EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN “Nature Experience Program”

The Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition will hold a Nature Experience Program in the Forest Experience Zone and Interactive Fun Zone of the Nagakute Area and the Satoyama Trail Zone of the Seto Area, as follows.

This program is subdivided into four individual programs. It offers opportunities to think and learn about Nature's Wisdom, the Expo theme, through experiencing the rich natural environment of EXPO 2005, as well as indicating one of the ways to resolve environmental problems, which are issues we cannot avoid as we think about the Earth in the 21st century.

We hope that the human resources and techniques developed in this program will continue to be utilized in the region after the Expo's conclusion, and spread across Japan and around the world.

1. Name

EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN "Nature Experience Program"

2. Venues

Forest Experience Zone and Interactive Fun Zone, Nagakute Area Satoyama Trail Zone, Seto Area

3. Purpose

To allow visitors to enjoy the rich natural environment of EXPO 2005 AICHI, as well as to propose not only regulations and new technologies for dealing with environmental problems but also a 21st century approach to the solution of environmental problems that focuses on changing the thinking of each individual through environmental education.

4. Content

In order to offer visitors opportunities to think and learn about "Nature's Wisdom" through awareness cultivated by participating in and experiencing the programs rather than unilateral transmission of knowledge and information, four distinctive programs will be held. Symposiums, volunteer tree-planting activities outside the Expo site (see attachment), and cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme International Children's Conference on the Environment will also be included in the program.

5. Overview of the Individual Programs

(1) Forest Nature School

With light, water and the forest--three blessings of nature--as the theme, the program will allow participants to enjoy learning about nature.

(2) Village Nature School

Based on the themes of soil and satoyama--both of which link people and nature--the program will allow participants to experience coexistence with nature and the wisdom and techniques of our ancestors.

(3) Growing Village

With "growth" as the core concept, the program will nurture sympathy and love for forests, trees and other aspects of nature through recreational activities.

(4) Satsuki and Mei's House

A replica of Satsuki and Mei's house from Studio Ghibli's animated feature "My Neighbor Totoro" will be erected in the forest.
Programs will be offered in which participants can experience the slow life of bygone days.