Project Status | Full Research (FR) |
Duration | Apr. 2019 - Mar. 2024 |
Research Program | Program 3: Designing Lifeworlds of Sustainability and Wellbeing |
Project No. | 14200102 |
Project Title | Co-Creation of Sustainable Regional Innovation for Reducing Risk of High-impact Environmental Pollution |
Abbreviated Title | SRIREP Project |
Project Leader | SAKAKIBARA Masayuki |
URL | https://srirep.org/ |
Research purpose and content
1) Objectives and background |
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal that seriously threatens the embryonic and early childhood development of humans and is extremely poisonous to the human body. Since Hg pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues, it requires global action for its resolution (Gibb & O’Leary, 2014). Recent investigations by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have highlighted the enormity of Hg pollution in developing countries and the associated harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. One of the main sources of Hg pollution is artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), in which Hg is used as the traditional method of amalgamation to extract gold from ore rock (Fig. 1). This activity also emits 37% of global anthropogenic Hg into the atmosphere. As this method is quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective than alternative methods, it is widely used by many ASGM communities (Gibb & O’Leary, 2014). According to the UNEP, ASGM produces 15%–20 % of the global gold market. Approximately 15 million people, including about 5 million women and children, participate in ASGM sectors in more than 70 countries. The Hg pollution generated during ASGM indirectly affects more than 100 million people worldwide (UNEP, 2013; ELI, 2014). These ASGM activities are also sources of social problems (e.g., land tenure issues) and social instability (e.g., migration and conflicts between residents). The vicious cycle related to poverty and environmental degradation in developing countries has long been discussed (World Bank, 1992; UNEP, 1995). However, the behavioral patterns that make it difficult for those living under chronically impoverished conditions to escape from these conditions are still not well understood (Sen, 1999; Banerjee & Duflo, 2011).
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has long been focusing on the ASGM-driven global Hg pollution issue. UNEP concluded the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013, and has recommended various actions to the governments participating in the convention. Although the Minamata Convention on Mercury stipulates regulations regarding ASGM, the concrete effects of its entry into force are unclear. In other words, the "poverty problem" those developing nations face is a major factor in ASGM's growth. Under such circumstances, countries facing ASGM problems have not found a concrete direction for improvement. The majority of ASGM research has focused on determining the actual state of mercury pollution caused by ASGM, with no social implementation research to address this issue.
Poverty and environmental degradation are complicated, hence transdisciplinary studies have been done to handle ASGM challenges (Lang et al., 2013).Thus, our research objectives are to elucidate the path to solving the global Hg pollution caused by ASGM, in collaboration with various stakeholders (SHs) and through sustainable regional innovations in case studies in Indonesia and Myanmar through transdisciplinary approach, and to study the establishment of multi-layered environmental governance from the country level to regional level in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. We also theoretically and practically examine the transdisciplinary community of practice (TDCOP) (Cundill et al., 2015) by utilizing the transformative boundary object (TBO) (Tsurusaki et al., 2013), which allows various SHs to participate in related dialogues, transformative learning, and practice. TDCOP is a group of cross-sectoral stakeholders, including academic researchers with an interest in common issues, share scientific knowledge and local knowledge, integrate them, learn, and practice them together. TBOs possess the ability to traverse boundaries and facilitate interaction among participants, are successful in promoting engagement in TDCOP activities (Matsumoto et al., 2022).
2) How does the research contribute to the solution of the global environmental problems? |
UNEP has made numerous efforts to address the issue of ASGM-driven Hg pollution. However, there is no known theoretical or empirical research into effective problem solving those accounts for cultural, social, and economic disparities. SRIREP project not only presents bottom-up case studies in the ASGM region but also proposes research that extends to collaboration among community at the national level and throughout Southeast Asia and elucidates the path to social implementation. From TDCOP in these regional case studies to collaboration between national and international organizations, we aim to comprehensively solve the global Hg pollution problem caused by ASGM through research and practice from the community level to the international multisector collaboration level. This FR research result is expected to be a breakthrough in solving the ASGM problem and can also be used to solve other global environmental issues.
