A study on the actual conditions and the formative process of collaboration towards realization of resource circulation in society based on biomass: case of “Aito Yellow Nanohana Eco-project” in Aito Town, Japan

Abstract

This paper focuses on the actual conditions and the formative process of collaboration toward the establishment of resource circulation in society. The subject of this research is the Aito Yellow Nanohana Eco Project, a recycling system based on rape blossom cultivation in Aito Town, Japan. The main findings include: (1) This regional system can be classified into nine sections: rape blossom cultivation, rape blossom harvest, extraction of rapeseed oil, manufacture and sale of rapeseed oil, use of rapeseed oil, collection of waste oil, manufacture and sale of soap, refinement to bio-diesel fuel (BDF) and the use of BDF. (2) This regional system was established in 1998. It was formed gradually, in parallel with the movement toward environmental improvement. (3) The Environmental Co-operation and the Town Office played major roles in the establishment and management of the system. Besides these two bodies, the regional system comprises 14 bodies such as enterprises, residents, elementary and junior high schools tourists, etc. (4) The incentives to participate in the Nanohana Project are numerous. They can be divided into approximately five categories: economic profit, the promotion of environmental activity, social service (public welfare), leisure and environmental education.