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Mikako Awano

SusCon Japan ー Founder, CEO

Professional Background

Mikako Awano has established herself as a prominent figure in the realms of sustainability and biodiversity through a career that has spanned over two decades at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Japan. Starting her professional journey as a coordinator for training programs organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), she quickly transitioned into a significant role within WWF Japan in 1990, where she has dedicated herself to various positions that honed her expertise in conservation, human resources, and corporate engagement.

During her tenure at WWF Japan, Mikako’s evolution from a program manager in the Conservation Division to Lead of the Cross-Divisional Team for Corporate Engagement illustrates her versatile skill set and her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions. Her roles included overseeing corporate relations, leading fundraising initiatives, and managing administrative functions, all of which contributed greatly to advancing the mission of WWF Japan.

After many successful years, Mikako made the exciting decision to establish her own non-profit organization, SusCon Japan. This new venture reflects her passion for integrating sustainability into the business agendas of Japanese companies, emphasizing her belief that sustainable practices are not just beneficial for the environment but also essential for long-term business success. Her goal with SusCon Japan is to advocate for and implement sustainable strategies that contribute to biodiversity and environmental preservation.

Education and Achievements

Mikako Awano holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science and Government from Waseda University, a prestigious institution that is well-regarded for fostering innovative thinkers and leaders in various fields. Her academic background provides her with a robust understanding of political frameworks and governance, which she applies to her work in environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Throughout her career at WWF Japan, Mikako has achieved numerous milestones that highlight her dedication to environmental stewardship. Notably, she played a significant role in the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties (CBD COP10) as an officer, where her contributions were instrumental in promoting awareness and action regarding biodiversity issues.

Her extensive experience within WWF Japan has allowed her to develop a profound knowledge of sustainability reporting, biodiversity, and supply chain management, particularly in the context of the REDD+ framework (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). This expertise positions her as a thought leader in the sustainability sector, whereby she provides valuable insights and guidance to businesses seeking to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Notable Achievements

Mikako's career at WWF Japan is characterized by significant accomplishments, such as:

  • Leadership in Corporate Engagement: As the Lead of the Cross-Divisional Team for Corporate Engagement, Mikako successfully fostered partnerships between WWF Japan and various corporations, driving initiatives that aligned business practices with sustainability goals.
  • Fundraising Success: Her role in the fundraising division was pivotal in securing vital resources for WWF Japan projects, impacting conservation efforts and enabling the organization to thrive in its mission to protect the environment.
  • Advocating for Policy Changes: Through her engagement in international conferences and her work on policies related to biodiversity and ecological sustainability, Mikako has influenced key stakeholders and promoted effective practices that address environmental challenges.
  • Founding SusCon Japan: By establishing SusCon Japan, she opened new avenues for promoting business sustainability in Japan, underlining her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where enterprises can thrive while being environmentally responsible.

Mikako Awano continues to inspire others in her field, leveraging her expertise to create an impactful narrative around the importance of sustainability in the business world. Her commitment to education and advocacy represents her deep-seated belief that businesses can play a crucial role in fostering environmental stewardship, paving the way for a future where economic growth and ecological preservation go hand in hand.

Related Questions

How did Mikako Awano develop her expertise in biodiversity and sustainability during her time at WWF Japan?
What motivated Mikako Awano to establish her own non-profit organization, SusCon Japan, and what are its primary goals?
In what ways has Mikako Awano contributed to corporate engagement and sustainability initiatives in Japan?
What challenges does Mikako Awano face in promoting sustainability as a business agenda among Japanese companies?
How has Mikako Awano's education in Political Science from Waseda University influenced her career in environmental advocacy?
Mikako Awano
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Location

Within 23 wards, Tokyo, Japan