The 12th Good Life Award Ceremony, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, will take place online on December 7, 2024. This event will bring together trailblazers of environmental initiatives from across the nation to share their efforts towards realizing regional circular and ecological spheres. Awardees of the Minister of the Environment Award will present their achievements. This is a must-see event!
Changing Society Together: Practicing Local SDGs for a Sustainable Future
In a world burdened with global challenges, the Good Life Award is a flagship project that supports initiatives aimed at creating lives in harmony with the environment, focusing on regional circular and ecological spheres. Organized by the Ministry of the Environment, the award promotes the transformation of lifestyles by widely showcasing outstanding activities from individuals, companies, and community groups.
This year, the award particularly recognized initiatives rooted in local communities. The grand prize was awarded to Yamaki Jozo Co., Ltd., based in Saitama Prefecture, for its “Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture” project. This initiative beautifully embodies the balance between environmental conservation and regional economic growth by fostering trust between producers and consumers.
Meanwhile, nationwide efforts also garnered attention. A standout example is Aoyama Trading Co., Ltd.’s project, “Creating Clothes That Never End,” which was lauded for its groundbreaking approach to reducing textile waste. Additionally, community-driven projects promoting satoyama restoration and sustainable forestry were highly praised.
The ceremony will be held online, featuring presentations by the award recipients detailing their achievements and challenges. This event is open to all who are interested in environmental activities, offering participants valuable practical knowledge and inspiration.
Event Information:
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 2:30 PM–6:30 PM
Fee: Free
Audience: Open to anyone interested in environmental issues, SDGs, social entrepreneurship, or regional revitalization.
Host: Ministry of the Environment
Award Highlights
Grand Prize:
“Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture: Building Trust Between Growers, Producers, and Consumers”
Yamaki Jozo Co., Ltd. (Saitama Prefecture)
Excellence Awards:
“Creating Clothes That Never End: Eco-Friendly Initiatives With Customers”
Aoyama Trading Co., Ltd. (Nationwide)
“Eco-Friendly Rice by Bikkuri Donkey: 100% Contracted Farms Conducting Biodiversity Surveys”
Aleph Inc. (Nationwide)
“Satoyama Restoration ‘My Rice Field Forest’ Project”
Satoyama Club Kani (Kani City, Gifu Prefecture)
Category Awards:
Corporate Category:
“Turning ‘Mottainai’ Into Business”
EcoRika Co., Ltd. (Nationwide)”Reviving Traditional Forestry and Creating Sustainable Satoyama with Binchotan Charcoal”
Shikoku Southwood Company (Minami Town, Tokushima Prefecture)
Academic Category:
“Empowering Communities with Renewable Energy Innovations: A University-Led Local Initiative”
Ryukoku University Policy Department Project (Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture)
NPO Category:
“Towards a Future Where People Are Part of Nature: Creating ‘SATOYAMA Organic Regions'”
Kenichi Natural Farm (Centered in Fukusato Village, Yamato Highlands)
Municipality Category:
“Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Village”
Samegawa Village (Samegawa Village, Fukushima Prefecture)
Community Category:
“Living With the Forest: A Vision for a Sustainable Future Through Mountain-Harvested Trees”
Forestina (Seto City, Aichi Prefecture)
Special Website
Registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85004286925
Zoom Webinar ID: 850 0428 6925