Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC)

　

1.Objective

Exchange of information and policy dialogue among environmental experts in Northeast Asian countries regarding advanced　environmental conservation efforts in each country and the future of environmental cooperation in this area.

2.Participating Countries

Experts from central government environmental organizations, local authorities, research institutes, etc., in China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, and Russia, along with experts from UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), and ESCAP (UN Economic and Social Committee for the Asia and the Pacific) participating as observers.

3.Background

Initiated by a proposal from Republic of Korea in 1988, Japan and Korea have been holding environment symposia. Through the cooperation of UNEP, the scope of participation was widened to include China and later Mongolia and USSR as observers. This led to a study on the possibility of expanding the meeting to an exchange of information and regional cooperation among Northeast Asian nations.

In 1992, the meeting was reorganized as the Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation and has since been held on a yearly basis.

4.Past meetings

February 2006 Tokyo, Japan
　
October 1992: Niigata, Japan
September 1993: Seoul, Korea
September 1994: Kinosaki, Japan
September 1995: Pusan, Korea
October 1996: Beijing, China
October 1997: Niigata, Japan
October 1998: Cheju, Korea
November 1999: Maizuru, Japan
July 2000: Ulanbator, Mongolia
October 2001 Incheon, Korea
December 2002 Hainan, China
November 2003 Toyama, Japan
December 2004 Seoul, Korea

5.Description

The Conference convenes administrators and researchers of Northeast Asia working in the area of the environment for broad-ranging discussions on environmental conservation. This means that the objective is not to make decisions on issues. Rather, it aspires to encourage sharing of environmental information and understanding among participants, to promote environmental measures in each country, and to foster official cooperative relations on a bilateral and multilateral basis. More recently, the role of local authorities has become increasingly important in environmental cooperation. For this reason, open symposia are being held to encourage the participation of local authorities.

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CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

15 October 1992, Niigata, JAPAN

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The Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation was held from 13 to 15 October , 1992, in Niigata, Japan, with the participation of China, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Russia and Japan at both national and local government levels, in addition to representatives from three United Nations bodies, UNEP, UNDP, and ESCAP.

Throughout the Conference the participants had open and frank exchanges of information and views on the state of the environment in each country, particularly on air and water quality, marine pollution, waste management and recycling, biodiversity and nature conservation, as well as on the future of environmental cooperation between and among the participating countries.

There was unanimous agreement on the need to strengthen environmental cooperation in the region among all parties concerned, including active involvement of both public and private sectors as well as non-governmental and grassroots organizations. The participants stressed the importance of exchanging information, experience and expertise on a regular basis, through which a process of policy dialogue could be built up on environmental problems of common concern to the region as a whole.

The Conference took note of the initiative of the Korean authorities who organized the 92's Seoul Symposium on 'UNCED and Prospect on the Environmental Regime in the 21st Century', 2-5 September, 1992, and general support was expressed for the further development of an informal Environmental Network established at the Symposium.

In order to facilitate regional cooperation in the field of the environment, it was generally agreed that the Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation should be held regularly, in principle on an annual basis, preferably hosted each time by different countries of the region.

Taking into account the unique role of local authorities who are situated close to people's needs and concerns, the participants noted the importance of ensuring active participation of local governments in the process of planning for and implementation of cooperative programmes.

It was pointed out that regional cooperation might initially be focused on selected priority areas in which certain activities have already been initiated, or those which require urgent actions. Among those which were suggested as possible modalities of regional cooperation were: to immediately set up an information sharing and exchanging network, to conduct joint surveys and monitoring activities including on acid rain, coastal and inland water pollution and biodiversity, and to carry out collaborative research and training programmes in some of the specific subject areas. A particularly keen interest was shown among the participants in undertaking case studies on the use of economic instruments for environmental management.

Specific mechanisms for promoting these activities, financial institutional and otherwise, should be further worked out in the near future, hopefully at the next Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation, for which there was a kind offer by the Government of the Republic of Korea to host it. In this connection, the United Nations agencies should play an active role in coordinating the efforts and activities of the participating countries as well as of the Unite Nations system as a whole.

The participants expressed their appreciation to the Environment Agency, Japan for organizing this Conference and to the government and people of Niigata Prefecture for their warm hospitality in hosting it.

CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE SECOND NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

15-17 September 1993, Seoul, KOREA

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  1. The 2nd Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC) was held in Seoul, Korea from September 15 to 17, 1993. It was organized by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, with the participation of the countries of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation, at the ministerial and vice-ministerial level, plus representatives from the four international organizations of UNEP, UNDP, ESCAP, and UNU.
  2. Participants from each country affirmed that this conference played a major role in enhancing regional environmental concerns. They expressed the need for an expansion of various exchange of manpower, information, experiences, and technology in the environmental area, in order to enhance the mutual understanding among the countries that will ultimately contribute to the improvement of the regional environment. They also agreed to maintain and further develop this conference in the future.
  3. The participants expressed that the Northeast Asia environmental issues which require the most attention are the prevention of air, marine and inland water pollution, waste management, the protection of the ecosystem, forest preservation and the prevention of desertification. A particular emphasis was placed upon the use of economic incentives and the role of local government to control environment degradation.
  4. In session 3, participants discussed various topics on the "Exploration of the Joint Research Project and Its Implementation". The following issues were raised and adopted as priority areas of regional joint research: the establishment of a resource recycling network, and effectively coping with air pollution, including the development of clean coal combustion technologies and the methodology of air monitoring and analysis.
  5. During the conference, the head of each country's delegation had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call to the president of the Republic of Korea, Young Sam Kim. They all expressed their deep appreciation for the president's benevolent gesture.
  6. The participants representing each country and international organization acknowledged the Korean Ministry of Environment's strong efforts and contributions to facilitate the success of the Conference, and expressed their appreciation for other organization's contributions to the conference.
  7. Participants from each country commended the interest and contributions of the international organizations, and requested their continual assistance and support for the enhancement of Northeast Asian regional environmental cooperation. The representatives of these organizations agreed to make a commitment to continue to provide such support.
  8. Participants agreed that the 3rd NEAC would be held in the Hyogo Prefecture, Japan in 1994.

CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE THIRD NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

