26SOPHIA MAGAZINE Vol. 18Taking Home Passion, Knowledge and ConnectionSamuel noted that Japan’s historical experiences are an inspira-tion to many developing countries. “Japan has endured signifi-cant challenges, including devastation caused by war and envi-ronmental challenges arising during the country’s reconstruction, including the emergence of diseases related to pollution. Despite such challenges, Japan has achieved remarkable growth and de-veloped into a nation where environmental concerns are taken seriously,” he said. MasautsoJosephChimomboSamuelDonkoh Aidoohomes is largely from finite freshwater resources, leading to di-minished water quality and availability. Over-extraction of under-ground water also threatens ecological damage. “Individuals and organizations must address these issues,” he said.Raising awareness is also a key objective in Mabel’s research. She cited the adage from her native country, “It is more difficult to bend a grown tree than a sapling.” To enhance environmental awareness among all generations, she believes there is a need for experts like Samuel who try to influence adults and educators like herself aiming to develop awareness in children. “I am attempt-ing to find the optimal method for a tree to grow in the correct direction, thus eliminating the need for bending,” she said. In her research, she focuses on the most effective methods for training teachers and teacher trainees responsible for school curricula. She said she found clues to achieving her goal in Japan. She noted that information about environmental issues is included in the Japanese school curriculum, and she believes this encourages chil-dren to voluntarily act in an environmentally responsible manner. She believes that the provision of accurate information is the first step in helping children understand the consequences of their ac-tions. “This will create introspection, and each individual must de-cide how to act. If they feel a positive action has a positive result, they will voluntarily start acting in an environmentally conscious manner,” she said. Masautso emphasized the importance of fairness in transforming people’s lives and encouraging greener choices. His research fo-cuses on the management of water catchment areas, with a par-ticular focus on gravity-fed dams, common in Malawi. The qual-ity of water that dams provide to lower catchment areas is largely dependent on the actions of the people living in the upper catch-ment areas. He noted that the integrated water resources manage-ment approach calls for the active participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable management of water sources and supply net-works, including dams and catchment areas. However, the residents of the upper catchment areas do not ben-efit from the downstream dams that exist in their areas. “This lack of fairness may lead to frustration and a loss of motivation to take environmentally responsible action. This is a lose-lose situation. It is essential that all stakeholders are treated fairly by identify-ing, for example, ways to provide clean water to the upper catch-ment areas,” he said. He touched on his visit to Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture last year, noting the impressive level of community involvement in the protection of the island’s rice paddies. As a result of such efforts, the number of Japanese crested ibis that had been in danger of be-coming extinct were reared artificially and their numbers started to increase. These birds, designated a Special National Treasure, are only able to survive in a natural, chemical-free environment. “The area benefits from tourism, with visitors attracted by the natural beauty of the area. This contributes to the local economy and the local people feel their effort to protect the environment is paying off,” he said. He was also inspired by the growing sense of satisfaction and identity among community members who par-ticipated in activities to preserve local natural resources. “It would appear that there is a common view that natural resources should be nurtured and protected, rather than exploited,” he said. He also highlighted the value of gaining insight into Japanese legislation and enforcement. “My time at Sophia University has
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