KASA Sustainability is a home of transdisciplinary researchers
at Sophia University who are interested in advancing
our knowledge to address global challenges including
climate change, equity and sustainability,
hunger and poverty, and inequality.
About Us
Our purpose is to understand the distinct yet interconnected nature of socioecological relations. Drawing on this understanding, we engage in theoretical and empirical research that co-produce conceptual frameworks of and innovative solutions for global challenges including climate change, equity and sustainability, hunger and poverty, and inequality.
We organize symposiums, seminars and workshops and produce research papers and reports related to these themes.
Our Values
Embrace and encourage each other’s strengths
Each member has a distinct background, skills, and expertise; together we are stronger! Appreciate everyone’s gifts!
Respect for minority and nature-based local knowledge
Power determines access to sources of livelihoods including natural resources. While some people have abundant access to land and water, others have only limited access. We must understand how and why minority groups have limited access to important resources, and learn from history, different cultures, and nature-based local knowledge.
Justice – "Is it fair?"
Before we make decisions and put our projects into action, we should first ask:
Is it fair for everyone involved? Is it environmentally just?
“With others, for others”
Inspired by Sophia University’s mission, we believe that good actions can be developed with respect for and support from the others.
Diversity
Diversity is our guiding principle! We honor diversity in living organisms, race, gender, sexual orientation, and views!
Collaboration
To change the world, collaboration among people from all walks of life, plants, and living creatures is essential! We must go beyond the corporate model of competition that undermines the weak!
Inspire + Act
Nature and society are distinct yet interconnected. Social-ecological disconnections have resulted in environmental degradation around the world today. Share your knowledge and personal experiences; inspire others to take action.
Learn from nature
Nature is taken for granted; people believe it can be controlled, and easily restored by scientific and technological breakthroughs. That’s false! We are not separated from nature; we are part and parcel of it.
No single leader, leadership performed by all!
Our members are equals; we take pride in horizontal organizational structure, where everyone takes responsibility for what we aim to achieve as a group.