30 September 1994, Hyogo, JAPAN

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1. The 3rd Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation was held from 28 to 30 September 1994 in Kinosaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Participants included senior officials from the national and local governments and research institutes of the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and the Russian Federation, as well as a representative from the UN-ESCAP.
2. The conference acts as a forum for the exchange of views and information on environmental issues in the Northeast Asian region, and aims to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection in the region. One of the central themes of this year's meeting was to follow-up on the initiatives of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD). Discussions covered the preparation and implementation of environmental protection policies in each country and the promotion of sustainable development in the region. Information and views were exchanged on the issues surrounding sustainable cities, biodiversity conservation and future regional cooperation.
3. As industrialization has increased in the region, so have environmental and human health-related problems. Industrial pollution, waste disposal and desertification are now just part of the range of such problems expanding throughout the region. However, there are also a number of global issues that must be faced locally, including climate change and loss of biodiversity. As a result, countries have been strengthening their environmental protection policies, regulations and activities.
4. With the adoption of Agenda 21 at the Earth Summit, countries were required to make efforts to prepare national strategies for achieving sustainable development. This places important responsibilities on the countries of Northeast Asia, including the modification of domestic laws to meet international obligations. Social and economic restructuring will also be needed to allow for the transition to sustainable development. This conference acknowledged the need for an integrated regional strategy as well as national strategies for achieving sustainable development. Such a strategy should include international and regional cooperation through the sharing of experiences, information, and technology, as well as through promotion of effective policies and measures, including the implementation of economic instruments. The preparation of a regional strategy should identify, and make effective use of, both the region's unique diversity and its countries' common features.
5. The three main themes that received attention at this conference were sustainable cities, conservation of biological diversity and strengthening cooperation.
6. Sustainable Cities
a). Cities are the main human habitat and centers of human economic, social and political activities.
Large volumes of wastes are produced in and around urban areas which need to be disposed of. The growth of very large cities is continuing, and a high rate of urbanization is predicted. Air, water and other pollution problems, which already exist in many cities, will become worse if appropriate countermeasures are not taken. A lack of infrastructure, such as sewage treatment and disposal systems, will lead to pollution and other urban problems. Tacking such problems must become an essential component of any strategy to create sustainable cities. Heavy resource consumption patterns of large urban areas should be changed to those which are more sustainable through recycling, reuse and reduced consumption.
b). Since urban problems are so closely inter-related, the realization of sustainable urban development requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Non-polluting, mass public transport systems are needed, while the best pollution abatement and sewage treatment technology should be introduced to reduce air and water pollution. The enormous scale of urban development problems in Northeast Asia requires carefully designed strategies.
7. Conservation of Biological Diversity
a). The Convention on Biological Diversity came into effect in December 1993, and the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention will be held this November to discuss details for its implementation. This meeting provided a timely opportunity to discuss implementation of the Convention and exchange relevant information.
b). If the region's biological diversity is to be conserved, it is important to have a clear picture of the condition of each country. Survey and monitoring data should compiled in accessible forms and used to improve existing conservation activities, including the designation of new protected areas and species to be protected. Since participating countries have some similar natural ecosystems, it will be useful to share conservation techniques for the management of protected areas and endangered species as well as information on the status of biological diversity in each country.
c). More emphasis is needed on actions at the local level by local governments, communities and individuals. Public awareness of the importance of biodiversity needs to be increased, so that relevant grass-roots level actions can be taken.
d). Since ecological systems and the mechanisms that maintain biological diversity are complex, more knowledge about them is essential if scientifically sound policies are to be developed. Thus, the promotion of necessary research, coordination of research programs and exchange of information should be encouraged.
8. Strengthening Cooperation
All participants recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation among countries of the Northeast Asian region. Cooperation between all levels of society is needed if action on sustainable development is to be effective. Governments will need to ensure that their policies, programs and budgets support a cooperative path to sustainable development. The participation of public and industry should be encouraged in such programs. Ultimately, the success or failure of sustainable development in the region will, to some extent, be dependent on the education and ability of the region's citizens to freely and effectively cooperate in democratic decision-making processes.
9. Recommendations for Action
Two cooperative activities were proposed at this conference:
* The preparation of a report on Urban Sustainability for the Northeast Asian region, in close cooperation with international agencies, such as the United Nations.
* The creation of a directory of contacts in central governments, institutes and relevant agencies who are working in the field of environment in this region.
10. Acknowledgements
Participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Hyogo Prefectural Government and the Environment Agency, Japan for organizing a very successful conference.
11. Next Meeting
The Republic of Korea's proposal to host the fourth Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation in Pusan City, the Republic of Korea in Autumn 1995 was unanimously accepted by conference participants.

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CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE FOURTH NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

