Many developing countries today face such environmental problems as degradation of forests, loss of wetlands and water resources, extinction of wildlife, desertification, air/water pollution and soil contamination. The youth of today will play an important role in future global affairs so their environmental education now is essential as well as effective.
　In 1996 the Environment Agency of Japan launched a project to develop educational video programmes on global environment especially for children in developing countries since. The project's implementing agency is the Ramsar Center Japan in collaboration with the NHK Educational and other international partners, researchers and NGOs. The first video from the project was a successful 30-minute film called "Wet Wonderland."
　In the video, being guided by the computer graphics character "WANDA," wetlands in Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh are introduced, and their importance for people's life is emphasized.
　Effectiveness of audio-visual materials for educational programmes is well-known. But we see a fewer number of such materials. In many cases, once they are made they are permanently laid to rest on the bookshelves of environmental organizations. This is especially the case in developing countries (particularly at local levels) where which AV facilities are not sufficiently equipped. As well as elaboration on the contents of video materials, recommendations for appropriate use of those materials are needed.
　To explore ways and means of using video materials effectively for wetlands conservation (awareness/education) in developing countries, pilot applications and evaluations of "Wet Wonderland" were planned. From June to October 1997, applications of "Wet Wonderland" to create awareness at rural communities in Thailand, Bangladesh, and Nepal were carried out. On the other hand, several pilot applications of "Wet Wonderland" in other countries through personal channels of international partners and the Advisory Committee of the project were also carried out and the results of those applications were inspected and evaluated.
　Based upon achievements of the above, a follow-up project will be adopted for 1998-1999 for the purpose of producing more video materials.

Reiko Nakamura, Secretary General, Ramsar Center Japan

Workshop Involving Local People Concerned with Nature Conservation Activities

The Kushiro International Wetland Centre held the Training for Wetland Conservation and Protection of Migratory Birds, commissioned by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, from September 30 to November 2, 1997. This was the program's fourth year and it was attended by seven people, including NGO staff, from Cambodia, China, R.O. Korea, Laos, the Philippines and Thailand. In the previous three programs, participants expressed their wishes for opportunities to exchange opinions with local people actually involved in wetland conservation and protection of migratory birds. To this end, a workshop involving local people concerned with conservation activities was held with the participation of approximately 30 people, including the trainees and representatives from seven local NGOs. 　Keynote presentations were given by two representatives of local NGOs and a Thai representative who spoke on behalf of the trainees. Afterwards, opinions on environmental education and other topics were exchanged among participants.This workshop provided a rare opportunity for trainees and local participants to exchange information. Local people have requested that the workshop be continued.

Kushiro-shitsugen National Park Little Rangers

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Kushiro-shitsugen's designation as a national park, the Kushiro-shitsugen Liaison Association decided last year to establish a little ranger registration system for youngsters interested in the conservation of Kushiro-shitsugen and other environmental matters. The Association will support the group's activities. 　To register as little rangers, children participate in designated nature observation events at least three times and take a preparatory course. 　Major activities of the little rangers include "children's research" of Kushiro-shitsugen and "children's meetings," in which participants discuss environmental problems associated with Kushiro-shitsugen. These activities are conducted with children's viewpoints in mind. Designated nature observation for little ranger registration 　This year's children's meeting was the first such activity. During the meeting, children discussed the conservation of Kushiro-shitsugen and offered their proposals, e.g., don't throw away trash, warn those who do, etc. Objectives for the children's research scheduled for this summer were also discussed. 　This March, the little rangers will exchange opinions with the Mayor of Kushiro City and will present their own suggestions for municipal administration. 　These little ranger activities will be continued next year and the year following. Through this program, we intend to foster future leaders who will play central roles in environmental conservation. Secretariat, Kushiro-shitsugen Liaison Association

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