As the 2nd anniversary of the Fukushima disaster approaches, Dr Vandana Shiva, world-renowned scientist, author, environmentalist and founder of Navdanya, will join Shumei International, a Japanese-based nonprofit organization, to address critical challenges facing Japanese farmers, including concerns about radiation, climate change, environmental degradation and food security.
During a special symposium series, Seed, Soil and Food for the Future, to be held in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, on Feb 19, and in Tokyo on Feb 20, Dr Shiva, soil microbiologist Dr Elaine Ingham, Shumei and organic farmers from Fukushima will discuss ways to advance soil rejuvenation, seed preservation, biodiversity and natural agricultural systems. The events in Fukushima and Tokyo will mark the launch of SEED FREEDOM, GARDENS OF HOPE, a new global effort to help communities build resiliency against floods, drought, soil degradation and natural disasters by growing food with natural seeds that have not been genetically manipulated and saving those seeds for the future.
Shiva is a leading figure in the ecology movement and through Navdanya, she advocates for biodiversity conservation and the promotion of organic farming around the world. Shiva’s many honors for her work include the Right Livelihood Award and the Fukuoka Prize. She was recently inducted into the Kyoto Earth Hall of Fame.