19-21 September 1995, Pusan, Republic of KOREA

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1. The 4th Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC) was held from 19 to 21 September 1995 in Pusan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea. The Ministry of Environmental and Pusan Metropolitan City organized the conference with the support of the World Health Organization. Participants including senior officials from central and local government and research organizations of the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and the Russian Federation, as well as representatives from the UNEP, UNDP, and ESCAP were in attendance.
2. The conference's overriding objective was to elaborate cooperative schemes for Northeast Asian environmental problems. Participants exchanged information and views on how individual countries were dealing with certain environmental problems and how Northeast Asian countries could effectively work together to pursue regional environmental cooperation.
3. The content and outcomes of the conference showed that there were many avenues for regional environmental cooperation in areas such as air and water pollution, waste management, and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, since the adoption of Agenda 21, countries have been trying to integrate domestic and international environmental concerns towards sustainable development. In this regard, participants emphasized common, but differentiated responsibility when devising and employing regional environmental strategies, since levels of economic and technological development vary from country to country.
4. The main themes of the 4th NEAC were the roles of major groups (local governments and NGOs) to assist the implementation of Agenda 21, cooperative measures on issues associated with the transboundary movement of pollutants, each country's viewpoints and measures on the Framework Convention on Climate Change, experience and measures on toxic chemicals management, and measures for addressing urban environmental problems (sustainable cities, waste management).
5. Roles of Local Government and NGOs
a. Active participation and cooperation of local government and NGOs are essential for achieving the stated goals of sustainable development under agenda 21. These groups are more directly able to influence the individual consciousness and behavior of citizens, a necessary prerequisite to sustainable development.
b. Overall, both short and long term visions for the greening of cities and the integration of development and the environment are needed by these groups to assist the implementation of Agenda 21.
6. Cooperative Measures on the Transboundary Movement of Pollutants
a. The transboundary movement of pollutants via air and water are of both domestic and regional significance. Several Northeast Asian countries have already struck bilateral agreements addressing marine pollution, illegal trading of wastes, etc.
b. Cooperation is needed amongst countries to clarify issues such as the establishment of comparable databases and the creation of cooperative mechanisms. Furthermore, an action plan to address transboundary air pollution problems, based on voluntary commitments, was urged by participants. The progress on the establishment of the East Asian acid deposition monitoring network was also reported and welcomed by all participants.
7. Viewpoints & Measures on the Framework Convention on Climate Change
a. Accurate and comprehensive reports from countries on sources and sinks of greenhouse gases are necessary to effectively implement the Convention.
b. Participants concluded that the complex and intertwined nature of this issue necessitates collaborative schemes on initiatives such as joint research projects and the frequent exchange of views, information and materials.
8. Experience and Measures on Toxic Chemicals Management
a. Countries are increasingly being exposed to toxic chemicals in their environments, due to economic development and industrialization. Thus, the labelling, classification, and environmentally sound management of these chemicals have become increasingly important to protect human health and environment.
b. The harmonization of the classification and labelling of toxic chemicals necessitates more administrative and technical cooperation amongst neighboring countries to develop schemes for such things as integrated databases and toxic chemicals inventories.
9. Urban Environmental Problems
a. Human activities are usually concentrated in urban settlements, which is one of the most influential factors contributing environmental degradation.
b. Participants acknowledged the importance of individual and collective efforts to improve the urban environment. Participation from all walks of life needs to be further encouraged in these efforts. Individuals, governments, and other sectors alike must act in a coordinated by clarifying the problems, solutions and goals related to urban environmental renewal, and then addressing them through concrete measures.
c. Participants viewed Korea's " Volume-Based Collection Fee System for Domestic Wastes" as one good example of urban waste management to reduce and recycle wastes. In particular, this system has been implemented successfully in the host city of Pusan, which has also adopted its Local Agenda 21.
d. Participants welcomed the suggestion that the NEAC shall play an active role in Habitat II.
10. Recommendation for Action
a. Participants concluded that concrete measures for regional environmental cooperation on issues of common interest were necessary. Specifically, participants acknowledged merits of formulating an Action Plan as an outcome of the conference which would entail the mutual exchange of annual reports, environmental laws, statistics, and so on.
b. Participants agreed that a contact person should be designated by the environmental agency or ministry of each Northeast Asian country to initiate cooperative schemes for toxic chemicals management.
c. Participants acknowledged that, with regard to cooperative schemes over Northeast Asian environmental problems, the full inclusion of all the Northeast Asian countries would be instrumental in attaining solutions to regional environmental problems. In this context, participants recognized that the participation of the Domestic People's Republic of Korea, in addition to the other participating nations of the NEAC, would enhance regional environmental cooperation.
11. Acknowledgements
Participants and representatives expressed their deep appreciation to Ministry of Environment of the republic of Korea and Pusan Metropolitan City for their warm hospitality and successful organization of the 4th NEAC.
12. Next Meeting
Participants unanimously accepted the proposal from China to host the 5th NEAC in 1996, with the exact dates and city to be decided later by the Chinese side.

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CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE FIFTH NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

