Japan for Sustainability (JFS) recently received a special award as part of the "GENKI Grand Prize 2003," which recognizes citizens' efforts to create environmentally friendly communities. (Genki is a Japanese adjective meaning high-spirited or vigorous.) JFS was established in August 2002 as an environmental communication platform to transmit information on the environment from Japan to the rest of the world. This recognition was a good opportunity for JFS to publicize its activities.

The Grand Prize this year was given to Kuzumaki Town of Iwate Prefecture for its efforts for community renewal by making the most of natural energies, i.e. the blessings of nature, and the wisdom of people.

"The GENKI Grand Prize," now in its third year, is organized by a nonprofit organization named the GENKI Network for Sustainability. The organization established this award system in 2001 in an attempt to encourage and learn from outstanding activities in various parts of Japan that are aimed at realizing a sustainable society. The organization also aims to make its contribution to a sustainable society by publicizing such activities.

The GENKI Network for Sustainability was formed in 1995 as a network of people working to reduce garbage and promote recycling, and it has been active as a nationwide base of information exchange trusted by citizens, businesses as well as governments. The network has also made policy proposals aimed at realizing a sustainable society from the citizens' perspective.

The organization obtained official non-profit status in July, 2003. Since then, it has been developing its network to provide and exchange information on activities in various parts of Japan to boost recycling-oriented communities. It has also been making efforts to strengthen partnerships among citizens, businesses and governments to realize a sustainable society.



Posted: 2003/12/29 09:05:48 AM
Japanese version

TAG Energy , Local government , Material reduction , NGO/Citizen , Other , System/Law