MinkaLife Sustainable Development Goals
Here at MinkaLife we are committed to the restoration and repositioning of abandoned houses in Japan, enabling them to become assets to society once more. We believe, if we can restore these old homes, their value will not decrease and we can continue to preserve the rich Japanese culture they carry. Hence, we have assessed MinkaLife’s opportunities to support the Sustainable Development Goals and have concluded that MinkaLife aligns closely with four of the goals: SDG1, SDG8, SDG11 and SDG12.
Creating sustainable communities is at the heart of what we do. We are constantly reviewing and evolving our practises to ensure they align with our Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Minkalife is committed to revitalising communities across Japan. By promoting traditional old homes in Japan, we are hoping to stimulate regional employment and cross-generational interaction among local residents, and to contribute to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. These structures devastate neighbourhoods by undermining the quality of life, diminish the value of nearby properties, and cause severe fiscal damage to local governments. With more than 8.76 million unoccupied homes in Japan, Minkalife is committed to reducing that number, without diminishing the cultural integrity each place has to offer. Hence, we aim to support the local communities by making use of local resources and skills, and creating decent jobs.
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
By encouraging sustainable tourism to these houses, MinkaLife is promoting the local culture and products of rural Japan. Buying products from the local producers and exploring the many activities that the area has to offer, not only creates jobs for many people but is contributing to substantial economic growth. Sourcing locally-grown foods and supporting small local business owners, stimulates the local economy and benefits the community as a whole.
SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
MinkaLife is focused on promoting tourism to traditional old homes in rural Japan. By refurbishing these homes in villages with rich natural resources and cultural features, we are focused on developing a high tourism appeal within these areas. With the restoration of these homes, we hope to stimulate employment and to contribute to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. By promoting these rural areas, we will provide a good opportunity to communicate with the local people, learn about different cultures and practises, as well as the ability to rediscover Japan from a different perspective.
SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production
Restoring these abandoned homes infuses rural areas with new energy by appealing to younger entrepreneurs and families as a sustainable option to maintain a way of life outside of Japan’s major cities. MinkaLife is making a positive impact through the renovation of these homes to ensure their operations are sustainable and help revitalise these rural communities. We aim to promote the use of traditional techniques and knowledge to achieve energy efficiency and culturally appropriate, sustainable, consumption and production practises.
