#Japan #Eve #Karatsu #Marine Pollution

Inspiring Environmental Change: EVE's Lecture at Karatsu Minami High School

On January 9, 2026, the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food, located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, hosted a special lecture by British environmentalist EVE at Saga Prefectural Karatsu Minami High School. This event targeted students involved in the school's 'Nijino Matsubara Project Team', providing them with direct insights into pressing environmental issues that affect our oceans.

EVE's visit to Karatsu began on January 6, during which she engaged in firsthand experiences with the activities of Karatsu Farm & Food (Precious Plastic Karatsu). She toured beaches in Karatsu and Fukuoka, exchanging views on the problem of marine plastic pollution that affects not only the northwest Kyushu region but also Tsushima Island. EVE highlighted the importance of community involvement in addressing these global issues and discussed initiatives like Japan's first nature coexistence site and the international efforts of Precious Plastic.

The lecture particularly focused on EVE's past experiences with a Norwegian NGO, where she participated in rigorous beach clean-up activities. She shared real-life examples of recycling products made from repurposed fishing nets—stories that textbooks often overlook. The engaged audience of students listened intently, their expressions reflecting a serious commitment to environmental stewardship.

The 'Nijino Matsubara Project Team' included students who have been dedicated to environmental conservation efforts since their first year and are set to graduate this spring. EVE's lecture served as both a reflection on their journey so far and a platform for considering their future paths in environmental engagement beyond graduation.

In a heartwarming gesture, each student received a copy of the book "The Blue Ocean of the Blue Star," donated by Think the Earth, an organization dedicated to environmental education. Some students shared their experiences visiting the 'Blue Ocean Dome' at the Osaka Kansai Expo, further deepening their interest in marine environments.

As her visit came to an end, EVE acknowledged the importance of the connections forged at the local level and their potential to reach the broader global context. Karatsu Farm & Food will continue to collaborate with practitioners and educational institutions, promoting environmental education (ESD) that tackles the issue of marine plastic pollution. EVE expressed her hope to return to Karatsu and visit Tsushima in the future, indicating that the students' engagement with global issues stems from local actions.

In summary, EVE's lecture marked an important step for local high school students to conceptualize their role in transforming the future through active participation and connection with global environmental movements. The journey of education that bridges local communities and the world's oceans is just beginning.

About Karatsu Farm & Food

Organization Overview

• - Name: NPO Karatsu Farm & Food (Precious Plastic Karatsu)
• - Location: Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
• - Website: Karatsu Farm & Food
• - Instagram: Instagram Page
• - YouTube: YouTube Channel

Karatsu Farm & Food, based in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, addresses global environmental issues such as marine plastic pollution through local initiatives. The organization focuses on biodiversity conservation, environmental education (ESD), and implementing circular economies while utilizing local resources in practical ways. Their commitment includes a strong emphasis on creating cycles to 'collect, regenerate, and utilize' plastic waste flowing into rivers and oceans, capitalizing on the open-source circular model, Precious Plastic, started in the Netherlands. The organization operates Precious Plastic Karatsu as a hub for recycling local plastics into new products.

Looking ahead, Karatsu Farm & Food will aim to continue expanding environmental actions that reach from local communities to the world, collaborating across various sectors including education and industry, and connecting with both domestic and international practitioners in the global fight against marine plastic pollution.