On June 3, four students from the Sustainable Society Program of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences conducted a beautification activity at Shichimendaki waterfall located at Kumenan-cho, Okayama Prefecture, with support of the Kumenancho Industry Promotion Division and relevant local parties.

This program is designed to foster human resources who will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, which Okayama University is promoting. Currently, 18 students from six countries are studying hard every day to acquire the ability to get things done, learning both the practical skills and leadership abilities to make a contribution to the SDGs. While the students have held discussions on how we can support/solve the issues faced by the region in the International Cooperation/Community Development, an optional subject of the program, the aim of this activity was to understand the actual situation.

Shichimendaki waterfall is a place where you can perceive beauty in mysterious nature, and has attracted publicity as a picturesque place in the past. It was hot on the day of the activity, but the area around Shichimendaki waterfall was comfortable thanks to the falling water, fresh stream and the forest, so the participants completed the activity while absorbing many negative ions.

On the other hand, the population that has protected Shichimendaki waterfall has been aging every year, and the maintenance of roads leading to the waterfall is becoming more difficult. Stones and gravel are falling away from the slopes, fallen leaves are filling the drains, and cedar leaves are scattered on the roads. The maintenance work was hard, even with the power of young people.

Although it was a beautification activity that covered an area only 150 meters in distance, it motivated each of the participating students to think about what it takes to protect the resources in the region and what needs to be done. Mr. Jeroen Toonen (Netherlands), one of the participants, commented that: “As it is becoming more difficult to maintain and manage the area around the waterfall, I am delighted to make a contribution if only a little. I do hope that many people will come to the beautiful area around this waterfall, which is rich in nature.”

Even from the viewpoint of the philosophy of the SDGs: “Leave no one behind,” it is essential to get involved in the region to “realize a sustainable local community” beyond positions and organizations. Although Okayama has many regional resources, the prefecture faces the challenge of a shortage of those who are engaged in regional development. As such, human resources outside the region called the “connected mind” are attracting attention.

Getting involved in the region is not just hard. The more you become involved, the more you discover new things and experience fun. Needless to say, the group members enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Kumenan-cho and a tasty lunch after the activity. We hope to continue being involved in the region, along with the students.