On 11 August 2025, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) published an article on youth engagement efforts led by the UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK). Focusing on the annual firefly surveys, a citizen science initiative to monitor biodiversity in Kanazawa City, the article featured comments by Yoko Tomita (Programme Coordinator, UNU-IAS OUIK).
Excerpt:
More than 4,500 children took part in the survey in 2024 (...). The findings revealed firefly activity in over 600 locations. Tomita says many of the young surveyors find the experience “transformative.” “They describe a newfound sense of responsibility, curiosity and connection with nature,” she says. “Parents often reflect that the project fosters intergenerational dialogue, with families discussing how to care for their shared environment.”
In 2023, Kanazawa was selected by UNEP as one of the 11 Role Model Cities as part Generation Restoration project helping municipalities restore urban ecosystems. OUIK provided scientific expertise and advice for the application process.
The article is available on the UNEP website.
