Japan's Ministry of the Environment held the eighth National Junior Eco-Club (JEC) Festival in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture on March 29 and 30, 2003. The festival is held annually to promote exchanges among the members of JECs across the country.

Local clubs and those invited from other prefectures participated in the festival. The invited ones were chosen based on the uniqueness, initiative, and appeal of their activities. The events on the second day were open to the public, and participants were also able to enjoy the Nagasaki Green Purchasing Fair, held nearby.

The JEC program is implemented by the Ministry to promote children's environmental activities, with the support of local municipalities. Any group of elementary or junior high school students can set up a JEC. Each club takes up its own voluntary environmental activities, such as studies about wildlife living nearby, ecological assessments of their communities, and recycling. No admission or annual membership fees are required. As of January 31, 2003, 3,969 JECs were registered and 76,885 students were taking part in JECs.



Posted: 2003/04/03 11:12:34 AM
Japanese version

TAG Government , NGO/Citizen , Other