a) Case studies on the reduction of Hg pollution using a future scenario of ASGM in Indonesia and Myanmar: In these case studies, the research members performed the following: 1) studied the living conditions, cultures, history, and regional sociology; 2) conducted environmental research, health research, and socio-economic research; 3) co-created the future scenarios with key SHs; 4) identified whether TBO can dynamically promote dialogues among SHs with conflicting interests or no interest; 5) cultivated or organized the TDCOPs by using the TBOs; 6) co-learning and co-practice regarding the co-creation of alternative livelihoods for residents and changes in residents' values regarding the environment; 7) conducted social implementation research by using TDCOP and transdisciplinary multisector collaboration (TDMSC); and 8) evaluated the progress of regional innovation.
b) Study on interregional networks that aim to generate Hg-free societies in Indonesia and Myanmar: The purpose of this study is to construct and establish interregional networks for Hg-free societies in Indonesia and Myanmar. In this regard, the Mercury-Free Society Network (MFSN) is an interregional network in Indonesia and Myanmar that not only contributes to the solutions of Hg pollution problems in ASGM areas, but also increases the awareness of Hg intoxication, its sources, and related problems in these two countries by working with various SHs.
This study will be conducted in three steps: 1) Examine the social informatics and construction of a platform in each region for communication; 2) Focus on the design, practical use, and methods of communication and dialogue, and the establishment of a MFSN in Indonesia and Myanmar; and 3) Study the expansion of platforms and networks, and the linkage between multiple regions in order to create additional interregional networks.
c) Study on improvements in environmental governance in ASEAN countries: 1) Examine the principles and processes used for multi-layered and cooperative environmental governance, and hold an international forum in each country; 2) Focus on a regional approach, from regional innovation to environmental governance, and collaborate with each ASEAN country; and 3) Study the establishment of multi-layered environmental governance.
d) Theoretical and practical studies of the design, practical use, and evaluation of the TBO, and the cultivation, development, and roles of the TDCOP: 1) Conduct theoretical research of the TBO and the TDCOP, and identify the former in the case studies; 2) Focus on the design of the TBO and the TDCOP, and a future scenario using the TBO in the case studies; and 3) Study the practical design of the TBO and the TDCOP for regional innovation and development.
The following is a summary of our research schedule: 1) FR2-4 (2020–2022): We conduct a) Steps 3–6 in Indonesia and Steps 1–6 in Myanmar; b) Steps 1 and 2; c) Steps 1 and 2; and d) Steps 1 and 2; 2) FR 5 (2023): We conduct a) Steps 7 and 8 in Indonesia; b) Step 3; c) Step 3; and d) Step 3.
4) Expected results |
Regional innovation will emerge as a consequence of the environmental and industrial innovations introduced with a transdisciplinary approach, including the development of a future scenario for a Hg-free society, transformative learning, TDCOPs and multisector collaboration. By strengthening environmental governance, we will also develop a way to help reduce Hg pollution on a global scale.
5) Project organization and membership |
SRIREP project is implemented under the following research structure. (1) case study group, (2) TBO and TDCOP research group, (3) mercury-free society networks group, (4) ASEAN environmental governance group, and (5) project management group.
1) Case study group: This refers to the practical research group where the members conduct practical research activities in Gorontalo, West Java, Southeast Sulawesi, and Lampung provinces of Indonesia. In each province, the related TDCOP that has been formed is active, and SH collaborates with researchers from a variety of research fields.
The Case Study group in Gorontalo is divided into Communicator and seven subgroups such as ASGM group, New Industry group, Eco-tourism group, Hg-Reduction Technology group, Agriculture group, Tulabolo group and Limboto lake group.
Communicator: A communicator supports dialogue among SHs and researchers, classified as long-stay communicators or local communicators, with long-stay communicators staying in Japan and local communicators from local communities.
ASGM group: TDCOP "KTK" members collaborate with UNG researchers and students to address ASGM issues in Bone Bolango Regency's East Suwawa District. They use policy recommendations, health exams, and transformative learning to minimize Hg use and promote community health.
