Dr. Shimako Takahashi   Research Fellow   Shimako Takahashi joined the ESD Programme in 2004, after serving at FAO, WFP and UNDP Vietnam. Prior to that, she studied the basic mechanism of genetic recombination at the National Institute of Genetics as a Center of Excellence (COE) Lecturer and Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Her career is a rich mix of experience in both academic and practical fields. Takahashi obtained her Ph.D. in Applied Biological Science from Tokyo University of Science, collaborating with the Medical Institute laboratory of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and contributed to the elucidation of genetic recombination machineries using biochemical methods. She holds a Master of Environmental Management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, where she conducted research on development and biodiversity conservation within the indigenous communities in Sarawak, Malaysia. Takahashi’s focus lies in interdisciplinary projects and field-based action research in the fields of biodiversity conservation, genetic resources and community-based natural resources governance in Asia.   Research Projects: Managing Agrodiversity Sustainable Land management in Laos and India Forestry management in Indonesia