Networking of environmental activists with an empowerment approach: In the case of ‘collecting shell project’ in Minamata, Japan.

• In Event: Green Criminology #3 - Responding to Environmental harms and crimes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a theoretical framework for networking environmental activists in an empowerment approach. Environmental activists often have mental health problems in the face of daily information about environmental crises and severe environmental harm. In addition, some sensitive young people flee environmental activism to escape environmental anxiety. I therefore suggest that there is a need for networking, with the aim of empowering people to confront the environmental crisis.
I conducted a case study on 'collecting shell product (CSP)' in Minamata, Japan in 2023. Minamata disease, a serious pollution hazard, occurred in Minamata in 1956: 2998 people suffered severe neurological disorders and a huge number of citizens suffered health problems. At the CSP, participants learnt about the history of Minamata disease at the Minamata Municipal Museum, walked along a formerly contaminated beach guided by a family member of a victim, and picked up shellfish. Finally, they sat in a circle and engaged in dialogue.
Through analysis of the case studies, I found two points. First, through their work on the beach, the CSP participants learnt that not only humans but also fish and birds are victims of environmental harm. Second, participants swam, played music, and shared their feelings on the beach. Third, after the CSP, some young people spontaneously started a study group on Minamata disease. These three points are characterised by the fact that participants communicate not with environmental policies and slogans, but by sharing deep feelings and compassions for non-human beings. In conclusion, I extract the practical skeleton of the CSP and propose a theoretical framework for empowering environmental activist networking.

Author

• Orika Komatsubara, Tohoku University