New industry group: As members of the TDCOPs of the "Karawo Research Group" and/or "Natural Fiber Research Group," this group develops traditional manufacturing and creates new industries to solve poverty in rural Gorontalo Province with UNG's collaborative researchers and students. This organization develops the new industry by integrating traditional and scientific knowledge with local communities to create a socioeconomic condition where inhabitants do not choose the ASGM due to poverty.
Eco-tourism group: The group, comprising residents, government officials, researchers, and students, is forming the TDCOP "Geo-cafe Gorontalo" to conduct geologic and ecological studies, educate, and promote sustainable eco-tourism.
Hg-reduction group: This group belongs to TDCOP "Mercury Reduction Technology Research Group”, and examines to catch evaporated Hg from ASGM and design a sustainable device to reduce Hg emissions. They are also developing ecosystem-based methods to remediate heavy metal-rich ASGM wastewater with CERI researchers.
Agriculture group: This group forms a "Sorghum Research Group" (TDCOP with farmer communities in Gorontalo to study and develop sustainable agriculture with local residents and SHs to reduce poverty in local agricultural communities.
Tulabolo group: This group forms the TDCOP with local residents including ASGM miners and village head to form the “Agriculture School” to look for the alternative livelihood other than ASGM. This group integrates with "Sorghum Research Group" to develop sustainable agriculture in the area.
Limboto Lake group: This group is studying socio-environmental issues in Limboto Lake, Gorontalo, and plans to collaborate with residents to develop solutions, form a new TDCOP, and create sustainable employment opportunities. They also evaluated the cultural aspects of the shrinking lake's resilience and found that while some people are aware of the lake's gradual recession, they have not prepared for it, treating it as a government issue [8].
2) TBO and TDCOP Research group: The concept of TBO in our project is as follows: “Karawo” applied in “Karawo TDCOP” indicates that Karawo is an important traditional icon for Gorontalo people and promoting Karawo industry will lead to preserving the culture, increasing the livelihood options as well as people can become independent from ASGM. This promotes the dialogue among TDCOP members by traversing the boundaries as they share the same interest. Therefore, it is essential to study the culture, history and sociology of the study area to identify the TBO. This group members examine the TBO's credibility, legitimacy, salience, and plasticity and the SHs' economic, environmental, ethical, social, cultural, historical, local knowledge, and environmental resources. They also study SH transformation, TDCOP features, and future potential.
3) Mercury-Free Society Networks (MFSN) group: The group is working with various stakeholders to address Hg pollution issues in the ASGM area and raise awareness about intoxication sources and related issues in Indonesia and Myanmar.
4) ASEAN Environmental Governance group: This group members employ multilayer and cooperative environmental governance ideas and methods to improve ASEAN environmental governance and reduce global Hg pollution.
5) Project Management group: This group manages the progress of the research by the other four groups and coordinates the dialogue between communicators and scientists and between communicators and SHs.
Challenges and achievements for this year
a) Case studies on the reduction of Hg pollution using a future scenario of ASGM in Indonesia and Myanmar:
The case studies were categorized into basic, transdisciplinary practical, and social implementation research.
(1) Result of basic research of Indonesia and Myanmar
· Environmental research: (Indonesia) (i) Long-term evaluation of ASGM activities related to environmental pollution and remote sensing research was conducted to quantitatively evaluate temporal and spatial changes in mining activities in ASGM areas [25, 28, 44, 45]. (ii) Environmental pollution caused by ASGM showed that (a) heavy metals (Hg, arsenic, lead, etc.) related to ASGM are contained in high concentrations in water, plants, soil, and river sediments in the Bone River basin of Gorontalo Province [9, 27, 35]; (b) Hg contamination of soil in the Bombana region of Southeast Sulawesi province has been revealed [68]. In addition, Hg was detected in plants and soil, livestock hair, and resident hair around the ASGM site [55, 56, 65, 68], and Hg micro-hot spots were discovered on the surface of cow horns, which could serve as a new environmental indicator [265]. (c) A new long-term evaluation method for atmospheric Hg pollution caused by ASGM in Gorontalo and Lampung provinces was also proposed [29, 38, 61]; (d) Hg pollution in tea plantations around ASGM areas in Bunikasih village, South Bandung, West Java province was clarified and published as a research result [10]. (Myanmar) A preliminary survey in the ASGM area of Thabeikkyin township of Mandalay Region showed the Hg pollution status in the area [41].
