A Small Announcement｜Now Registered as an Environmental Counselor Japan
- むみ きくち
- 4月3日
- 読了時間: 3分
Hello,
I have a small but meaningful announcement to share.
As of April 1, 2026, I have been officially registered as an Environmental Counselor by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.
Why I Chose This Path？
So far, I have been working on research and conservation of manatees, close relatives of dugongs.
I am currently involved in an African manatee conservation project in Cameroon.
Looking ahead, I will also begin research on dugongs in the waters around Okinawa.
Through these experiences, I have come to realize something important:
Research alone is not enough to protect wildlife.
What I Have Learned from the Field
In conservation work, especially in the field, I have learned that the understanding and cooperation of local communities are essential.
Even when research progresses, the knowledge and results do not always reach the people who need them most.
That is why I started to think more seriously about how to communicate science beyond academic circles—
to the public, to local communities, and to people who are directly connected to nature.
I believe that environmental education based on scientific knowledge is the first step toward biodiversity conservation.
It is not only about “knowing,” but about
thinking, sharing, and eventually taking action.
What I Do Now
Based on this idea, I have been working on environmental education through:
Science cafés
Workshops
Field-based learning programs
In 2024, I also launched a dugong research tour in Miyako Island,
designed to connect scientific observation with real-life experiences in nature.
Through these activities, I often hear people say:
“I care about the environment, but I don’t know what I can do.”
This is exactly why I believe that
small, accessible steps and new perspectives are so important.
What I Want to Do as an Environmental Counselor
My strength lies in my field experience—
working directly with endangered species like manatees, and learning from real conservation challenges.
At the same time, I continue to expand my knowledge through collaboration with other researchers.
Moving forward, I would like to:
Make scientific knowledge accessible and easy to understand
Connect people, communities, and different kinds of activities
Create opportunities that inspire people to take action
Biodiversity conservation is a large and complex challenge.
It cannot be solved by one person alone.
That is why I will continue proposing small, practical actions that people can take in their everyday lives.
Finally
When you learn about living creatures,
the way you see the world begins to change.
And when your perspective changes,
your relationship with nature also begins to shift.
This registration is not a goal, but a new starting point.
I will continue working to connect people and naturethrough research, fieldwork, and environmental education.
Thank you for your continued support.
About me
Hello, I’m Mumi Kikuchi, a marine biologist and founder of Chikyu Lab.
I study and work to protect marine mammals, especially manatees and dugongs. I am also involved in an African manatee conservation project in Cameroon.
Through my work, I have learned that science alone is not enough to protect wildlife. That is why I focus on connecting research, environmental education, and real experiences in nature.
At Chikyu Lab, I offer eco tours that help people see nature through a scientific lens. My hope is to inspire more people to care about biodiversity and conservation.
Curious to join the experience?
Learn more about the eco tours here
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