### 2. Acquiring an Accurate Knowledge of Local Resources

An accurate understanding of local resources (natural and social infrastructures and actors in the community) is a necessary prerequisite to use them effectively in environmental conservation efforts.

Minamata City in Kumamoto Prefecture directed its attention to the local community. Based on the principle of learning about local communities and renewing the relationship between nature and people as well as interpersonal relationship, the city has implemented a program called “community study.” “Community study” promotes community reinvigoration and the creation of an environmentally conscious community. Under this initiative, the city first compiled an extensive range of data and information concerning the community obtained through surveys carried out by residents of the area around the Minamata River basin. The city then utilized the data to formulate comprehensive municipal plans and basic environment plans, conclude local environmental agreements, stimulate the growth of local industries and promote ecotourism. Thus, “community study” encourages community residents to conduct surveys on their own initiative and discover the community’s climate as well as life and culture and to utilize this knowledge to change their lifestyles. Through this encouragement, the initiative helps reinvigorate and create an environmentally conscious community.

How to “Feel” the Community

Specific Ways for Getting to Know the Community

Specific ways
(i) See and feel the community on one's own	Town watching; Nature game; Regional observation program; Orienteering; Stamp rally; Nature trail hiking; Town expedition; Clean-up campaign
(ii) Study about the community on one's own or learn from others	Community study; Study of local history; Community reinvigoration event
(iii) Learn about the community by making something jointly with others	Map making; Creation of community reinvigoration picture book
(iv) Know about one's community by learning about other communities	Research on activities of other communities; Study tours to other areas; Inviting people from other communities for a lecture and comments

Source: Ministry of the Environment

In light of the approach described above, another method to acquire accurate knowledge of the community may be taking field trips within the area in order to grasp its current situation by employing one's five senses to the fullest extent. Enjoying activities based in reality and engaging in voluntary efforts not only allow us to develop a sense of attachment to the community but also motivate us to take action. Another approach may be interviewing local people who are well acquainted with the community.

Pooling the collected information is helpful to get an overall picture of the community. It is also important to rediscover one’s own community, e.g. by comparing with other areas or obtaining input from outside experts.

Getting accurate knowledge about local resources can lead to renewed interest in untapped resources, resources that may be used to create an environmentally conscious community. For example, Tachikawa-machi Town in Yamagata Prefecture works to revitalize the community by turning what was considered nothing more than a nuisance to the community—strong wind—to an advantage by harnessing it to generate electricity.

### 3. Collaboration among Actors

In addition to environmental problems, communities are saddled with various social and economic problems. Today, society has become more sophisticated and complex, individual actors have become more specialized, and actors dedicated to environmental issues have grown in number. In this society, it is necessary to integrate the opinions and goals of a vast array of actors so that the efforts to improve the community may be better oriented. To this end, all actors in the community must form a far-reaching partnership.

Mishima City in Shizuoka Prefecture has adopted the Groundwork method that was conceived in England. In this tripartite area-wide participation scheme, citizens play the leading role joined by local government and businesses. Under the Groundwork method, efforts are underway to restore the scenic quality of the riparian environment that was spoiled due to excessive pumping of groundwater and area development. The Groundwork involves a dedicated organization called the trust established by three cooperating actors of the area, i.e. residents, businesses, and local government. These actors work in a partnership to conserve the local environment. In England, the trust provides a work venue for women, people in their 40s and 50s, and those deeply interested in environmental issues as well as providing settings.