UNAIR NEWS – Realizing the complexity of environmental problems nowadays, Environmental Science and Technology program from Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) UNAIR always makes efforts to educate its students on comprehensive environmental knowledge. One of them was by inviting experts to give enlightenment on the subject.

On Monday, March 21, Prof. Miyake Hiroyuki from Faculty of Law, Kitakyushu University Japan was given a public lecture “Cooperation on Environmental Activity Program in Surabaya”. In the occasion, Prof. Hiroyuki gave insights to ITL students on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Japanese environmental projects.

“The community could contribute to the environmental projects, and they would get the benefits from their own projects,” said the environmental legal expert who focused on ESD in Kitakyushu University.

Related to ESD, Prof. Hiroyuki explained that ESD was immensely applied in Japan as there were many environmental tragedies in Japan, such as Minamata and Itai-Itai tragedy. Minamata tragedy occurred in 1958 and was legally resolved in 2004. He emphasized that ESD is important as it could give positive effects continuously to the community.

Regarding successful Japanese efforts to promote environmental concern, Prof. Hiroyuki emphasized the importance of education.

“They were educated that environments should be preserved continuously. Therefore, the local community must be involved in preserving the environment they live in,” said Prof. Hiroyuki who also talked about waste management policy.

Regarding the Proferssor’s visit, Vice Dean III FST UNAIR, Dr. Nanik Siti Aminah said that it was the second time Kitakyushu’s professor came to UNAIR.

“Two professors have been here. The previous professor focused on the environment, and this time related to the environmental law. So, it was appropriate as we also have Environmental Science and Technology program (ITL), said Nanik. (*)

Author : Binti Q. Masruroh
Editor : Yeano Andhika