On March 3rd, 2023, lectures were given as part of the FY2022 Seminar on Regional Understanding Program “Lake Biwa” by JICA Kansai, in response to their request. *Related materials are attached at the end of the article.

This program, which is now in its fourth year, was held in a hybrid format with 14 participants attending onsite and approximately 190 applicants from 57 universities nationwide online.

In the morning, Dr. Nakamura, ILEC vice president, gave a lecture on “Understanding the Development and Importance of Lake Biwa,” followed by a lecture in the afternoon by Professor Ide from the University of Shiga Prefecture on “Resident Activities during Japan’s High Growth Period.” During the Q&A session, various questions were asked about water treatment systems, hydroelectric power, soap movements, MLGs, and more, leading to lively exchanges of ideas.

Although it was a short one-day program, we hope that it served as an opportunity for students from various countries who participated to deepen their awareness of the importance and issues surrounding lakes and reservoirs.

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The seminar on regional understanding is implemented by JICA Kansai. This program introduces examples of the Kansai area’s history, development, and experience to long-term trainees (international students) studying at graduate schools in the Kansai area to convey the region’s modern and contemporary growth and development experience.

＜Related materials＞

Evolving Issues toward Improvement of the Lake Biwa -YodoRiver Basin Governance

Evolving Issues Toward Biwa-Yodo Basin Governance

Lake Biwa: Have sustainable objectives been met?

Local Approaches to Environmental Compliance

Lake Biwa watershed transformation and the changed water environments.

Evolving History of Lake Biwa and Yodo River Basin Management