Secretary for the Environment KS Wong today visited Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan to learn about its conservation work and sustainable development.
He was briefed by local officials on the Satoyama Initiative, a joint effort of the Ministry of the Environment and the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies to rebuild and maintain rural landscapes.
He also visited Shiroyone Senmaida in Wajima on the Noto Peninsula. Occupying an area of 3.8 hectares, it consists of 1,004 small rice paddies in the form of terraced fields.
He then proceeded to Kanakura School to see the development and promotion of eco-tourism there. It was formed by local residents to promote and conserve the natural landscape and traditional culture of the Kanakura community.
In Niigata Prefecture yesterday, Mr Wong met with Itoigawa Mayor Toru Yoneda and visited the renowned Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark.
