Abstract
This study was designed to verify that ESD occurs not only through acquisition of knowledge via formal/non-formal education, but also through dynamic informal learning embedded in the functionings of daily life and community development. To understand the relationship between this type of learning and ESD, a case study was conducted of Uwabata, a rural community in Miyazaki Prefecture, known for its unique Autonomous Community Center (ACC). Drawing on Tsurumi’s (1989) concept of “endogenous development”, the study examined the links between learning and local autonomy as a key to endogenous development. Analysis of learning in Uwabata highlighted the fact that endogenous ESD can be distinguished from globally recognized ESD in three areas, i.e. by having 1) a clear structure linked with “nature”, “people”, and “affluence of life” (including spirituality), 2) a pool of knowledge/skills among residents as a whole, and 3)“cycle” and “inheritance” functions. While being open to the outer world and systems, the community maintains its identity in terms of local values, knowledge, and skills embedded in various life functionings that people wish to achieve.
