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Notably, it holds the distinction of being measures implemented to mitigate
recognized as one of the "Top Type" (Type potential conflicts, including the removal of
A) universities under MEXT's Top Global attractants such as carcasses and garbage,
University Project. This prestigious as well as the deployment of electric
institution has also forged international ties, fences to delineate wildlife habitats from
including a dual-degree program with human settlements. From Mr Okamoto, the
Korea University since 1973 and an ASEP 2016 participants learned that human
academic exchange agreement with Peking activities, while could be a significant
University since 1982. Despite facing contributor to the erosion of wildlife
challenges, including damage during World habitat, can also be utilized such as in the
War II, Waseda University emerged form of ecotourism, to facilitate the
stronger, rebuilding and reopening by 1949. preservation of nature and biodiversity.
The Ōkuma Auditorium, completed in 1927, Next, the participants had also met with
stood as a resilient symbol of the Professor Mari Kobayashi, who was beyond
university's commitment to education and enthusiastic in elucidating the intricate
cultural enrichment. In essence, Waseda tapestry of biodiversity within northern
University's architecture narrates a story of Japan, encompassing the pristine
tradition and modernity, while its landscapes of Hokkaido and the Northern
achievements echo a legacy of academic Territories. Through the engaging lectures,
excellence, global impact, and resilience. It attendees gained a comprehensive
was with this backdrop of incredible understanding of the region's unique
wisdom and motivation that the marine ecosystems, with a particular focus
participants found their foothold in Japan on sustainable fishing practices advocated
for the exploration of the theme of ASEP by local fishermen to preserve delicate
2016 for the week to come. marine habitats and combat illegal
On the second day of ASEP 2016 poaching activities. The culmination of the
(August 4th), the participants eagerly day's activities unfolded within the breath-
ventured into the majestic wilderness of taking confines of Shiretoko National Park; a
Shiretoko, a region renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site revered for its
unspoiled landscapes and remarkable ecological significance. Here, participants
biodiversity. The itinerary for the day embarked on a captivating Shiretoko Brown
commenced with a welcome by the Bear watching cruise along the rugged
Shiretoko Nature Foundation, a renowned coastline and explored the tranquil
organization with the primary focus on expanses of the Shiretoko Goko Lakes (Five
maintaining and preserving the pristine Lakes), each moment underscored by the
environment and biodiversity of the profound interplay between human
Shiretoko Peninsula’s most fragile wildlife presence and the natural world. Shiretoko
habitats. The first agenda of the day began Brown Bear, a symbol of Hokkaido's rich
as attendees met with Mr. Hiroshi biodiversity, confronts existential
Okamoto, an esteemed researcher
specializing in the coexistence dynamics
between human communities and the
indigenous brown bear population. Delving
deeper into the subject, participants
gained insights into the intricate challenges
posed by brown bear encroachments into
residential areas and the strategic
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