Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa

OUIK conducts research on the sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services

OUIK Headquarters

The UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK) provides local and regional input to the global sustainable development and biodiversity agendas and advances their local implementation. The unit engages and informs stakeholders including academic institutions, businesses, and municipalities through policy dialogue, public outreach and capacity development. Established in 2008, OUIK is supported by the governments of Ishikawa Prefecture and Kanazawa City in Japan.

OUIK research develops science-based and policy-relevant knowledge drawn from traditional rural landscapes in Japan known as satoyama and satoumi — where rich biodiversity supports people and their well-being — and their contribution to local culture, economy and education. The unit is also developing a sustainable model for urban nature through conservation that reflects links between biological and cultural diversity.

For more information, please visit the OUIK website.

News

Media Coverage

Japanese Newspapers Highlight Urban Ecosystem Restoration Events in Kanazawa

Newspapers from the Hokuriku region featured UNU-IAS events on creating cities in harmony with nature. 

26 May 2025

News

Symposium Discusses Disaster Recovery For Resilient Communities

The event highlighted post-disaster recovery efforts on Noto Peninsula, Japan, leveraging social, natural and cultural assets.

20 Mar 2025

Traditional Japanese garden clean-up

Kanazawa Gardens: Nature & City in Harmony

A video series highlighting the multiple benefits of urban nature in protecting biodiversity, preserving cultural values and mitigating climate change.
Watch the videos