An online training course entitled "Man and the Biosphere: Possibilities and Prospects" was jointly organized by Kanazawa University and Kazakhstan National Committee “Man and Biosphere” from 1st to 15th October, and concluded with the wrap-up Conference on 18th. All courses were constructed in on-demand style, and during the online Conference participant enjoyed online academic exchange with professionals from 4 Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) in the conference.
More than 160 students from 4 Central Asian countries, Japan and Russia participated in this course. The aim of the course was to strengthen the competency of young people interested in the UN’s SDGs, to solve environmental problems and learn about economic models that support the sustainable development process inside UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserves.
During the online conference on the last day, Prof. Megumi Shimura, Vice-Rector of Kanazawa University gave a remark as a host after opening remarks from honorary speakers; Ms. Aliya Baisabayeva, Secretary General of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESCO, Mr. Daisuke Machida, Senior Deputy Secretary-General, Japanese National Commission for UNESCO, Deputy Director-General for International Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan and Ms. Marie Prchalova , Programme Specialist Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences «Man and the Biosphere» Programme Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO. All guests gave the messages on the importance of the MAB Programme and encouragement for this training course.
In the panel session, Associate Professor Aida Mammadova from the Organization of Global Affairs, Kanazawa University reported about the activities on the Education for Sustainable Development in UNESCO Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve. Also, invited speakers from Japanese 5 Universities; Professor Hiroyuki Matsuda of Yokohama National University; Professor Tetsu Sato of Ehime University; Professor Mamoru Kanzaki of Kyoto University and speakers from Central Asian countries introduced their own research/educational activities related to BRs, and a lively dialogue and academic exchange took place.