WWN lynchpin, Dr Minoru Kashiwagi, is stepping down from his role the WWN Committee as Joint Asia Representative. Kashiwagi-san has been a core member of WWN since the very beginning, and we celebrate his contribution!
Minoru’s commitment and persistence for wetland conservation has been a big inspiration to so many people in Japan, Korea, and globally. He is strategic and practical, achieving big picture and long term outcomes and on-ground protection for Japan’s wetlands. Special congratulations on your vision and achievement of the “Free Flowing Rivers” resolution at the IUCN. We all learnt a lot from Minoru. Good luck and enjoy your retirement!
Youth Engaged in Wetlands is incredibly grateful for Minoru-san’s support of our core team. We are especially thankful for his meticulous guidance during the early drafting of our first Youth Resolution, including a tip for splitting text into clauses to better understand operative paragraphs, many of our members continue to use this trick to this day. We are also very moved by his dedication to empowering Japan’s youth in wetland conservation, and we are certain his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Thank you, Minoru-san, for your generosity and commitment!
Youth Engaged in Wetlands
It has been a privilege to know and work alongside Minoru, whose dedication to wetlands conservation has inspired so many of us across the region. I first met him in Busan, when he kindly invited me, together with Louise Duff, to the South Korea–Japan Wetland Forum in preparation for the COP in Dubai. That first encounter set the tone for every meeting that followed: warm, thoughtful, and full of purpose. Our paths crossed again at the Regional Pre COP meeting in Sri Lanka and later at the COP in Dubai , and each time I was reminded of his tireless energy, his generosity in sharing knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to the World Wetland Network and to the wetlands of Japan. As he retires from his role as Sub Regional Coordinator, and as he celebrates his 80th year, I want to express my deep appreciation for his leadership, his friendship, and his example. Minoru has shown us what long-term dedication looks like, and the network is stronger because of him. I wish him health, joy, and many peaceful days ahead, ideally spent near the wetlands he has worked so hard to protect.
Jacky Judas, Chairperson, 2022 to 2024
I believe I first met Mr. Kashiwagi about 25 years ago at an event at Yatsu Tidal Flat in Chiba Prefecture.
Although we didn’t have many opportunities to interact within Japan, our ultimate goals in wetland and bird conservation are the same.
He is retiring for the time being, but I hope he will continue to be active in bird and wetland conservation in Japan, East Asia, and around the world, and that he will continue to teach us younger generations.
Atsushi TANABE
My perception from Minoru is of having a person and a committee member full of kindness and commitment, and I do feel grateful with him for adding that to our network on every occasion. He was always supportive for wetland causes not only in Japan but elsewhere, and this includes my country, Colombia, where his voice was one we could always count on. Those human and professional virtues are a fantastic example of what our network is about in dealing with challenges or initiatives. Thank you Minoru, for all your support to WWN, and I wish you the best in your new stage in life. Warmly, Felipe”
Felipe Velasco, Sub-Regional Representative, Colombia
A generous and dedicated Committee member, Kashiwagi-san is a fundamental part of WWN. We can always rely on him attending Committee meetings even when late at night – we will miss his dedication and charm! I was delighted that Kashiwagi-san was featured in a special 75th anniversary publication of WWT as a partner. Wishing you happy times ahead in the wetlands of Japan and beyond.
Connor Walsh, Secretary of WWN 2021 to 2026
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