· Medical research: (Indonesia) The followings have been found according to our healthy surveys. (i) Residents in areas around ASGM in Gorontalo Province are at high health risk due to Hg and other heavy metal contamination [40, 55, 62]; (ii) High incidence of congenital diseases among children in Bombana Region, South East Sulawesi Province [32]; (iii) ASGM-related health issues in residents of In Bunikasih village, West Java province [10].
(Myanmar) Lung’s function of miners found deteriorated with increasing duration of mining [60]. We also developed a transdisciplinary remote health impact assessment method during COVID-19 pandemic in ASGM area [42].
· Socio-economic research: (Indonesia) (i) An overview of the socio-economic situation around ASGM in Suwawa District, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province, the working environment of miners in ASGM, the central government's policies and initiatives regarding ASGM, and the status of activities in the mining area were clarified [18]. (ii) A socio-economic survey was carried out in the ASGM area of Bone Bolango Regency (approx. 500 households in Swawa area) [36] and around Limboto Lake (approx. 400 households). In addition, data on the influx of ASGM workers were collected according to a survey conducted in Bunikasih village [10].
(2) Result of transdisciplinary practical research and social implementation research of Indonesia
Since 2020, TBO were identified according to the basic research result, and many TDCOPs formed in Gorontalo province (Fig 5) based on the future scenarios (Fig 3). These have worked to solve social problems caused by ASGM and create alternative livelihoods for miners. Several TDCOPs have embarked on the project's official international TDMSC during FR5 and initiating the collaboration for post-projects period (Fig 7) [ 261-263].
Gorontalo Province: Karawo, Natural Fibers, and Sorghum Research Group have initiated sustainable projects since 2021, collaborating with local communities to create alternative livelihoods and conduct transformative learning on environmental issues related to ASGM. Since FR4 (2022), we have been conducting research on the development of new industries and social implementation in collaboration with various stakeholders in Japan and Indonesia. The Karawo Research Group now has 13 TDCOPs (Fig 5) and with its expanded network, is developing the local Karawo industry (Fig 7). The Natural Fibers Group has created sugar palm fiber nets for use in soil erosion prevention, slope greening, and wall greening, and is beginning to put them into practical use [12, 251]. The Sorghum Research Group, with Indonesia's BPPT and local governments, is promoting sustainable agriculture using sorghum as a rice substitute and investigating its use as goat feed [257].
The Eco-tourism Group is promoting sustainable ecotourism in non-ASGM areas of Gorontalo Province, aiming to enhance environmental conservation values and prevent ASGM-dependent areas. They propose geotourism using historically significant sites in Bone Bolango and Gorontalo provinces, surveying sites in Tulaboro and Rombongo villages, and analyzing the socio-economic impact of the ecotourism program on local stakeholders [264].
Healthy and Resilient Village, the Hg-reduction Group, and the Tulaboro Research Group have developed a scenario to raise awareness about Hg health risks among miners and communities in the East Swawa area of Bone Bolango Regency [18, 71, 258, 268]. They also developed Hg reduction technology to reduce health risks for ASGM workers [267] and conducted practical research to cultivate agricultural products for alternative livelihoods [71, 258].
Bunikasih village in West Java: The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and the Bunikasih village conducted research on Hg pollution and its impact on environmental and population health. After consulting with residents and sharing videos on the risks of Hg, residents changed their values about Hg pollution and stopped ASGM activities in 2019 which led to the decreased amount of Hg in tea leaves of the village [10]. The residents have since co-designed and produced sustainable agriculture, including coffee and sorghum cultivation, beekeeping, and goat farming [252]. This year, international collaboration with the Japanese private sectors regarding coffee production and sales has begun.
Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province: The Moronene tribe in Bombana Regency has formed a youth organization, SEPAKAT, focused on environmental conservation and agarwood cultivation. They formed a network in Umpubanka village and prepared for forming several TDCOPs [254-257].
b) Study on interregional networks that aim to generate Hg-free societies in Indonesia and Myanmar: This network aims to raise awareness of the dangers of Hg among residents of ASEAN countries and reduce Hg use by (1) creating websites [202-204], (2) expanding the network, and (3) holding seminars and workshops. An educational comic on Hg risk in English, Japanese and Indonesian was published in FR5 and shared (Fig 8) [2]. 1st to 6th Japan-ASEAN medical seminar series [233, 234, 236, 239, 248, 269], medical workshop series on Hg poisoning diagnosis [227-229] were conducted to support Indonesian medical scientists, and international seminars [226] were held to solve Indonesia's ASGM problem. We expanded its network to planetGOLD Indonesia and Gorontalo City Medical Association.
c) Study on improvements in environmental governance in ASEAN countries: We conducted research on ASGM in Indonesia and Myanmar, shared the results at domestic and international seminars, workshops, and expanded our network to promote environmental governance in ASEAN countries. [69-190, 221, 222, 226, 230, 231, 247].
d) Study on TBO design, utilization and evaluation, development process and evaluation from TDCOP to TDMSC: The number of TDCOP participants increased from 351 in 2022 to 451 in 2023, including over 100 family members. We presented and published the findings of the theoretical research on TDCOP and various case studies [10, 11, 18, 30, 31, 33, 70, 72, 73, 81, 82, 88, 89, 97, 103, 108, 114, 145]. In the 1st evaluation of TDCOP, interviews with researchers from each TDCOP group revealed that TDCOPs have changed their values. Additionally, the questionnaire interview [259] of the representative TDCOP members in 2nd evaluation clarified what factors and processes led to changes in values during the course of TDCOP activities.
To sum up, the project met its goal of showing how to fix the global Hg pollution caused by ASGM. This was shown by the fact that TDCOP members took the initiative to help with social implementation, official TDMSCs were created, and the value of TDCOP members changed as a result of our evaluation. Despite the knowledge-action gap reported in the ASGM context in previous studies (Aram et al., 2016, Armah et al., 2016, Cuya et al., 2021, Veiga & Fadina, 2020), our approach showed societal change through the TDCOP process, which we generalized (Fig. 9) to be applied in solving ASGM problems in other places as well as other global environmental issues.
2) Amendments to research objectives, methodology and organization as applicable |
(1) TDCOPs held in-depth web meetings during FR2 and FR3, despite Japanese members' travel restrictions due to COVID-19, and continued to carry out active activities, demonstrating their resilience in the case study.
(2) The research project in Myanmar has been canceled due to the military coup that occurred on February 1, 2021.
3. Self-diagnosis of research results in this year
1) Results achieved this year
a) Case studies on the reduction of Hg pollution using a future scenario of ASGM in Indonesia and Myanmar:
(1) Practical research based on TDCOP activities in Indonesia
Many TDCOPs focused on solving social problems by ASGM or create alternative livelihoods for miners, and the final outcome of the project was international multisector collaboration. Details are as follows.
Gorontalo province:
(Karawo Research Group) This group supports the development of the next generation of Karawo makers, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment. The aim is to develop the capacity of women in the Karawo industry so that they are more likely to contribute to the household economy, thereby reducing their economic dependence on ASGM. This group, which began preparations for TDMSC through TDCOP activities in FR4, has embarked on full-scale official international TDMSC this year by conducting the following activities. Specifically, we held motif and pattern making workshops with Japanese designers in Indonesia, supported the future of Karawo Ikat in collaboration with Indonesian bank, industries, local governments, and supporters of Karawo Ikat in 2023 [261]. In Indonesia, the Karawo Exhibition was held in Gorontalo City in January, the Karawo Ikat Exhibition was held in Jakarta from March to April in 2023. In Japan, the Karawo Exhibition was held in Kyoto City and Seiyo City in July and Kyoto City University of Arts from November to December in 2023 [224-226]. Moreover, the network has been extended for the post-project period; the Japanese designers and Ehime University are collaborating with the silks making association of Seiyo City to create the Karawo-silk logo mark for Seiyo Geo-Museum in March 2024 and other multisector collaboration plans with Karawo makers for April 2024 onwards.
