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On August 2nd, the second day of ASEP he ruins, a beacon of hope emerged in the
2017 unfolded with solemnity and purpose, form of the community oyster farm, a
marked by the official commencement at symbol of resilience and renewal in the
the opening ceremony held at the host face of adversity. Over the past five years,
Waseda University Okuma Auditorium. This this once-devastated farm had undergone
pivotal event served as a symbolic a remarkable metamorphosis, emerging
gathering, uniting the participants from stronger and more vibrant than ever
diverse backgrounds for the first time in before. Achieving accreditation against the
their shared commitment to exploring the ASC Bivalve Standard by AMITA stood as a
theme of "Biodiversity and Renovation." The testament to its unwavering commitment
esteemed roster of keynote participants to environmental sustainability and social
included His Excellency Chea Kimtha, responsibility. Prior to the disaster, the
Ambassador Extraordinary and farm operated on intensive family farming
Plenipotentiary of the Royal Embassy of methods that proved unsustainable in the
Cambodia in Japan, alongside notable long run, leading to overcrowding and
figures such as Kaoru Kamata, President of ecological imbalance. However, the tragedy
Waseda University, Takuya Okada, provided a catalyst for change, prompting
Chairman of AEON Environmental a paradigm shift towards more responsible
Foundation, and Motoya Okada, President, practices in collaboration with the World
and Representative Executive Officer Wildlife Fund Japan (WWF). Through
Director and Group CEO of AEON Co., Ltd., concerted efforts and innovative initiatives,
setting the tone for insightful deliberations including a state-funded pilot program, the
and collaborative endeavours. Their local community banded together to
presence underscored the significance of revitalize the fragile ecosystem and
international cooperation and cross- establish a thriving and balanced
sectoral partnerships in addressing aquaculture production base. Following this
pressing environmental challenges and inspiring visit, ASEP 2017 ventured further
fostering sustainable development. to Higashimatsuyama-shi in Saitama
Through their thought-provoking Prefecture to explore the Morinogakko
addresses, participants were galvanized to (School in the Forest), an innovative
harness their collective expertise and educational initiative supported by AEON
resources toward advancing innovative as part of the Afan Woodland Disaster
solutions that harmonize human prosperity Recovery Project. Nestled within the serene
with ecological integrity. embrace of the forest, this visionary school
On the following day (August 3rd), the served as a beacon of environmental
participants of ASEP 2017 began their education, seamlessly integrating nature
journey all across the region of Japan into its curriculum. Students had the
affected by the 2011 disaster. First, the unique opportunity to learn amidst the
participants had visited the Minamisanriku- whispering trees and babbling brooks,
cho in Miyagi Prefecture, a coastal gem fostering a deep sense of appreciation and
that had been tragically ravaged by the stewardship for the natural world. The
cataclysmic 2011 Tohoku disaster. With a project, in collaboration with the C.W. Nicol
staggering 95% of the town's infrastructure Afan Woodland Trust, embodied the
obliterated by the towering tsunami waves, missions of recovering Japan's pristine
and the loss of over 1000 lives, the grim natural heritage and cultivating a
aftermath painted a harrowing picture of prosperous society for future generations.
destruction and despair. However, amidst t By focusing on the conservation of
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