The Kushiro International Wetland Centre (KIWC) has provided training for developing countries on the conservation and wise use of wetlands since 1994 under commission from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Sustainable Use of Wetland Resources for Local Benefit(since FY 2015)
- Target regions: Asia, Africa, East Europe and Latin America
- Target trainees: administrative officials in central and local governments engaging in wetland and biodiversity conservation
Trainees consider the creation of a mechanism for biodiversity conservation and sustainable wetland use based on public initiatives. From examples highlighted by Japanese wetlands, they learn about environmental education, eco-tours, the utilization of woodland areas near human settlements, and other matters.
Eco-Tourism for Sustainable Use of Natural and Cultural Resources Course (since FY 2010)
- Target regions: Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America
- Target trainees: administrative officials in central and local governments responsible for natural park management and tourism promotion
Trainees learn about using eco-tourism for regional development. Eco-tourism is a new form of tourism supporting the sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage resources in consideration of local environments and cultural values. They learn how to identify regional tourism resources, study how to use profits from eco-tourism to benefit the region in question, and consider other matters based on their experience with tour programs capitalizing on Japan’s natural environment.