Environmental Activity Interviews

Name

Yuuki Ikebe

-"Yamame Club", established in an environment rich in nature

Nagata, Mimata Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, a place with an abundance of nature, is where the activities of "Yamame Club," one of the junior eco-clubs of the Ministry of the Environment take place. The club launched its first activity four years ago. Today it consists of students who are interested in environmental issues. They are all studying in Nagata Elementary School where only 35 pupils are enrolled. Yuuki Ikebe, the leader of the group, is working with his group members on water survey of local rivers, observation of water insects, and trash picking, under the support of his father, Mr. Miki Ikebe, who is an environmental counselor of the Ministry of the Environment. They have achieved several projects to date, such as the protection of the near threatened chimarrogale himalayica, by alerting the local freshwater fishermen's union to release juvenile masu salmons (the yamame) into the local river. Let us now introduce Yuuki.

-My hometown and the entire world-they both confront common environmental issues

It was four years ago when Yuuki started to show interest to environmental issues. Nagata, Mimata Town does not have running water, thus the local people use spring water. One time lack of that spring water caused by deforestation became the major concern of the people. It was when Yuuki was learning at school about desertification around the globe due to rampant development. That made Yuuki realize that his hometown and the whole world were both facing a same problem, which led him to start environmental activities on a local basis. It is also assumed that his father's presence as an environmental counselor of the Ministry of the Environment strongly affected him. Yet, it must have been Yuuki himself, who really stood up for it. Later on, he established the "Yamame Club."

-Yuuki's environmental activities brought about the invitation to the Summit

The "Yamame Club" has been involved in river environment activities with its slogan "Think globally, act locally". Basically they carry out fieldwork during the summer, while devoting their time to study in the wintertime. Yuuki takes leadership and discusses about new programs with his group members. "We all get along well aiming to better the environment", says Yuuki. The group started with eight members, and has now extended to a group of thirteen. One of the activities that they aggressively worked on was the protection of chimarrogale himalayica. This project captured public attention, and eventually led the group to be suggested by the Ministry of the Environment to apply for the Summit. Believing that it was the right time and opportunity, Yuuki decided to apply for it. Their enthusiastic group activity was recognized, and passed the screening for becoming participants. For Yuuki that was not the end; he was also nominated as presenter of the case study.

-His speech in English ended up in great success

Yuuki's presentation topic was "The relationship of En and Life". His speech was based on his group project, protection of chimarrogale himalayica, in which he also shared his experience. "When the water dries, creatures die out. Thus, there is an urgent need to protect living organisms, such as by stocking the rivers with fishes, and by preventing water pollution", he reported. He concluded his presentation using the word En, one of the teachings of Buddhism meaning fateful encounter, and explained that all creatures and mankind living on this earth are tied with En. Yuuki added that meeting participants in the Summit who gathered from all over the world was not just by accident but was the En. After the presentation, Yuuki was still worried if he was able to convey his message well in English, but the ringing applause made him believe that it was a great success.

-Talks with fellows from around the globe. Sharing the same thoughts towards environmental issues.

Yuuki recalls the Summit as something he really was looking forward of. "My goal is to make this world a green planet where diverse creatures live. I had always wanted to ask other people from different countries what kind of world they aimed to create in the future," he explains. He exchanged opinions with people from all over the world, made many friends, and fulfilled his wish. Tears wouldn't stop running down his cheeks in the bus on the way back after the summit had ended. Before the Summit, no one would listen to Yuuki's words, when giving talks concerning the environment. On the other hand, encountering leaders of environmental groups with diverse background and sharing the same thoughts in the Summit inspired Yuuki. After learning of the fact that there are so many people in this planet working on environmental issues, it must have been hard for him to be apart from those fellows.

-Yuuki's future dreams-To work for UNEP

Currently, Yuuki is thinking of continuing activities with the "Yamame Club" members. He plans to expand the group when he enters junior high school. We asked him about his future goals. "At first, I was vaguely dreaming of becoming a staff serving for the Ministry of the Environment. But now, I have changed my target. I aim to work for UNEP." He explained to us that "the Ministry of the Environment mainly works for animal protection within the country. I, personally, would like to focus on a bigger scale, I mean on a global perspective. That's why I thought it would be better to work for UNEP." His activities which started on a local level seem to extend further to the outside world.

-An Interview with Mr. Yoshinori Ikebe, Yuuki's Father   * My son received and felt my affection for environmental activities

Mr. Ikebe obtained the license for environmental counselor on his own. "Once in the past, I was wondering how I could contribute to my hometown. As a result, I realized that protecting the environment of the locality would be something meaningful. That drew me to work on environmental issues. When I started sharing about my work to my son, he took it very positively. I guess my son felt my affection for environmental activities. It is surprising to know that lately he's the one being more aggressive in carrying out activities." This is what Mr. Ikebe told us. When we asked him how his son changed through the Summit, he explained to us happily, "I believe that Yuuki had a precious experience in the Summit. He has mentally grown up, fostering his independence. If there would be a turning point in one's life, for my son, it has surely been the Summit. I am very proud of my son being actively participating in environmental activities."

-I would like children to know more about the natural environment, and  realize all the blessings we have in our hometown

Mr. Ikebe has been supporting the "Yamame Club" ever since its establishment. Upon asking him what are the tips in giving support, he replied "we should not force children into adults' ways. It is crucial to encourage children's autonomy and independence." He added, "I would like children to know more about the natural environment, and realize all the blessings we have in our hometown." Mr. Ikebe believes that kids who grew up in this area will always recall those young days when they enjoyed playing in the rivers and mountains. "Eventually, those good memories might motivate people to come back to their hometown," he said. It was apparent to us that Mr. Ikebe truly loves his hometown.