International Field Course on Ecological Sustainability in Sado Island 佐渡自然共生国際実習（7/27-31）

 We had the international training course called "International Field Course on Ecological Sustainability in Sado Island" in July 27-31. This year, 8 people participated, including international students from China, Malawi, and Bangladesh.

７月27日～31日には、佐渡自然共生国際実習が開催されました。今年は中国やマラウイ、バングラデシュなどから８名の学生が参加してくれました。

These are some photos from our fieldwork at Niigata University Forest on the 2nd day. We toured areas such as the riverine forest, natural cedar forest, wind-exposed area and observed material cycling from rivers in the forest to the sea.
2日目の演習林での実習の様子。河畔林やスギ天然林、風衝地を周り、森―川―海の物質循環を学びました。

Also, due to bad weather on the afternoon of the 2nd day, we changed our plans and visited the Sado Gold Mine in Aikawa.

また、2日目の午後は悪天候のため予定を変更し、相川の佐渡金山を見学しました。

On the 3rd day, we visited Mt. Donden and learned about the semi-natural grassland ecosystem. The weather was very foggy, so I think we were able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Sado’s mountains.

3日目には、ドンデン山を見学し、半自然草原の環境を学びました。とても霧が深い天気で、佐渡の山ならではの雰囲気を楽しめたのではないでしょうか。

On the 4th day, we traveled to the Kuninaka area, where we attended lectures and took a field trip focusing on the Japanese crested ibis and Japan’s satoyama landscapes. The participants listened very attentively, and we were able to collect many different creatures, including aquatic insects, medaka fish, and crayfish.

4日目には国仲地域へ移動し、トキや日本の里山に関する講義と見学を行いました。参加者の皆さんはとても積極的に聞き入っていて、水生昆虫やメダカ、ザリガニなどたくさんの生物を採集できました。

Japan’s remote islands, including Sado Island, seem to be very popular—especially among international visitors from mainland countries—because they truly embody the essence of Japan as an island country. Did these students get to fully experience that island essence? Even after returning to your home countries and universities, please make the most of this experience and keep up the good work!

佐渡島を含む日本の離島は、特に大陸地域出身の外国の方から見ると、いかにも島国日本感があってとても人気が高いようです。留学生のみなさんは島国感を満喫できたでしょうか？自国や自大学に帰っても、この経験を存分に生かして頑張ってくださいね！

（K.S.）