Palikir — The Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM), joined by the National Department of Education (NDOE), welcomed students from Japan’s Ritsumeikan University to explore solutions to environmental challenges in the FSM.

The visiting students, part of an environmental advocacy program called natuRable, are engaging in two-weeks of collaboration and networking with local schools, the College of Micronesia-FSM, and government agencies. A workshop, hosted by DECEM, presented case studies on can and bottle recycling programs (container deposit schemes) in Japanese islands, sparking discussions on improving recycling efforts in the FSM.

While each FSM state currently has its own recycling program, the methods, frequency and types of recyclables collected vary. Citizens face challenges related to the distance of recycling centers, limited timing for registration and collection, and a lack of standardized processes across states.

Together, representatives from DECEM, NDOE, and the natuRable organization joined forces to brainstorm solutions and potential future actions for FSM and Japan, at both a government and citizen level. Suggestions included the formation of sister environmental clubs at the College, incorporation of environmental topics into K-12 curriculum standards, as well as strategies to make recycling efforts more standardized, systematic and user-friendly.

DECEM and NDOE expressed gratitude to the self-funded student volunteers and look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and thought partnership between the citizens of FSM and Japan.