The Ube Environmental International Cooperation Association (IECA) is an NPO based in Ube, Yamaguchi. It was launched as a private organization to contribute to protecting the global environment from an international perspective, as a city known for environmental progress.
Guided by the "Ube Model," in which industry, government, academia and citizens collaborate, it promotes environmental cooperation with developing countries and other countries facing serious environmental problems. In the JICA youth training program "Environmental Management (Urban Environmental Management) B," it is reported to have hosted nine trainees from seven countries: Ghana, Kosovo, Mauritius, Mexico, South Africa, South Sudan and Ukraine.
It also holds many events open to citizens, including international environmental seminars on water, sanitation and waste problems in developing countries, tours in which international students and citizens visit companies' environmental facilities, and presentation sessions by trainees. It has also held a presentation on an environmental awareness project on a remote island in Papua, Indonesia (under a local government international cooperation program), and publishes a newsletter.
Key points
- Environmental cooperation through the "Ube Model," where government, business, universities and citizens work together
- Presentations and exchange events with trainees from seven countries in the JICA youth training program
- Plenty of learning opportunities open to citizens, such as seminars and facility tours
Why this organization's work stands out
It stands out for trying to apply experience gained from local industry, government, universities and citizens working together on the environment to solving problems overseas. It is a good example of linking the strengths of a regional city to international cooperation.
Seminars, tours and exchange sessions with trainees are held regularly, giving local people chances to engage with international cooperation and environmental issues, which is also a useful reference.
Editor's comment
Learning that environmental know-how built up in one community is connected with countries around the world made international cooperation feel closer to home.
The latest seminar information and details of its activities are on the official website. Please take a look.