7-8 October 1996, Beijing, CHINA

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1. The 5th Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC) was held on 7-8 October, 1996 in Beijing, the people's Republic of China. The Conference was organized by the National Environmental Protection Agency. Participation includes senior officials and experts from the environmental agencies of central and local governments and research organizations of the people's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation as well as representative from UNDP, WHO and WB.
2. The objective of this Conference is to review the role of the Northeast Asian Conference and further employ this occasion to serve the goal of sustainable development of the region based on the experiences of last four conferences. The participants agreed that the Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation has become an important occasion for the environmental institutions of Northeast Asian countries to be timely informed of each other's latest development on environmental policies and management. It has also played an active role in exploring possible areas and ways of environmental cooperation to push forward the cooperative activities through the existing cooperation channel, and coordinating the positions on relevant environmental issues among countries of the region.
3. The subjects being discussed at the 5th NEAC were as follows:
a. The recent development of environmental policies, legislation and management in each participating country in the context of pursuing sustainable development.
Since the UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, the concept of sustainable development has stricken root in the hearts of the people, and gradually become part of the basis of policy-making with regard to economic and social development all over the world. The participants reported to the conference the latest development of environmental policies, legislation and enforcement, and management, the efforts made in pursing sustainable development in their respective country. The participants emphasized that environmental protection as the core of sustainable development should be integrated with overall economic and social development process. In the past year, great efforts were made by Northeast Asian countries in implementing Agenda 21, and their respective country's Agenda 21.The participants noticed that the special Session of UN General Assembly will be held in June, 1997. In this context, the intensified communication is needed to exchange views on the progress on implementing Agenda 21 and other decisions made in UNCED.
b. Solid waste management and the prevention of illegal transboundary movement of wastes
Mongolian delegation proposed to develop technical guidelines for waste management under specific condition of each country by using already tested and implemented case studies, and advanced experiences of the participating countries of the region.

The Conference has concluded that the strengthening information exchange of waste management is important in the framework of implementing principles of Basel Convention at national and regional levels. Capacity building on this issue should be further discussed in the next meeting.

c. Cleaner production technologies and integrated pollution control
The participants exchanged their information and experiences on the importance of cleaner production technologies in promoting environmental protection.

Past experiences showed that problems confronted in promoting cleaner production technologies included lack of financial resources, technical expertise, and institutional arrangements.

The participants agreed to continue the discussions on this topic at the next meeting of NEAC by presenting case studies in the member countries, identifying major difficulties and barriers to facilitate the process, and working out an effective modality as the next step, including a possibility of establishing a partnership information exchange network, and exploring a project on this topic.

d. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
The participants also reported respectively their activities of implementing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC). Recognizing that they had very diversified interest on climate change, the participants agreed to continue to exchange information and views to identify the areas of common interest.
e. Bio-diversity protection
The participants agreed that it is very important to develop a comprehensive regional bio-diversity conservation programme and coordinate the actions among member countries towards a common goal. The increase of regional cooperation, better information and specialists exchange, integrated planning and avoidance of duplication of efforts would be more efficient and effective.
4. Republic of Korea proposed that Northeast Asian Ministerial Conference on Environmental Cooperation be held concurrently with NEAC in principle on the biennial basis.

The participants agreed to further consider this proposal at future meetings of the NEAC.

5. Acknowledgements
The participants and representatives expressed their deep appreciation to the National Environmental Protection Agency of the People's Republic of China for its warm hospitality and successful organization of the 5th NEAC.
6. Next Meeting
The participants unanimously accepted that the 6th Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation will be held in Niigata Prefecture, Japan in 1997, with the exact dates and city to be decided later by Japanese side.

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CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE SIXTH NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

