2nd Asia Pacific Biochar Conference (APBC KYOTO 2011) Towards Human and Environmental Symbiosis Using Biochar

Kameoka has a rich natural environment and is located in a suburban area, just thirty minutes by train from Kyoto Station.

Since 2008, Kameoka has been the site of the “Kameoka Carbon-Minus Project,” which focuses on carbon sequestration via biochar at a local and regional scale, aims at designing socio-economic systems for realizing both the reduction of GHG and the sustainable development of rural areas with biochar. This project consists of all kinds of actors including the residents of Kameoka, Kameoka City officials, and students and professors from Ryukoku and Ritsumeikan Universities. Some of the activities that make up the project include biochar production by residents, food production in soils enriched with biochar, educational programs introducing this food to schools for use in their lunch programs, and regional carbon trading.

Opportunities on this study tour include: the simple carbonization of bamboo;
a visit to the local composting center in which biochar is incorporated;
and a chance to see agricultural fields used in the production of vegetables cultivated in biochar-enriched soils.

Nanohana-Kan (Aito Eco Plaza) is located in the eastern part of Shiga Prefecture next to Kyoto. This center was founded as a hub for regional development with the overall vision of a “resource-circulating society.” A visit to the Nanohana-Kan will give you a better understanding of a regional resource circulation model based on citizen participation.

The Aito area is well known in Japan as the starting ground of the “Rape Mustard Eco-Project” where abandoned agricultural fields were planted with mustard, the seeds harvested and refined into bio-diesel fuel (BDF).

At the Nanohana-Kan, not only is BDF refined, but also a carbonizer produces biochar.  Additionally, bio-fuels derived from waste cooking oil are refined at the BDF facility, which are then used to fuel municipal automobiles.

The rice husk carbonizer produces biochar from rice husks and chipped branches and garden trimmings from the local area. Local farmers utilize the biochar produced as a soil amendment in agricultural activities. Furthermore, the heat given off through the carbonization process is utilized in the heating of the building and so contributes to energy savings.

For those who would like a break from biochar, why not take a tour of the Japan’s cultural capital: Kyoto. Home to some of the most famous and historically significant temples and shrines, bustling markets, and beautiful viewpoints in the country, Kyoto is a must see for those visiting Japan for the first time or for those visiting again.

On this tour, participants will be able to visit two of the most famous temples in Kyoto: Kinkakuji, “The Temple of the Golden Pavillion,” and Kiyomizudera.

Kinkakuji is one of the most breath-taking viewpoints in all of Kyoto. Enamled in gold-leaf and surrounded by a picturesque pond, it is the subject of many photographs as it portrays a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. Strolling through the immaculately manicured gardens and sitting for a cup of Japanese green macha is also possible.

Kiyomizudera sits hit on the Eastern hills of Kyoto and offers impressive views of the entire city. It is a multi-storied temple that is a pleasure to explore: visitors can find true love, if they can accurately walk between the “love stones” with their eyes closed! Drink fresh spring water from a waterfall said to confer wisdom, health, and longevity or buy a paper charm for good luck, safety, or financial success. The area around Kiyomizudera has a number of shops with unique souvenirs.

The tour is scheduled to start at 1:30pm leaving by bus from Ritsumeikan Campus and finishes at Kyoto JR station at 5:30pm on Sunday, September 18th