What is SDGs Goal 11?
SDGs Goal 11 is “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” with its mission statement being “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”
The goal has ten targets and 14 indicators measuring the sustainability of many aspects of the cities and communities. These targets include ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage, and lowering the environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
Sustainable Cities and Communities in Japan
Many of Japan’s concerns about the sustainability of cities and communities are linked to the population imbalance. On one side, people are moving away from rural areas into cities for convenience, education and job employment, endangering the local economies. On the other, the overpopulation in major cities stresses the infrastructure and systems, like areas of well-being and consumption.
Regional Revitalization continues to be a big topic in Japan, in an attempt to protect rural communities and their cultural heritage. New lifestyles and workstyles are also being explored as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Of course, as consumption centers, there are pockets of cities that are pushing sustainability. There are businesses and brands making the shift towards becoming more sustainable, while more ambitious ones are trying to redesign the way we consume in cities. Well-being is also a major theme.
SDGs Goal 11 in Japan
How remote learning and working can resolve rural depopulation in Japan
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Japanese society is beginning to realize the value of remote working and learning. But to progress regional revitalization realistically, there is a need for drastic changes in education and employment.
How remote learning and working can resolve rural depopulation in JapanArtisan heaven on earth, here in the nature of Taketa City
In what ways can regional revitalization be achieved? In Taketa City, they are doing it by creating a place where artisans can freely come and build their workshops. By doing so, the city stays attractive for potential artisans from any part of Japan to settle while creating value culturally and economically.
Artisan heaven on earth, here in the nature of Taketa CityOtetsutabi transforming humdrum rurals into heart-warming hometowns
Another way to revitalize rural areas is to create “relationship populations,” a group of people who don’t live in the rural areas but are related to the people living there, one way or another. Otetsutabi is a service that invites people to offer their skills to these rural regions, in turn creating an opportunity to create the relationship populations.
Otetsutabi transforming humdrum rurals into heart-warming hometownsNo more accom shortages. Stay anywhere in Japan with ADDress!
Even without building relationship populations, there are innovative ways to bring people to visit rural regions. For example, ADDress is an accommodation platform that allows users to stay in houses in rural areas for a monthly fee. These homes are formerly abandoned houses, renovated to provide an opportunity for city dwellers to discover the lifestyle of living on the outskirts of the city.
No more accom shortages. Stay anywhere in Japan with ADDress!Containers over concrete: Saga’s model town revitalization project
Even in bigger towns and cities, community building is a concern the local government deals with. How can we create connection in cities that advances social isolation? Here in Saga Prefecture, they have found a low-cost, flexible solution, using cargo containers to promote city exploration, connection with the local community, and support for local economy!
Containers over concrete: Saga’s model town revitalization projectExplore 17 SDGs
