common Framework of Shared Qualities, Joint Actions and Desired Results of ASEAN ESC Model Cities 2 1 3 QUALITIES ASPIRATION Visions are unique. Goals either meet or exceed expectations. Resources are allocated to meet goals INNOVATION ESC Practices/policies in the Model Cities have some aspect of novelty/creativity CONTRIBUTION Model Cities reflect their contribution to addressing national, regional and global issues into local actions. 1 2 ACTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Teach environmental issues and sustainability in schools/institutes of learning and also involve the general public Do INNOVATE & EXPERIMENT Islands of Excellence within the city: Model Homes/Villages, Model School/University, Model Green Private/Public Building, Model Public Spaces (Park, Museum, Library etc.) 1 2 Quality Living Environment for Wellbeing For citizens IMPRESSIVE & INSPIRING To other cities, visitors, Tourists etc. All Model Cities are able to implement, regardless of city size and profile. 3 NETWORKING Municipal Departments Citywide Nationally Globally Government, citizens, businesses, academic, artists know each other and work together to overcome Learn challenges. Specific committee tasked with oversight. 4 COMMUNICATIONS (tbc) Effective and beautiful PR services and systems for citizens and non-citizens (tourists, international organisations etc.) RESULTS 6
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Municipal Solid Waste Initiative (MSWI) CCAC commenced in Feb 2011 As of Sept 2015 expanded to 49 countries, 44 NGOs, 16 International Organisations MSWI is one of 11 initiatives Purpose of CCAC is to reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants In MSWI these are methane and black carbon IGES is working with 6 cities on rapid city assessments, action plans and work plans BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA Current Activities: Promotion of waste separation at source; improving final waste disposal site; integrating preservation of urban heritage and municipal solid waste management; and improving accountability of SLCP emissions from MSW management. SURABAYA, INDONESIA Current Activities: improving and scaling up community-based SWM and 3R programmes; improvement of temporary disposal sites into intermediate waste recycling facilities; promotion of composting; and improvement of the landfill. PHITSANULOK, THAILAND Current Activities: Mainstreaming 3Rs and community based waste management to increasing organic waste separation as well as improving the accounting system of SLCP emissions from MSW management; and developing a plan to establish a learning centre for SLCP emissions reduction. CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES Current Activities: Improving waste separation at source; undertaking improvements to material recovery and composting facilities; improvements of the final disposal site; and improving the institutional framework for cooperation amongst stakeholders. Cebu City also undertook a study tour to Kitakyushu EMISSIONS QUANTIFICATION CALCULATOR IGES is developing an emissions quantification calculator which will allow cities and national governments to measure and monitor progress in reducing GHGs and SLCPs through their actions in the waste sector. The tool has been designed to assist public authorities in conducting a rapid assessment of emissions as well as monitoring and report on mitigation efforts over time, thereby supporting decision making on the identification of alternative waste management options 7
Other Work OECD Green Growth Programme support for Kitakyushu City KitaQ Composting System Network support for, creation of website REDD+ Database assisted in updating Knowledge Management within IGES assisted in on-going reforms I am particularly interested in (i) the mechanisms behind behavioural change and (ii) the use of IT/data in development, particularly mapping and crowd sourcing 8
Experience in Japan Why and How Taught English in China due to interest in developing countries, met my Japanese wife Graduated 2007 with MA in International Development from University of East Anglia, UK Worked in strategic planning at a UK university Arrived Japan in July 2011 with Japanese wife, am now father of a 2 year old Working in Japan Very different from the UK Some clichés are true work comes first; detail orientated; lots of overtime Warm and friendly atmosphere at work; living in Japan is very convenient 9
Relationship with Europe Currently no work with Europe why I am here! Occasional come across Europeans in my work mainly GIZ, EU I intend to remain in Japan as long as they will have me, but always interested in connections with Europe Thank you very much! 10