Calling all youth interested in harmonizing nature conservation and sustainable living
This webinar is mainly designed for youth in Japan who are unfamiliar with—or just beginning to take interest in—the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (MAB Programme).
The MAB Programme is a global initiative by UNESCO that promotes the sustainable use and protection of natural resources. Japan currently has 10 designated Biosphere Reserves, but awareness among youth remains limited.
The event introduces the basics of MAB and showcases youth-led initiatives from across the country—especially for those who care about living in harmony with nature but aren’t sure how to get involved, as well as adults who wish to support youth engagement.It also welcomes participants who are already familiar with MAB, offering a chance to learn about activities in other regions and connect with like-minded peers.
Join us for presentations by four young leaders and discover the values of the MAB Programme—and how you can be part of it.
Organizer: UNESCO Headquarters MAB Secretariat
Co-organizer: IUCN-J, Higuma to Kuroshio
Supporter: the UNESCO Chair of Yokohama National University
Registration Form（mandatory）
Meeting Registration – Zoom
Pre-event Questionnaire (optional)
https://forms.gle/mSUb77pWpxqWvGeX8
※This questionnaire is part of a research project. Your responses will be used for academic purposes only and will remain anonymous.
【Date & Time】Tuesday, May 27, 2025 19:00–20:00 JST / 12:00–13:00 CET
【Purpose】What is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? What can young people do there? This webinar aims to introduce the MAB Programme in an accessible way and deepen interest and understanding among Japanese youth. It also provides an opportunity for young people interested in MAB to connect with one another and build networks. We also warmly welcome adults who are interested in supporting youth engagement in sustainability.
【Target audience】
・Youth (interested in biodiversity, curious about biosphere reserves, or wanting to get involved)
・People who want to support youth activities
【Session topics include】
・What are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves?
・Youth active across Japan
・Youth’s international collaboration on biosphere reserves
【Language】Japanese
※Presentation slides will be available in both Japanese and English in advance.
Timetable
| Time (CET) | Content (English) |
| 12:00 | Opening & webinar purpose (Kokone Nakamura) |
| 12:07 | Presentation 1: Kyle Kobayashi |
| 12:17 | Presentation 2: Saku Monden |
| 12:27 | Presentation 3: Takumi Akiyama |
| 12:37 | Breakout Session 1 Select a speaker for interactive Q&A and peer exchange. |
| 12:47 | Breakout Session 2 Select a speaker for interactive Q&A and peer exchange. |
| 12:57 | Closing remarks (UNESCO MAB Secretariat) |
| 13:00 | End |
| After 13:00 | Optional Free Time. Zoom will remain open until around 13:15 CET. Feel free to stay and chat with the speakers or ask individual questions. |
Speakers (Click photo to download Presentation Slides)
Kokone Nakamura
> Presentation Script (English)
Graduate student at Yokohama National University / Trainee at UNESCO Headquarters MAB Secretariat
Topic: Overview of MAB Youth
Kyle Kobayashi
Graduate student at Kyushu University / Leader of “Higuma to Kuroshio,” a student group working across BRs in Japan
Topic: Introduction of past activities, how to get involved in MAB
Saku Monden
Undergraduate student at Ehime University / Active in Hakusan Biosphere Reserve / Will study in a MAB-related master’s program in Germany this fall
Topic: Introduction of activities, comparison between BRs in Japan and Germany, and how to get involved in MAB
Takumi Akiyama
Undergraduate student at Yokohama National University / Participant in multiple international MAB conferences
Topic: Youth experience in international MAB forums (China, Mongolia) and how to get involved