This session focuses on climate change and biodiversity, presenting the latest knowledge and practical case studies from Japan and overseas. It aims to deepen understanding of initiatives that generate synergies, connect global trends with local practices, and highlight collaborative approaches that bridge science, policy and communities.
The session will feature Masato Nobutoki, Invited Professor at the Office for Promoting SDGs, Kobe University, who will introduce advanced approaches linking climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and local economic revitalisation, with a particular focus on blue carbon. Drawing on his experience as Chair of Hyogo Prefecture's Blue Carbon Credit Study Group on Nori Aquaculture, he will demonstrate how the restoration of seaweed beds and tidal flats can contribute to the revitalisation of local fisheries and regional decarbonisation.
In addition, Aidy Mohamed Shawal Bin M. Muslim, Professor and Head of Remote Sensing and Marine Informatics at the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), will present the latest developments in Eco-DRR (ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction) utilising coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Rather than relying solely on disaster prevention infrastructure, Eco-DRR harnesses the power of nature to simultaneously promote ecosystem conservation and strengthen community resilience. His presentation will showcase international efforts to advance coastal risk reduction science and practice by integrating climate, ecosystems and communities in tropical regions.
By bringing together domestic and international examples of blue carbon and Eco-DRR, this session will illustrate the synergies that emerge at the intersection of climate and biodiversity actions. It will also highlight pathways for collaboration that connect global trends with local practices while strengthening linkages among science, policy and communities.
Panel Discussion
Moderator
YAMASAKI Toshiyuki
Director, Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research
Panelist
NOBUTOKI Masato
Invited Professor, Carbon Neutral Promotion Headquarters, Kobe University
A native of Wakayama City, Japan, Masato Nobutoki graduated from the Department of Urban Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Tokyo.
He currently serves as Director, EX Research Institute Ltd.; Invited Professor, Carbon Neutral Promotion Headquarters, Kobe University; Head of the Kobe SDGs Promotion Operational Unit; Board Member of the Japan Blue Economy Association (JBE); Adjunct Lecturer, Master's Program in Sustainable Urban Regeneration, the University of Tokyo; and Special Adviser to Wakayama City, among other positions.
After graduating from university, he worked for Mitsubishi Corporation, where he was engaged in the information industry, urban development, and financial services sectors. He subsequently joined the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, where he served as Director of the Government Exhibitions Planning and Events Office. He later held positions as Specially Appointed Professor at the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo and as a senior official of the City of Yokohama, serving as Director General of the Climate Change Policy Headquarters and Director General of the Urban Management Bureau, where he spearheaded initiatives including the Yokohama Smart City Project (YSCP).
He also previously served as an Outside Audit & Supervisory Board Member of Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and as Director of the YOKOHAMA SDGs Design Center.
Panelist
Aidy Mohamed Shawal BIN M. MUSLIM
Professor and Head, Remote Sensing and Marine Informatics, Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
Prof Aidy Mohamed Shawal Bin M. Muslim is a Full Professor at the Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti MalaysiaTerengganu (UMT), Malaysia. He began his career in 1995 as a researcher at the Malaysia Centre for Remote Sensing and later earned his PhD in Remote Sensing from the University of Southampton in 2004.
He has contributed extensively to national committees on project development, strategic planning and the advancement of space‐based technologies, and has represented the Malaysian Government in numerous international meetings. His research spans remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial data management, covering natural resource assessment, environmental and disaster monitoring, and national‐level strategic planning. His current research focuses on multispectral sensors and UAV technologies for mapping benthic habitats and coastal ecosystems.
Prof Muslim is also deeply engaged with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). He serves on several steering groups and expert teams, contributing to initiatives such as IODE capacity development, data and information management, and regional coordination mechanisms. His involvement supports training, governance, quality assurance, and the strengthening of national and regional ocean data infrastructures.
