#SaToYaMa #Phnom Toi #Mori-Bito

A New Initiative for Biodiversity and Satoyama Conservation in Chiba

In a concerted effort to address biodiversity and promote Satoyama conservation, Phnom Toi Co., Ltd. and Mori-Bito, a non-profit organization based in Chiba, will launch the "Satoyama Nature Positive Practical Course" in May 2026. This innovative program will be held in Chonan, Chiba, focusing on nurturing sustainability leaders and practical engagement in the field.

The primary aim of this program is to provide a blend of field experiences and online courses, specifically tailored for corporate sustainability officials, business innovators, and citizens interested in forest conservation and community revitalization. Participants will explore local challenges and strategize personal action plans, ultimately enabling them to convert theoretical concepts into practical executions.

Who Should Join?

This program appeals to a diverse range of individuals, including:

• - Sustainability and CSR professionals looking to develop nature-positive initiatives through community ties.
• - Business planners and innovators eager to co-create ventures utilizing local resources like forests.
• - HR and training staff interested in experiential learning programs for leadership development using forest-themed activities.
• - Business owners managing forested areas aiming to innovate value in their practices.
• - Environmentally-conscious individuals seeking to connect with like-minded people committed to regional solutions.

Program Background and Features

The contemporary landscape calls for enhanced biodiversity responses and the implementation of nature-positive ideas among companies. However, the scarcity of skilled personnel and conducive environments for hands-on approaches has been evident. Thus, this course is designed to empower individuals who can actively engage in environmental preservation, enhancing social value through practical applications.

The program integrates on-site experiences in Satoyama with online learning, allowing attendees to devise solutions for community issues. Each session is structured to cultivate critical thinking and actionable insights, fostering a hands-on approach to environmental sustainability.

Program Schedule

The course consists of seven sessions over approximately four months, including three online lectures, three field trips, and a final presentation. Participants will be exposed to:

• - The current realities and challenges of forests and Satoyama.
• - Experiential learning involving sensory immersion in nature, including activities like forest bathing and fire-making.
• - Understanding preservation methods through hands-on practices.

The final session allows participants to present their