7th EBA Open Seminar Report – Environment

Filed in EBA Open Seminars by on March 7, 2014

On March 5th, the 7th EBA Consortium Open Seminar was held as an online seminar with the topic Environment. The EBA Consortium would like to thank all those who attend and supported.

The following universities attended the open seminar:

  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Malaysia
  • University of the Philippines (UP) – Philippines
  • Chulalongkorn University (CU) – Thailand
  • Keio University (KEIO) – Japan with participation from 3 locations:
    • Keio Mita Campus
    • Keio Hiyoshi Campus
    • Keio SFC Campus

Session 1 – Aims and Scope of “Ecological and Environmental Fieldwork” Class by Tomoko Doko (Keio University, Japan)

Tomoko Doko, lecturer for the class introduced the aims and scope of the fieldwork and Keio’s partnership with Fujiyoshida City. Class is based on group work and class attendees are expected to make survey and final presentations. Some students then gave the outcomes from 2013 class.

Estimating Potential Biomass for Fujiyoshida City using a sample based field survey by Eky Ristanti (M1 Student)

A field survey of a 20×20 meter area to determine the biomass of forest type were performed. Tools, equipment and steps of the sampling method were explained. In total, six sites were plotted. Summarized of potential biomass were shown and it was suggested that Fujiyoshida City in the utilization of Forest Woody Biomass and also production of bio charcoal.

Implementing Camera Traps to Monitor Wildlife and Potential Biodiversity at Mt. Fuji by Yun Chu Lin (M1 Student)

A field survey of a 500×500 meter area using camera trap to count the number of animals were performed. In comparison to previous studies, there we 13 different animals found in 2012 while there are 12 different animals found in 2013. There are 3 species not found in the previous study and combining the results there are 16 species observed total. These results can be provided to biologist and other researchers to assess the animal behaviors.

Session 2 – Beauty of Mt. Fuji and Fujiyoshida City by Yumi Matson, Keigo Arai (Fujiyoshida City Hall)

Yumi Matson gave historical overview of the Fujiyoshida City where everything is linked with Mt. Fuji. While Mt. Fuji is still an active volcano (last erupted in 1707), there are a lot of people coming there to climb it. Recently, Mt. Fuji has been designated as a world heritage. The water in Fujiyoshida is also very known due to it’s cleanliness where it is incorporated into various aspect of local culture from local cuisine to industry. Tourism, textiles and manufacturing also played an important part in Fujiyoshida City.

Keigo Arai gave joint efforts information between Fujiyoshida City and Keio University. In December 2007, Fujiyoshida City and Keio University started a cooperative effort to develop a more efficient local government and come up with better ways to advance community building, local culture and add value to the natural environment of the Mt. Fuji region. Example of joint efforts: Open Oshimachi, the Fujiyoshida Piggy Bank Foundation, and Keio University water.

Session 3 – Next Fiscal Year Plan by Tomoko Doko (Keio University, Japan)

Fieldwork in Fujiyoshida City in September 16th -18th, 2014. Expected participants are max. 10 person from Keio University and max. 10 person from EBA partner university. There will be a preparation course before the actual fieldwork itself. More information will follow.

Session 4 – Introduction to Japanese Language Course by Yumi Sugihara (Keio University, Japan)

The introduction to Japanese language course will start in March 11th 2014. The course will be mandatory for the EBA students and give the minimum communication skill to stay in Japan for the fieldwork including Japan knowledge, greetings in Japanese, written characters, and Japanese food.

Closing

More information can be found by watching the video presentations.

The next open seminar will be held April 2nd 2014 from University of Malaya.

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