Based in Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, "Etajima Future Sea Creation Grand Strategy" (Operated by: General Incorporated Association Fudo, Representative Director: Shun Goto), which is working on sustainable sea creation, exhibited and participated in a panel discussion at the "Biotope Forum in Hiroshima" held on June 12, 2026, at Hiroshima Yell Yell Hall.

We communicated our activities that value the connection between mountains, rivers (satoumi), and the sea, incorporating our three core approaches: "coastal cleanup," "seagrass bed regeneration and research," and "creating learning spaces to pass on satoumi to the future." We will report on the lessons learned through dialogue with various stakeholders at the forum and our future outlook for sustainable satoumi creation.

Official Website: https://etajima-umi.net/

1. Connecting "Mountains, Rivers, and Seas" for the Future: Our Three Pillars of Sea Creation

Daily Activities (Beach Cleanup) Daily Activities (Seagrass Bed Regeneration)

Etajima is surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea. However, the challenges facing the sea (marine debris and seagrass bed decline) are not confined to the ocean itself. Nutrients nurtured by the mountains flow down rivers (satoumi) to the sea, creating a rich ecosystem. We continue our activities based on the following three pillars, valuing this "connection between mountains, rivers (satoumi), and the sea."

Etajima Zero Marine Debris Operation (Coastal Cleanup): Doing what we can from our local coast. We practice beach cleanups involving many people, including regular cleanups every Tuesday.

Sea Cradle Operation (Seagrass Bed Regeneration and Research): To restore declining seagrass beds and protect the habitats of living creatures, we continue to cultivate seagrass, plant it, and conduct research to verify its effectiveness.

Creating Learning Spaces (Human Resource Development and Corporate Collaboration): To pass on rich satoumi to the future, we introduce outreach classes to schools and experiential training programs in collaboration with companies, fostering next-generation leaders and collaborative networks.

At this forum, based on our practices in Etajima, we exchanged opinions on the future state of local communities and the natural environment.

2. Lessons from the Forum: "Sea Creation" for the Future Seen Through Dialogue with Diverse Stakeholders

Forum Presentation Exhibition Scene

At the Biotope Forum in Hiroshima, various stakeholders transcended their positions, including government officials, researchers, educational institutions, private companies, and local residents. Through the sessions and dialogues on the day, we gained significant insights.

"Protecting the sea is not just about protecting the sea itself."

The Importance of "Circulation" Beyond Silos: The regeneration of the natural environment is not something that can be completed by a single organization or a single region. We strongly reaffirmed the necessity of creating a comprehensive circular system by bringing together people involved in mountain-based industries (forestry, agriculture), people living in urban areas, and people involved with the sea, each with their own perspectives.

From "Related Population" to "Collaborative Partners": We are convinced that the impact of our activities can be multiplied not just by having people participate in events, but by combining their expertise (corporate technological capabilities, researchers' knowledge, administrative driving force, children's flexible ideas).

3. Future Outlook: Utilizing Lessons Learned Here to Expand the Circle of Collaboration

Dialogue with Participants Dialogue Sessions in Daily Activities

Cherishing the lessons learned and encounters at this forum, "Etajima Future Sea Creation Grand Strategy" will continue its activities with even broader collaboration with all stakeholders.

Cross-Sector Collaboration and Project Creation: In the future, we will further deepen the connection between corporate ESG investment and training programs with our organization's "human resource development" to jointly create a model where sustainable business and environmental conservation coexist.

Sharing Research and Field Learning: By closely collaborating with research institutions and organizations in other regions, we will contribute to the environmental regeneration of the entire Seto Inland Sea by sharing and utilizing knowledge from research, including seagrass bed regeneration.

Perspective Incorporating Mountains, Satoumi, and Lifestyles: Valuing the perspective of "nurturing mountains to protect the sea," we will plan learning programs and events together with stakeholders both inside and outside Etajima Island.

4. Aiming for Collaboration with Diverse Stakeholders

Environmental issues and sea creation cannot be solved by a single organization. Just as mountains, satoumi, and the sea are all connected, our lives and work are also connected to the sea somewhere.

"Etajima Future Sea Creation Grand Strategy" welcomes collaboration with companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and organizations who resonate with our activities and are thinking, "Perhaps we can do something together" by leveraging their respective perspectives and expertise.

We hope to expand the circle of collaboration little by little, starting with what we can do, in a way that suits each other.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

Organization Overview

Organization Name: General Incorporated Association Fudo

Location: 997-2 Hata, Okimi-cho, Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Main Activities: Etajima Zero Marine Debris Operation (Coastal Cleanup), Sea Cradle Operation (Seagrass Bed Regeneration and Research), Creating Learning Spaces (Outreach Classes, Corporate Collaboration)

Official HP: https://etajima-umi.net/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
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