NYK to Implement Projects Commemorating Its Receipt of the Thor Heyerdahl International Maritime Environmental Award
November 7, 2005
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line), in commemoration of its receipt of the Thor Heyerdahl International Maritime Environmental Award in May of this year, has decided to put together two NYK - Heyerdahl commemorative projects. These two projects will be funded using the cash prize of US$100,000 (about 10 million yen) accompanying the Thor Heyerdahl International Maritime Environmental Award in addition to a contribution of 40 million yen by NYK to engage in the below activities.
- NYK Nature Fellowship
This fellowship project, to be undertaken jointly with Earthwatch Japan, a nonprofit organization, will dispatch university students and NYK personnel to research and survey sites on the marine environment in order to assist in activities.
NYK intends to make a positive contribution to the protection of the marine environment by generating and enhancing an awareness of the environment and a sense of international cooperation among university students and NYK personnel, both groups that will play an important role in the next generation. Details of this project will be announced as soon as they are determined.
- Funding for Marine Environment Research and Education
Research and educational institutions in Japan will be invited to submit plans to conduct research and surveys and train human resources for the prime purpose of reducing the impact of shipping on the marine environment. Financial assistance will be provided to selected plans. The screening and selection of the plans will be made by a management committee comprising NYK's executive officers. Details concerning applications for this project can be found on the NYK website.
The purpose of this award is to contribute to an improvement in the global environment, to announce to all segments of society the environmental benefits of shipping as a mode of transport, and to serve as an inspiration for implementing new, specific environmental measures.
Dr. Thor Heyerdahl and the Norwegian Shipowners' Association established the award in June 1999, and a winner is selected every two years. In 2001, the Green Award Foundation won the award, and in 2003 the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation was recognized for its contribution to the environment.(www.heyerdahlaward.com)
This organization engages in activities providing researchers with human and financial support through the participation of citizens as volunteers in scientific-field surveys. Earthwatch is headquartered in the United States and has chapters in Britain and Australia as well as Japan. The organization's projects cover more than 100 locations around the globe.