Resources for International Cooperation

  • Evaluation
    • The concept of the sustainable use of natural resources has been broadly adopted by the Japanese Government and is beginning to be translated into sectoral resource management plans.
    • Nature conservation represents 12 per cent of total government expenditure for environmental protection, or \\1,340 per citizen in 1991. This level may be too small in relation to needs.
    • Concerning wildlife, the four "Green Census" studies of wild animals and plants, together with the recently published "Red Data Book of Japan" and the recently adopted Law Concerning the Conservation of Endangered Species, provide an excellent basis for actions aiming at the recovery of Japan's endangered plants and animals, which are fairly numerous.
    • Japan now plays a full international role with respect to the implementation of international conventions concerning biodiversity and the protection of the natural heritage. This role is likely to be accompanied by a leading role in biodiversity conservation in the wider Asia-Pacific region.
    • Japan seems to be at a crossroads as regards its potential either to achieve significant gains in nature conservation or to experience irreversible losses of natural resources. How to fill the gap between policy objectives and policy results, and how to harmonise traditional and environmental values with newer lifestyles, are the two key nature conservation issues to be faced now.
    • Nature Conservation
      • Considering the volume and quality of information contained in the "Green Census", it would be appropriate to call upon experts and interested nature conservation organisations to evaluate the state of nature conservation within the various ecological areas of Japan.
      • A comprehensive nature conservation strategy could then be devised to deal with: i) future protection of habitats and species; ii) development of a system of strict nature conservation areas; iii) management of peri-urban natural areas; and iv) enhancement of conservation education and volunteer involvement in nature conservation.
    • Forestry
      • Forestry resources are facing severe socio-economic difficulties. Under the pressure of cheap wood imports (Chapter 10), domestic supply is falling and forest conservation skills are in danger of being lost as trained people become older and young people move to the cities.
      • National, regional and local forestry plans have resulted in improved zoning and management of the national forests for soil and nature conservation in recent years.
  • Recommendations
    • Combating pollution from diffuse sources (pesticide use, run-off from roads, atmospheric deposition, etc).
    • Reducing nitrogenous and phosphorous loadings.
    • Improving the monitoring of groundwater for pesticides) and soil contamination.
    • Enhancing financial means for water pollution control, including increased use of charges for waste water collection and treatment.