EBA Minamata Fieldwork 2022

The EBA Fieldwork Program is an on-site, immersive experience where participants apply the Evidence-Based Approach to real-world issues. The EBA Minamata Fieldwork 2022 focuses on the revitalization of Minamata City, Japan, and examines the lessons of Minamata Disease, environmental pollution, eco-rehabilitation, and sustainable urban development. Over the course of the program, learners engage directly with the history and present condition of Minamata, exploring how a city affected by industrial pollution has worked toward recovery and resilience.

Participants actively apply the EBA method in practice, by learning through field-based data collection, analysis, visualization and storytelling. In this fieldwork, they investigate the environmental, social, and historical dimensions of the city through site visits and dialogue with local stakeholders. Then, working in groups, they collaboratively interpret local challenges and propose possible solutions for sustainable development in Minamata City based on evidence.

By completing this program, learners strengthen their ability to connect research, field evidence, and social context in addressing real-world challenges. The experience deepens their understanding of environmental sustainability, community resilience, and evidence-based problem solving, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the design of resilient and sustainable future societies.

Study Requirement: 90 hours, including pre- and post-fieldwork activities

Topics Covered in This Course

The Revitalization of Minamata City: Examining how Minamata has evolved from a city affected by mercury pollution into a case of eco-rehabilitation, resilience, and sustainable development.
Minamata Disease and Environmental Pollution: Investigating the historical and ongoing lessons of industrial pollution, public health harm, and environmental responsibility through the case of Minamata Disease.
Sustainable Urban Development: Exploring how local communities and institutions contribute to environmental recovery, community revitalization, and the development of sustainable cities.
Locations Visited: Participants visit key sites in Minamata, including Minamata Environmental Academia, Minamata Disease Municipal Museum, Minamata Eco Park, the National Institute of Minamata Disease, Fukuda Farm, JNC Minamata Factory, Minamata Environmental Clean Center, Act-B Recycling, Samukawa Water Source, and Kugino Village, while engaging with local stakeholders and community voices.
Field Observations and Reflection: Participants document field experiences, compare field evidence with prior virtual and desk-based learning, engage in discussion with stakeholders and peers, and reflect on possible solutions for sustainable development in Minamata City.

Learning Outcomes

This course offers learners the ability to:

Apply the Evidence-Based Approach (EBA) to real-world field research challenges.
Collect, document, and analyze data using observation, discussion and field-based inquiry.
Communicate findings through reflection, discussion, and evidence-based storytelling.
Understand the issues and challenges related to Minamata Disease and its long-term environmental and social impacts.
Understand the current situation of Minamata City through the lessons of Minamata Disease and the eco-rehabilitation of a city affected by pollution.
Engage with local stakeholders to understand community perspectives on environmental recovery and sustainable development.
Propose possible solutions for Minamata City in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations.

Related Courses

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Prerequisite

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Criteria

This badge was awarded to the learners who completed the following criteria:

Participate in pre-workshop activities in preparation for the fieldwork.
Join the fieldwork and actively participate in all field activities.
Present outcomes of the fieldwork and further developments during the final public presentation.
Successfully complete the fieldwork’s final report.