As of July 1 2010, Global Environment Information Centre (GEIC) changed its name to Global Environmental Outreach Centre (GEOC) to reflect its expanded scope. While the assets of the GEIC brand will remain the same, the new GEOC brand means new opportunities for its outreach activities.

GEOC Holds Governors’ Biodiversity Summits at COP10 in Nagoya

Two governors’ summits focusing on the socio-ecological systems known as satoyama (terrestrial) and satoumi (coastal) landscapes were convened on October 19 and 20 in Nagoya by the United Nations University (UNU), the Global Environment Outreach Center (GEOC) and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOE).

Download the summary Report of the Biodiversity Governors’ Summits (PDF 215KB)

Message of Satoyama Governors’ Summit : Towards sustainable use of satoyama/satoumi landscapes and regional revitalization

Satoyama and satoumi landscapes are socio-ecological systems in Japan which have been shaped by centuries of interaction between locally-specific activities and lifestyles and a rich natural environment. At the same time, they represent irreplaceable cultural landscapes, intimately linked with the identity of the Japanese people, and important regional assets that need to be safeguarded for future generations.

Download the full message of Satoyama Governors’ Summit (PDF 139KB)