Premium
Sustainable Development Goals as educational tools to raise students' awareness of the rural development of biosphere reserves: A case study of Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve
Author(s) -
Mammadova Aida
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
business strategy and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.488
H-Index - 7
ISSN - 2572-3170
DOI - 10.1002/bsd2.88
Subject(s) - biosphere , sustainable development , environmental education , nature reserve , tourism , environmental planning , education for sustainable development , environmental resource management , business , economic growth , geography , environmental protection , political science , psychology , ecology , pedagogy , environmental science , economics , archaeology , law , biology
Biosphere reserves (BRs) function as learning sites to implement the UN's 2030 Agenda for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, many BRs in Japan now face issues such as depopulation and aging, and without inhabitants and young residents, these regions cannot be called sustainable. In this study, SDGs were used as tools to raise awareness in youth towards the rural issues within BRs. Fieldtrips were conducted in Japan's Mount Hakusan Biosphere Reserve. Based on the 17 SDGs, 17 community service activities were conducted by performing experiential practices in the social, tourism, and industrial sectors of a village. After the fieldtrips, 81% of the students replied that SDGs helped to identify and become aware of local issues. Most students found the lifestyle of the villagers very challenging for youth. SDGs helped students to see the reality of the village and those factors that prevent sustainable development.