Research activities

Research Promotion
Research Exchange
Research Management
Others

1. Research Promotion

(1) Promotion of Grant-Funded and Individual Research

The ERECON Research Center is officially designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as a qualified research institution under Article 2, Paragraph 8 of the Regulations for Handling Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research. In FY2018, the Center was awarded a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) for Basic Research (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research) as a research institution. In addition, the Center actively promotes diverse research projects and individual studies—including participating as co-investigators or collaborators in research led by other institutions, as well as advancing research aimed at supporting extension and dissemination activities. Promotion of Programs on environmental rehabilitation and conservation.

Affiliated Researchers

Dr. Machito Mihara is a distinguished researcher and academic leader specializing in Soil and Water Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Rural Development. Holding a Ph.D. in Agriculture from the United Graduate School in Agricultural Science at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (1993), he currently serves as Vice President and Professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture (NODAI). He also brings extensive administrative and global experience from his former role as Director of NODAI's Center for Global Initiatives.
Alongside his university leadership, Dr. Mihara serves as the President of the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON), an international non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable rural development and environmental education. Throughout his career, he has held visiting professorships at institutions across the globe, including the University of Arizona, Khon Kaen University in Thailand, the Royal University of Agriculture in Cambodia, and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Dr. Mihara has authored over 100 scientific publications focusing on soil erosion, nutrient losses, natural weed buffers, and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). His international efforts and scientific contributions have earned him prominent awards, including the Royal Order of Sahametrei from the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Award of Outstanding Scientific Achievement from the International Society of Environmental and Rural Development (ISERD).
Download CV HERE.

Machito MIHARA, Dr.

Prof. Dr. Kumiko Kawabe is the Director General of the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON) in Japan and a Visiting Professor at the Royal University of Agriculture in Cambodia.
Core Expertise
- Participatory Rural Development & Community Engagement
- Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) & Environmental Symbiotic Studies
- Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodologies
Background & Key Work
- Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Symbiotic Studies from Tokyo University of Agriculture (2015).
- Practical Experience: Spend a decade (1998–2008) as a natural farming vegetable farmer and nature observer in Nagano, Japan, before moving into international extension programs and leadership roles at ERECON.
- Key Focus Area: Leads community development and agricultural sustainability projects in Cambodia, including school construction initiatives in Tboung Khmum Province and research on eco-friendly practices like Eri-culture.
- Recognition: Awarded the UNU RCE Recognition Award (2014) and ISERD Excellent Paper Award (2012).
  Download CV HERE.