(Natural Fiber Research Group) The local TDCOP members has initiated seminars and training to enhance natural fiber net production techniques in FR5, and have also autonomously proposed the development of other products using other natural fibers from Gorontalo, which are being commercialized [251]. This TDCOP is also starting to develop into formal international TDMSC in FR5 and for post-project period by initiating the collaboration with CHUBU Electric Powder in February 2024 and already received the orders of natural fiber nets.
(Sorghum Research Group) In collaboration with Gorontalo State University, we conducted experiments on cultivating four different types of sorghum and using culture media. In addition, local female members conducted training in the production of organic fertilizer as a by-product from sorghum and the creation of various menus using sorghum in East Swawa District and West Tulaboro Village, Bone Bolango Regency [252].
(Tulabolo Research Group) In FR5, the Tulabolo Research Group has been holding regular dialogues with miners in the East Swawa area, and through the "Agricultural Field School" conducted by TDCOP members, they have been cultivating sorghum to combat poverty by integrating with Sorghum Research Group [258]. They also started producing sorghum flour and selling other sorghum products in collaboration with West Tulabolo Village and village-run businesses.
Bunikasih village, West Java Province: In FR5, we started various multisector collaborations regarding coffee production and sales in collaboration with Japanese private sectors [69, 70].
b) Study on interregional networks that aim to generate Hg-free societies in Indonesia and Myanmar: The Japanese, English and Indonesian versions of an educational comic book about Hg were published in FR5 [2]. By providing videos of clinical examinations on Hg poisoning, we expanded our network to Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation for health assessment of mercury poisoning in the Amazon basin.
d) Study on TBO design, utilization and evaluation, development process and evaluation from TDCOP to TDMSC: This year, we conducted interviews with SH members (n=41) from each TDCOP regarding changes in their values on environmental protection after joining the respective TDCOP. The interview consisted of eleven core questions asking the members’ awareness on risk of Hg on environment and ASGM’s impact on human health and environment, the reason for joining TDCOP, challenges they faced, their opinion whether TDCOP can solve ASGM issues, and changes in their thinking about environmental protection after joining TDCOP, etc [259]. As a result, it was considered that a large number of TDCOP's core members have changed their values regarding Hg pollution risks and ASGM activities. This finding will be published in international journal before the project ends.
e) Others: Research papers related to the project were published as a book in the ASGM special issue [3], and a story book for environmental protection for kindergarten children [1].
2) Results can be evaluated as having overfulfilled |
a) Case studies on the reduction of Hg pollution using a future scenario of ASGM:
(1) As a possible continuation of the project, in a case study in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, many TDCOPs worked autonomously in collaboration with various SHs, achieving a change in values regarding environmental issues. Furthermore, we have promoted the social implementation of research results and made it possible to develop from TDCOP into international TDMSC. However, we want to point out that this development of TDCOP into multisector collaboration was only possible due to the strong commitment of the members of TDCOP to form regional innovation for the future of their generation through transformative learning, rather than for their self-benefit.
(2) The activities of the Natural Fiber TDCOP (TBO: Let's create a sustainable society by utilizing abundant natural fiber resources) have stimulated the creative spirit of the community through the process of creating products from local natural fibers. It also became clear that even after the project ends, other products using Gorontalo's natural fibers could be developed autonomously. In the future, we expect that alternative livelihoods will be created in order to avoid economic dependence on ASGM, and this will become a path to reducing Hg pollution.
b) Study on interregional networks that aim to generate Hg-free societies:
(1) The post-project autonomous activities of MFSN are being operated mainly by SRIREP project members. It became possible to share the diagnostic procedures and medical examination videos for Hg intoxication that we were able to create and publish during the FR period, as well as the educational comics on the dangers of Hg, to many people around the world to increase the awareness on environmental protection against Hg pollution. After the post-project, we will continue dialogue with various SHs with the aim of reducing Hg pollution around the world.
