January 19, 2024 (Friday, 10:30-11:30 JST)
About the Webinar
Tzu Chi University in Taiwan serves as a pivotal anchor institution, employing a permaculture approach to enhance the sustainability of nearby communities. By integrating permaculture principles into its curriculum, the university empowers students as catalysts for positive change, adhering to the belief that everyone can be a sustainable designer. A notable initiative focuses on custom-designed community gardens for elderly care, featuring rainwater harvesting, community kitchens, composting, wheelchair-accessible gardens, greywater recycling, and therapeutic chicken farming. The seamless integration of these elements not only enhances the well-being of the elderly but also promotes sustainable practices.
In addressing rural economic development, Tzu Chi University has pioneered a consumer cooperative supporting local organic farmers and tribal agriculture, thereby stimulating the regional economy. Through community engagement and curriculum integration, the university advocates for an inclusive and participatory sustainability approach, encouraging widespread involvement in the sustainable movement. Hence, universities can play a significant role for sustainable design and community engagement at all levels not only benefits neighboring communities but also catalyzes a broader cultural shift towards sustainable living.
About the Speaker
Professor Chiu Yie-Ru is the Director of the M.Sc. in Sustainability and Disaster Management at Tzu Chi University and also a seasoned permaculture design teacher. Apart from his own research career, Professor Chiu is deeply committed to sustainable and economic endeavors. He passionately advocates for local economies, initiating projects such as the “Sustainable Consumer Cooperative” to bolster local farmers and enterprises. Utilizing cooperative models, he strives to retain financial circulation within communities, tackling challenges like rural decline and economic inequality. His pragmatic approach and tangible solutions have significantly benefited communities in Hualien.
About the NERPS Webinar Series
The Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) at Hiroshima University in Japan is hosting a series of webinars on the relationship between peace and sustainability in the context of environmental, socio-political, economic, and technological transformations. This series is situated within the urgent need to deal with the implications of global change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, for peace and sustainability. The webinar sessions serve as a platform for rethinking and updating the current discourse on peace and sustainability amidst these global challenges and transformations. Leading experts will discuss the role of resources, digital technologies, migration, governance, and education in peacebuilding, conflict mitigation, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building, among other components that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainability Development Goals, particularly that of Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Check out our previous webinars here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.