14-16 October 1997, Nigata, JAPAN

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1. The 6th Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC) was held on 14-16 October 1997 in Niigata, Japan. The conference was organized by the Environment Agency of Japan., the Niigata Prefectural Government and the City of Niigata. Participants included senior official and experts from the central and local environmental authorities and research organization from the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Japan as well as representatives from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
2. With the mutual understanding that the NEAC acts as a forum for the exchange of information and views on environmental issues of the Northeast Asian region, and aims at strengthening environmental cooperation in this region, each delegation made a keynote speech. Participants introduced recent efforts to tackle environmental problems and agreed that the NEAC has played an important role in promoting sustainable development in the region. The participants also noted that the Third Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), one of the most important environmental conferences in 1997, would be held this December in Kyoto, Japan. Considering the importance of environmental issues to international society, the participants agreed to continue the exchange of information and views on important environmental issues, and to seek solutions to environmental problems by strengthening cooperation among countries in this region.
3. The subjects discussed at the 6th NEAC were as follows:
a. Acid Rain
b. Wide Range water Pollution Control
c. Biodiversity Conservation
d. Cleaner Production
4. At the session on Acid Rain, presentations were made by participating countries and the Niigata Prefectural Government, which touched upon the present monitoring practices, current state of acid deposition and ongoing efforts to control it. Among the activities to promote regional cooperation, two programs were recognized as effective efforts in harmonizing existing activities in the region: Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia, advocated by Japan; and Expert Meeting for Long-range Transboundary Air Pollutants in Northeast Asia (LTP), organized by the Republic of Korea. Supportive initiatives by UNDP and UNEP were also proposed on , inter alia, harmonization of monitoring protocols, information exchange on methodologies and case studies, and the application of the scientific data into the decision-making process.
5. At the session on Wide Range Water Pollution Control, presentation were given regarding the current status of water pollution, issues of oil contamination in the coastal areas, and related countermeasures. Recognizing that it is requisite to control land based pollution sources in order to improve not only fresh water quality but also marine water quality, the importance of harmonizing water management policy among countries was pointed out. Participants agreed that this issue should be discussed further at the following conference from a viewpoint of regional cooperation.
6. At the session on Biodiversity Conservation, presentations concerning each country's efforts and ongoing subregional cooperation activities were introduced. The discussion focused on the necessity of strengthening information exchange because some species are migratory and the habitats of some species are transboundary. For that purpose, participating countries perceived that existing mechanisms such as bilateral agreements and multilateral programs must be supported and developed effectively. The Mongolian delegation suggested for consideration the establishment of an international transboundary biosphere zone.
7. At the session on Cleaner Production, presentations concerning steps towards introducing cleaner production were introduced and concrete case studies were presented. Participants recognized the broadness of the notion of the cleaner production. The crucial need and importance of increasing awareness among managers, engineers and employees was stressed. To promote cleaner production, it was pointed out that adequate technology should be adapted according to each country's conditions. Furthermore, it was suggested that economic benefits should be taken into consideration to facilitate cleaner production. Participants recognized that information exchange among countries was vital for regional improvement in this field.
8. The participants noted that environmental issues are mutually linked, therefore holistic and integrated approaches have to be pursued in order to effectively address environmental issues and to avoid adverse economic/social impacts. They agreed to promote environmental cooperation through effective implementation of the existing cooperation framework and projects.
9. The participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Environment Agency of Japan, the Niigata Prefectural Government, and the City of Niigata for their warm hospitality and their successful organization of the 6th NEAC.
10. The participants welcomed the offer by the Korean delegation to host the 7th NEAC in 1998 in
the Republic of Korea. The exact dates and the venue will be decided later by the Korean side.

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CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE SEVENTH NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