(2) We will further strengthen the network of Gorontalo State University School of Medicine in Indonesia, Gorontalo City Medical Association, Minamata Kyoritsu Clinic, and Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil, and provide medical support for diagnosing symptoms of Hg intoxication in each country as much as possible.
3) Points to be evaluated that the goals were not reached |
Research on strengthening environmental governance in ASEAN countries did not reach its goal due to the suspension of research in Myanmar because of the coup in 2021 and restrictions of travelling to ASEAN countries during COVID-19 pandemic. However, project tried to make effort to improve governance in ASEAN countries by addressing ASGM issues in Southeast Asia through recognition activities, presentations, and discussions with international organizations and Indonesian government departments. In the future, we plan to continue the activities of the MFSN as much as possible to address this issue.
4) Notable achievements and challenges as to contribution to the RIHN programs |
In Southeast Asia, due to the widening gap between rich and poor, ASGM activities in rural areas are accelerating the deterioration of local communities' living spaces and the increasing risk of global environmental pollution. This research utilizes local knowledge to propose a process for transforming society into a society with concrete future possibilities where nature and humans coexist. In addition, while gaining dialogue, trust, and consensus on key SHs centered on communicators, we are developing a research process that brings about transformation among diverse SHs in order to solve the problems. We are also conducting research on strengthening environmental governance through regional network research aimed at Hg-free through the collaboration of people of Indonesia.
Future tasks
a) Case studies on the reduction of Hg pollution using a future scenario of ASGM:
(1) In the case studies of Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, TDCOPs which started the official TDMSCs in FR5 especially the “Karawo Research Group” and “Natural Fiber Research Group”, are expected to continuously develop into official TDMSCs after the project is finished with the collaboration of diverse SHs. Plans for these TDMSCs for the period after April 2024 are being made.
(2) Natural Fiber TDCOP (TBO: let’s create a sustainable society by utilizing abundant natural fiber resources) activities stimulate community creativity to develop other products made from natural fibers, and it is likely that the independent development of other products using Gorontalo's natural fibers will continue even after the project period is over.
Our project is making sure that the collaboration and support from SRIREP members to TDCOPs are going to be continued even after the termination of the project to ensure the established TDMSC will not fall back into previous unconstructive situations and to support the local TDCOP members in implementing future new international collaborations.
b) Study on interregional networks that aim to generate Hg-free societies:
(1) SRIREP project members will continue to operate autonomous post-project activities of the MFSN. It is hoped that the videos of diagnostic procedures and medical examinations for Hg intoxication, as well as educational comics on the dangers of Hg, created and published during the FR period will continue to be used even after the project ends.
(2) The network of Gorontalo State University School of Medicine, Gorontalo City Medical Association, Minamata Kyoritsu Clinic, and Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, which has been expanded to date, will become even stronger, and the network of diagnosis on Hg intoxication symptoms caused by ASGM will be further strengthened in various countries with ASGM issues, and thus medical support for Hg intoxication diagnosis is expected.
These measures are expected to contribute to the project’s objective of studying on improvement in environmental governance in ASEAN countries.
Expectations and Issues following completion of project
1. Problems and challenges and their possible solutions:
(a) When implementing the FR2 and FR3 research projects, although the Japanese research members were unable to participate in the long-term surveys due to COVID-19 pandemic, they held a number of meetings and seminars via Zoom, etc. to support local researchers and share information. In addition, the case study in Indonesia was delayed due to the effects of COVID-19, but by adding two researchers in FR3, we were able to achieve the research plan.
(b) In FR2, only basic research was conducted in Myanmar as the research plan was halted due to the military coup that occurred on February 1, 2021.
(c) Due to the accident of Project Leader during field survey in Indonesia in October, we faced some problems and had to cancel/postpone the followings:
1) Cancellation of the JICA Partnership Program “Empowerment of Women for Technology Succession and Added Value of Traditional Embroidery Karawo” which was scheduled to be operated April 2022 onwards.
2) Postponing of the collaboration with Aqua TECH company of Japan on the treatment of cyanidation waste in ASGM mining company in Lampung.
2. Any particular issues regarding the RIHN support system for project research: Nothing particular.