zerijp 
Sea Labo Contest (Junior Chamber International Osaka)
During the opening week, we held a variety of events aimed at a sustainable future, including international lectures, special seminars presenting the latest research on marine issues, project presentations by young people who will lead the next generation, and pitch contests by new era leaders tackling marine issues.
Special Presentation and Networking Session by the APO (Asian Productivity Organization)
On April 14 (Monday), representatives from the APO (Asian Productivity Organization) gathered to introduce examples of green productivity technology utilization. Following a welcome speech by Yusuke Saraya of ZERI JAPAN, Ryoichi Yamamoto, Chairman of the GP (Green Productivity) Council, delivered the opening address, after which representatives and council members from Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Fiji took the stage to present their countries’ initiatives and achievements. Among them, the speech by Febrian A. Ruddyard, Deputy Minister of Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), emphasizing the importance of “”Green Transformation (GX)”” and “”Green Productivity (GP)”” attracted attention and demonstrated the potential for collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.
Special Seminar “”Science, Policy, and Social Collaboration for Sustainable Oceans – The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference and Future Prospects””
On April 17 (Thursday), a special seminar was held co-hosted by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and ZERI JAPAN. First, Peter B. de Menocal, Director and President of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), a leader in global ocean science, took the stage to introduce the latest research and the “”Climate and Ocean Solutions Center”” being advanced in collaboration with the United Nations. Next, Masashi Miyagawa, Visiting Professor at Kagawa University’s Setouchi Research Center Aji Marine Station, reported on efforts such as seagrass bed creation and blue carbon projects aimed at the restoration of the Seto Inland Sea. Furthermore, Masanori Kobayashi, Special Director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, demonstrated the impact of climate change on oceans and industries and proposed the construction of a resilient blue economy. Finally, based on the content of the three presentations, an exchange of opinions was held on the sustainable ocean approach through science, policy, and social collaboration.
ZERO HIGH PROJECT RE:
On April 18 (Friday) morning, an activity presentation session for the “”ZERO HIGH PROJECT RE:”” led by young people was held, co-hosted by the Osaka Junior Chamber and ZERI JAPAN. The session began with a greeting from Masayuki Yamagishi, Chairman of the Osaka Junior Chamber, followed by activity reports and achievement presentations from five university student teams. The “”ZERO HIGH PROJECT RE:”” aims to deepen understanding of marine issues through workshops and fieldwork, leading to the resolution of social challenges. The presentation session was filled with the enthusiasm and creativity of young people aimed at a sustainable future.
Sea Labo Contest
On April 18 (Friday) afternoon, the “”Sea Labo Contest”” was held, with participation from companies, organizations, and individuals tackling marine environmental issues. From numerous applications, a rigorous pre-selection process was conducted, and eight groups were selected to participate. On the day, final judging was conducted by three experts: Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Minako Iue, President of the Japan Branch of Sailors for the Sea; and Ittoku Saraya, Executive Director of Saraya Co., Ltd. As a result, the Global Ship Award went to i-Compology Co., Ltd., which presented on the theme “Protect the Ocean from Plastic Waste – Marine Biodegradable Biomass Composite Plastic”; the Sea Labo Runner-up Grand Prix went to oystar, a bio team tackling water pollution and biodiversity conservation through oyster pseudofeces; and the Sea Labo Grand Prix went to BLUABLE Co., Ltd., which is developing a device that enables one-stop measurement and application of blue carbon from seagrass bed creation. Through this contest, various initiatives for marine environmental conservation were introduced, providing a platform for interaction and learning among participants.
▼The event is available on YouTube on the BLUE OCEAN DOME official channel. Please visit the site.
【#001】 Special Presentation and Networking Session by the APO (Asian Productivity Organization)
【#002】 Special Seminar “”Science, Policy, and Social Collaboration for Sustainable Oceans – The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference and Future Prospects”” (ZERI JAPAN/Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
【#003】 ZERO HIGH PROJECT RE: (ZERI JAPAN/Osaka Junior Chamber)
【#004】 Sea Labo Contest (ZERI JAPAN/Osaka Junior Chamber)