20-22 October 1998, Cheju, KOREA

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1. The 7th Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC) was held on 20-22 October 1998 in Cheju, Korea. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Environment and the Cheju Provincial Government. Participants from the People's Republic of China, Japan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Korea as well as representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) (listed in Appendix I) attended this Conference.
2. With the mutual understanding that NEAC acts as a forum for the exchange of information and views on environmental issues of the Northeast Asian region, and aims at strengthening environmental cooperation in this region, heads of delegations made keynote speeches. Participants introduced their countries' recent efforts to tackle environmental problems and agreed that NEAC has played an important role in promoting environmental cooperation and sustainable development in the region. A Korean representative proposed the initiation of a Northeast Asian Ministerial Conference for promoting and systematizing cooperation in Northeast Asian and for determining its main long-term directions.
3. The subjects discussed at the 7th NEAC were as follows:
a. Cooperation for the Preservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats
b. Ground Water Preservation and Management
c. The Development and Application of Sustainable Development Indicators
d. Hazardous Air Pollutant Management
4. At the session on Cooperation for the Preservation Migratory Birds and Their Habitats, each country introduced its international and domestic efforts to research, monitor, and protect migratory species and their habitats. Special mention was made of the recent successes in transboundary regional protection and the need for similar projects in the future. A Japanese proposal to recognize the importance of the Asia-Pacific Migratory Wildbird Conservation Strategy, which was formulated at the 6th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention in March 1998, and to encourage participation in its network was agreed upon by the participating countries of the Conference.
5. At the session on Ground Water Preservation and Management, recognizing the importance of groundwater as a critical, finite resource that must be protected and properly managed to ensure sustainable use, current groundwater protection, use, and management policy was presented by representatives from each country. Most presentations focused on current technology for withdrawing groundwater resources and the need for surveys on current groundwater resource quantity and quality and for the development of new technologies for the effective utilization of this critical resource. A Korean representative proposed multi-lateral information exchange on technology development, pollution control, and policies.
6. At the session on the Development and Application of Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs), presentations on the current state of development of sustainable development and environmental indicators were made by representatives from each participating country and Cheju Province, Korea. All countries agreed on the importance of SDIs in measuring progress and formulating policy for sustainable development. Case studies on the selection, development, and application of SDIs were presented for consideration. Discussion about the relation between the current definition of sustainable development and the Conference's environmental focus lead to a proposal - made by Russian and Chinese representatives and agreed upon by the participating countries - that, in order to produce concrete action plans, the topics of the following Conference should be narrower than those of the present Conference and that the presentation papers should be prepared according to guidelines recommended by the Secretariat. It was suggested that case studies on sustainable development in each participating country be selected and carefully developed for the following Conference.
7. At the session on Hazardous Air Pollutant Management, recognizing the fact that hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) have an adverse effect on the environment and human health, the participating countries explained the current state of air pollution in their territories, identified current regulations on HAPs, summarized approaches to risk management, and introduced probable directions for the future development of HAP monitoring and regulation. It was pointed out that the definition of HAPs and the stage of development of air pollution management policy varies in each country.
8. It was recognized that a compendium of laws, regulations, policy statements, etc. relating to freshwater management, including groundwater management, could be useful for promoting its sustainable management within and outside the Northeast Asian region. The UNEP representative stated that UNEP would, within available resources, support NEAC in its efforts to promote the environmentally sound management of groundwater and the publication of such a compendium. The ESCAP representative highlighted the unique characteristics of the forum, namely, its nature as a forum for discussing technical issues and its flexibility in terms of participants and discussion topics, and recommended that these characteristics be further encouraged. The participating countries noted that the UNEP representative informed the Conference that the ASEAN countries had approached UNEP about assisting in the development of a regional agreement on long-range transboundary air pollution. A Korean representative suggested that the participating countries seek to formulate a similar regional agreement in Northeast Asia as well.
9. The participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and the Cheju Provincial Government for their warm hospitality and their successful organization of the 7th NEAC.
10. The participants welcomed the offer by the Japanese delegation to host the 8th NEAC in 1999 in
Japan. The exact dates and venue will be decided later by the Japanese side.

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CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY

THE EIGHTH NORTHEAST ASIAN CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION

