Masaru Takayama
Representative Director, JARTA
Representative Director, JARTA
Good afternoon, everyone. With a slight cool air today, I can truly feel that we have entered a pleasant season.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the international governing body for the Blue Flag Programme, operates under the banner of “We Support Sustainable Travel Agencies” and carries out activities across education, tourism, and the environment worldwide. A diverse range of entities—including not only travel agencies but also educational institutions, government bodies, and local organizations—participate, forming an international network dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism.
FEE offers several programs, including: (1) “Green Key,” an environmental certification system for accommodation facilities; (2) “Blue Flag,” for beaches and marinas; and (3) “Eco-Schools,” an environmental education program. These initiatives work in tandem to help realize a sustainable society on a global scale.
In Japan, the number of areas obtaining Blue Flag certification is steadily increasing; however, many of these efforts remain confined within the country, making the strengthening of international collaboration a critical challenge moving forward.
While the term “sustainable” has become widely accepted, we are entering an era where questions such as “What specific actions should be taken?” and “How should we fulfill our responsibilities toward local communities and society?” will be increasingly scrutinized.
Opportunities like today’s summit, where participants from other countries—including India and South Korea—gather to share practical examples, are extremely valuable. I look forward to a lively exchange of views not only on environmental issues but also on how to contribute to local communities today. Thank you for your attention.
