Publication Highlights

ERECON has published the following books based on our past activities and research.

These books are highly recommended for those interested in environmental restoration, conservation, and environmental education, as well as those wishing to deepen their knowledge.

Sustainable Farming Practices for Environmental Conservation (3rd edition)
Edited by: Machito MIHARA
Price: 2,500 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 4-916174-08-9) 

This guidebook covers 10 key topics on environmentally friendly, sustainable agricultural methods required to promote sustainable farming. Specifically, it details the necessary materials and preparation methods for "Composting," "Farmyard Manure Preparation," "Compost Granulation," "Liquid Fertilizer Preparation," "Biogenic Insect Repellent Preparation," "Charcoal and Wood Vinegar Preparation," "Conservation Tillage," "Buffer Strip Installation," "Agroforestry Practice," and "Silt Trap Installation." Richly illustrated with diagrams and photographs, the content is easy for anyone to understand and put into practice.

Sustainable Rural Development through Natural Resources Application
Edited by: Ayami Nakagawa, Kumiko Kawabe, Machito Mihara
(ISBN: 978-4-9912399-1-5)

This volume compiles the outcomes of the "International Workshop and Symposium on Sustainable Rural Development" held from August 22 to 25, 2024, in rural communities of Tbong Khmum Province, Cambodia. Featuring local workshops, discussions with community leaders and residents, and a symposium by participants, the event focused on developing strategies for the sustainable use and management of natural resources. The event was co-organized by the International Society of Environmental and Rural Development (ISERD), Regional Centres of Expertise - Greater Phnom Penh, the Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation Organisation (ERECON), Tbong Khmum Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (TBK-PDAFF), and the University of Heng Samrin Thbongkhmum (UHST).

Plant Trees, Grow Smiles - A sustainable way of living together with Mining -

Publisher: Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON)
Support: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Author: Diego Alonso NAKAYA Yamashiro
Illustrations: Shintaro Aoki
ISBN: 978-4-9912399-0-8

This picture book (written in English) portrays both the economic benefits of mineral resource extraction in Peru and the risks of environmental pollution. Through the story of the protagonist girl, Flora, and her llama, Eve, readers are invited to reflect on how human development can exist in harmony with nature.

Carbon Storage in Farmland for the Global Environment
Edited by: Machito Mihara
Price: 3,000 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 978-4-916174-25-3)

Published to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ERECON's founding, this book is based on the outcomes of the "Project for Promoting a Low-Carbon and Recycling-Oriented Society through Citizen-Led Carbon Recycling Initiatives," which received generous support from Japan Post Co., Ltd. The book consists of three chapters: Chapter I "Mechanisms and Impacts of Global Warming," Chapter II "Carbon Cycle and Carbon Storage," and Chapter III "Practice of Carbon Storage through Composting and Appropriate Farmland Management."

Restoring Satoyama Landscapes in Cambodia
— Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development in Southeast Asia —

Edited by: Machito Mihara
Price: 2,000 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 978-4-916174-13-0)

Created in collaboration with the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) and the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, this book serves as an outcome of the program "Sustainable Use of Natural Resources through Restoring Satoyama Landscapes in Rural Areas of Cambodia," accredited by the International Partnership for the SATOYAMA Initiative (IPSI). It is an essential read for understanding Satoyama restoration efforts in Cambodia.

Guidebook for International Environmental Cooperation

— Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development in Southeast Asia —

Edited by: Machito Mihara
Price: 1,500 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 978-4-916174-10-9)

In developing countries across Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Cambodia, heavy applications of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are often used to increase agricultural income. This has resulted in excessive environmental burdens. In particular, soil erosion caused by squalls and heavy rainfall washes away fertile topsoil along with agrochemicals, causing water pollution such as eutrophication in downstream rivers and lakes. Furthermore, burning crop residues damages soil ecosystems, and unprotected pesticide spraying poses severe health risks to farmers. In response to these challenges, environmentally friendly, sustainable agriculture is urgently needed.

Chapter 1 explains the significance and necessity of international environmental cooperation, while Chapter 2 uses accessible illustrations and photos to explain surveying, implementation, and evaluation methods. Chapter 3 provides detailed advice on key precautions during field activities, making this an introductory yet practical handbook packed with essential information. It serves not only as a field guide but also as a highly recommended reference for anyone studying international environmental cooperation.

Sustainable Agriculture with Organic Fertilizer
Edited by: Machito Mihara, Shozo Fujimoto
Price: 2,000 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 4-916174-06-2)

In recent years, large amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been applied to farmland to boost short-term agricultural productivity. This trend is prominent in both developed nations and countries across Southeast Asia, leading to various environmental issues.

This guidebook was compiled to promote the use of compost while reducing pesticide and chemical fertilizer application on farmland. It is ideal for anyone interested in or learning about the importance of protecting the soil. The text is presented in four languages: English, Thai, Khmer, and Japanese.

Participatory Strategy for Soil and Water Conservation
Edited by: Machito Mihara, Eiji Yamaji
Price: 3,000 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 4-916174-03-8)

(Purchase on Amazon)

While there are many cases where Japanese soil and water conservation technologies have been transferred abroad, some transfers ignore local farmers' understanding or traditional farming habits, leading to mixed results.

This book addresses technology transfer for soil and water conservation using participatory approaches. Moving beyond mere technical reports on restoration and conservation, it discusses methods for transferring technologies designed for long-term, sustainable use by local communities. Categorized into four topics—1. Soil and Water Conservation Technologies, 2. Technology Transfer, 3. Participatory Approaches, and 4. Follow-up—it presents 50 practical case studies on appropriate technology transfer alongside technical discussions.

Environmental Science of Everyday Water (2nd Edition)
Authors: Rokuro Yasutomi, Yukiko Dokiya, Zong-Xing Yang, Machito Mihara
Price: 1,700 yen (tax included)
(ISBN: 978-4-916174-02-4)
(Purchase on Amazon)

This book explores acid rain, urbanization, nitrogen runoff into groundwater caused by deforestation, and soil erosion, explaining their close relationship with water quality. It also emphasizes the importance of disseminating research outcomes to the public through civic activities and environmental education.

Written in accessible language without requiring specialized knowledge, it is an essential guide for learning about water quality and environmental science—equally suited for experts and active participants in community environmental movements.