14-17 November 1999, Kyoto, Japan

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1. The 8th Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation was held in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The conference was organized by the joint efforts of the Environment Agency of Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, Maizuru City, and The Academic Forum for Northeast Asia. Delegates from central and local authorities of the People's Republic of China, Japan, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation, as well as representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), participated in the conference.
2. Local Authorities have played an important role in Northeast Asian environmental cooperation. For this reason, the overall theme of the present conference was "Environmental conservation initiatives of national and local authorities, and the reflection of those initiatives in environmental cooperation."
  On the first day, the conference held a public symposium on the theme of "Local Initiatives for New Regional Cooperation and Environmental Conservation: A Message from Kyoto to the New Century". With local citizens in attendance, participants arrived at a better understanding of environmental initiatives in which national governments, local authorities, NGOs, businesses, scientists and citizens alike cooperate. On the following conference days participants heard keynote speeches by representatives from the participating countries and international organizations. Session discussions comprised four topics:
(1) Environmental Conservation Administration Measures by Local Authorities
(2) Environmental Cooperation Initiatives of Local Authorities
(3) Aimed at Addressing Climate Change Problems: Domestic Policy Measures and Steps of Environmental Administration Bodies Themselves as Consumer and Executor
(4) Practical Use of the Internet in Environmental Cooperation
3. At the symposium, a speech entitled "Perceiving Beauty in Landscapes - Village Designs Formed Through the Culture of Each Country," was delivered.
  The speech praised agricultural "folk" projects as a natural way of preserving the environment. In Panel Discussion 1, "Possibilities for Local Community Initiatives on Northeast Asian Regional Environmental Cooperation," participants discussed issues such as information and communication gaps; and the idea that community initiatives - "citizen partnerships" - might contribute to the solution of a regional and global environmental problem. In Panel Discussion 2, "What Local Action Is Needed Now on Environmental Issues and Cooperation?," there was a discussion on the importance of forming a partnership which includes administrations, businesses, citizens, and academic communities, - first at the local, and then at the national and the regional/international levels. Also, panelists emphasized the importance of creating eco-friendly lifestyles.
4. In their keynote speeches, the representatives of each country and international organization observed that the Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation is an important forum for the exchange of information and views concerning environmental conservation in the respective nations. The importance of continuing the present conference, and of further strengthening its role as an opportunity to exchange ideas on environmental protection measures, was discussed. Additionally, the delegates reported on the diverse environmental conservation initiatives carried out by governments and international organizations recently at the local, national and regional levels in Northeast Asia. It was emphasized that the linkages between these initiatives should be strengthened.
5. At Session 1, " Environmental Conservation Administration Measures by Local Authorities," there were reports on the various conservation initiatives by the local authorities of the represented countries. The participation of citizens, industries, and local authorities is an integral part of the success of environmental protection methods. The present conference discussed how the creation, development, and implementation of Local Agenda 21 initiatives can involve all relevant entities in environmental protection measures. The shared experiences of environmental actions carried out by participating countries provide indispensable help and support for all.
6. At Session 2, " Environmental Cooperation Initiatives of Local Authorities," there were reports on the diverse initiatives for international environmental cooperation that are presently undertaken by local authorities of the participating countries. It was mentioned that local authorities have great potential for implementing environmental cooperation. Concrete examples, such as sister city relationships, were presented to illustrate how local authorities can exchange information, expertise and technology for environmental management. Such experiences may be fed into the preparatory process of the next Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development for Asia and the Pacific, which is expected to address, inter alia, a special initiatives on cooperation and partnership for local authorities.
7. At Session 3, " Aimed at Addressing Climate Change Problems: Domestic Policy Measures, and Steps of Environmental Administration Bodies Themselves as Consumer and Executor," there were reports on how participating countries respond to climate change, and on how the environmental administrative agencies of the participating countries are taking initiatives in counteracting climate change. Also, there were suggestions that information exchange on the issue should be increased among NEAC countries, particularly as the coming year should see further development of the Kyoto Protocol - through the UNFCCC COP6. Also, there was a proposition that the establishment of a Northeast Asian Cooperation Network through the framework of NEAC could facilitate an increased flow of information on the issues of climate change.
8. At Session 4, " Practical Use of the Internet in Environmental Cooperation," there were reports on the ways in which the environmental administrative agencies of participating countries use the Internet. Open dialog on the Internet can enhance public awareness of environmental issues. Relevant problems, such as the cost of network expansion, and the demands of translating services, were also discussed. There was a further suggestion that the Internet should be utilized in the preparations of future NEACs.
9. At the session of "Decision on next NEAC venue and miscellaneous agenda items", the participants welcomed the offer of Mongolia to host the Ninth Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation for the year 2000. Further, Japan indicated willingness to provide financial support for the conference in terms of flight cost and DSA. Participants agreed that the schedule of the next meeting would be targeted for the end of July 2000.
As for the miscellaneous items, these were the following suggestions from participating countries;
(1)  In order for the NEAC to show definite progress, it should strive to find opportunities for conducting substantive projects by utilizing existing mechanisms such as UNEP, ESCAP, and GEF.
(2) The NEAC should have the opportunities in the working level to utilize the Internet in preparation for future NEACs.
(3) The next NEAC should include the theme of "Environmental Business with a Local Authorities Cooperation" and "Water Contamination and Purification".
(4)  In consideration of the several suggestions presented from participating countries, the next NEAC should include the theme of "Review of Environment Cooperation in Northeast Asia" and "Future of NEAC".
(5) The NEAC should continue to recognize the significant role of local authorities and "citizen partnerships" in environmental conservation and cooperation.
10. The participants expressed their appreciation for the gracious hospitality of the Environment Agency of Japan, of Kyoto Prefecture, of Maizuru City, and of The Academic Forum for Northeast Asia. Also, mutual gratitude for the successful conclusion of this Eighth Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation was exchanged.

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