The award ceremony for the 30th was held on April 28, Grand Prize for the Global Environment AwardThe Fujisankei Communications Group sponsored the event. In the presence of His Imperial Higness Princess Kako and Crown Prince Akishino, trophies and certificates were presented to the recipients.
Grand Prize winner Sekisui House was awarded for its contribution to biodiversity conservation, planting 1.79 million trees. Yoshihiro Nakai, President and CEO, stated that they will continue to share their expertise in biodiversity conservation with society as well as expand their conservation activities.
Hisashi Hieda, president of Fujisankei Group spoke to the audience. He said that strong Japanese leadership was required to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs), and to realize carbon neutrality. He also reiterated his commitment to work for a vibrant and prosperous country through this award program, which aims to harmonize the environment and economy.
Fujio Mitarai is Canon Chairman and CEO. He serves as the chairman of award program committee.
Crown Prince and Princess Congratulate Recipients
A reception was not held on the 28th of April due to COVID-19. However, award recipients were able to meet their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Akishino & Princess Kako prior the ceremony.
CEO Nakai, Sekisui House’s Grand Prize winner, recalled that Crown Prince Akishino told me, “If the tree-planting network grows, it will have a similar effect as building parks.”
METI Minister’s Award to Kyushu Electric Power
Michiaki Uriu, Chairman of Kyushu Electric Power, was the recipient of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Ministers Award. He highlighted that the company was praised because of its biodiversity conservation efforts, which were done in collaboration with local residents. He expressed his hopes and dreams for the future.
We hope to continue these efforts and contribute to the realization a sustainable society.
Each year, the company partners up with 800 to 900 residents to control a burn in the Kuju Bogatsuru wetlands in Oita Prefecture in order to preserve the environment.
MEXT Minister’s Award to Nakui Agricultural High School
Nakui Agricultural School in Aomori Prefecture received the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology’s Ministers Award. Tomoo Koizumi, principal of Nakui Agricultural High School in Aomori Prefecture, expressed his joy at the recognition of the fruits of their research, as well as the efforts of our graduates.
The school has received numerous awards and been praised in Japan and abroad for its efforts in supporting agriculture in developing countries. Principal Koizumi stated that the Crown Prince of Japan and Princess had said to him, “I hear the name your school often.” You all work very hard.
Mizuho, a third-year student at the age of 17, is the leader of the research team. I would like the power of agriculture to continue to help those who are in greatest need, using the perspectives and experiences of high school students.
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(Read the Japanese stories that this report is based upon. Here Here.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun JAPAN Forward