The Caribbean Sea boasts enchanting islands with crystalline waters and powdery white sands. Spanning over 7,000 islands, the Eastern Caribbean Small Island Developing States (ECDIS) lies to the east of the Caribbean Sea, bordering the Atlantic Ocean from north to south. The region's history has been interwoven with a thriving fishing industry, yielding catches of conch and lobster within the coral reef waters and migratory species like skipjack and tuna in the offshore expanses.
Regrettably, in recent times, overfishing and excessive harvesting have led to a decline in these vital marine resources, triggering concerns about ecosystem degradation.
In August 2022, IC Net Limited initiated the "Project for Strengthening Sustainable Use and Management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in the CARICOM Countries (Phase 2)" with the support of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for six Caribbean countries. The Japanese government entrusted this project to IC Net Limited, acknowledging its successful track record in "sustainable fisheries resource management" across Africa, Oceania, and other regions. The project's dual objective is to bolster the administrative prowess of the fisheries sector while enhancing the organizational capabilities of fishermen. Simultaneously, it aims to preserve the coastal ecosystem. Through pilot initiatives running until mid-2025, the project endeavors to establish a model of participatory joint management involving both government bodies and fishermen.
A distinctive feature of this project lies in its incorporation of the Japanese "satoumi" approach. In Japan, the preservation of fisheries and the enhancement of ecosystem functions have been achieved through the holistic management of coastal waters, employing a balanced level of human intervention that fosters a thriving marine environment. The pilot project seeks to elevate fishermen's awareness of resource preservation and uplift their livelihoods, empowering them to adopt a proactive stance in resource management.
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- To facilitate these goals, we supported the establishment
of small-scale artificial fish reefs utilizing conch shells.
This innovative method empowers fishermen to create
and deploy their own reefs onto the seafloor.
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- Additionally, we undertook the installation of FADs
(floating fish reefs). This initiative aims to alleviate fishing
pressure on reef fish by effectively harnessing these fishery
resources, which attract species like sardines and bonito,
fostering a sustainable ecosystem.
Gakken has taken a proactive role in publishing a range of books aimed at raising awareness about pressing global environmental issues. These publications contribute to the cultivation of environmentally conscious individuals, particularly nurturing a younger generation capable of taking action, a pivotal aspect of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
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Picture Book: Crisis on Earth
One such publication is "Crisis on Earth," a visually engaging guide that delves into the contemporary crises affecting our planet and explores potential solutions or preventative measures. 
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Series of Find Out from the "Why?": Another noteworthy book is "Why? Find out from the 'Why?'," which offers insights spanning from forests and rivers to dams, water purification plants, water supply systems, and even households. This publication not only serves as a valuable resource for research and study but also sheds light on the global water situation.
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Picture Book: Creatures of Satoyama
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Gakken's Science: Step into the future
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Gakken's Illustrated Book LIVE: Dinosaurs, Insects,
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Environmental Nonfiction:
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We distribute campaign posters to various locations across Japan, including Gakken classrooms, schools, public libraries, senior citizen facilities, and facilities for school children. Our goal is to encourage these establishments to proudly display these posters, spreading awareness and promoting the campaign's message to a wide and diverse audience.
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- Image courtesy of Wild Bird Society of Japan
The contest is a poster competition that invites elementary, junior high, and high school students from both Japan and overseas to submit their artwork and slogans centered around the theme of "Environment." In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the Gakken Prize was granted to Saitama Municipal Taihei Junior High School and Hiroshima Municipal Midorimachi Junior High School as recipients of the group award.
Upper left: Minister of the Environment Award, The work of Sara Koikawa, 5th grade student at Shirokane-no-oka Elementary School, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Upper right: Minister of Education Award: The work of Wakana Kitade, a first-year student at Wakayama High School, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama
Lower right: Prime Minister's Prize, The work of Sara Fujisaki, a first-year student at Murakami Higashi Junior High School, Yachiyo City, Chiba
- Information as of FY2022.
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- Image courtesy of the Children's Education Support Foundation