Tobetsu Ecological Center

The Tobetsu Ecological Center (TEC) is located in an old school, which was closed down due to lack of students. My host family’s daughter attended this school as one of the last students. She told me that there were only 9 students in her last year. School closures are common in Japan as fewer and fewer children are born to fill the classrooms. The mission of TEC : to create a sustainable society through environmental education and city planning. Mr. Yamamoto is the Center’s CEO and he uses three phrases to define ecology: co-existence with nature; fair society; and fulfillment of each individual. Yamamoto referenced Rachel Carson’s “Sense of Wonder” and said that this book was the foundation of his NPO. Other influential books included “Earth Education – A New Beginning” by Steve Van Matre and “Project Seasons” by Shelburne Farms.
http://www.esd-j.org/en/whatsesdj/founders.html