Ryukoku University has become the first university in Japan to issue a ``Nature Positive Declaration'' against the backdrop of the rapid loss of biodiversity that is becoming increasingly serious worldwide.
"Nature positive" means halting and reversing biodiversity loss to put nature back on track. At the United Nations' 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15/December 2022), a new global goal, the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, was adopted. ” direction was clearly indicated.
A global goal to achieve "Nature Positive" by 2030 has been set, and action is required to achieve it.In Japan, the "National Biodiversity Strategy 2023-3" was approved by the Cabinet at the end of March 2023. Efforts are underway to realize nature positivity.
In Ryukoku University's long-term plan, ``Ryukoku University Basic Concept 400,'' which runs until the end of 2039, which marks the 400th anniversary of its founding, Ryukoku University promotes the ``Buddhist SDGs'' by advocating a behavioral philosophy of ``self-reflection and altruism'' that reflects on oneself and benefits others. However, the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Biodiversity Science Research Center, and other institutions have carried out various activities that contribute to nature positivity, such as developing initiatives related to biodiversity in the fields of education, research, and social contribution.
Ryukoku Forest, located adjacent to the Seta Campus (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture), symbolizes these activities. The approximately 38 ha Satoyama forest, which is a secondary forest of mixed coniferous forest dominated by Quercus and Japanese red pine, is a natural symbiotic site designated by the Ministry of the Environment as of March 2024, 3. The area is designated as an area recognized by the government as an area where
In addition, the "Ryukoku University Basic Plan 400" has a future vision for 2039 that aims to overcome all "walls" and "differences" by cultivating "Magokoro" citizens and creating new knowledge and value. We aim to become a platform that contributes to world peace, and we believe that promoting initiatives that contribute to nature positivity is an important measure toward realizing this future vision.
With the issuance of this "Ryukoku University Nature Positive Declaration," Ryukoku University is broadly expressing to society its determination as a university that will lead in nature positivity toward the realization of a sustainable society, and will promote initiatives that contribute to this goal. .
<Ryukoku University Nature Positive Declaration>
1. From a Buddhist perspective, we will develop people who will contribute to nature positivity through educational and research activities.
2.As a university with a wide range of knowledge from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences, we will implement research results related to nature positivity into society.
3. In collaboration with national and local governments, companies, NGOs, NPOs, etc., we will promote various activities aimed at nature positivity and co-create initiatives aimed at creating new value.
4.We will not stop at these activities, but will reflect on our own actions and work toward realizing a world that coexists with nature.
