Resources for International Cooperation

  • Evaluation
    • Japan's progress has been driven mainly by the adoption of very strict standards and the use of best available technologies to solve the most pressing environmental problems. For instance, the use of flue gas desulphurisation and denitrification units has proved environmentally effective in the achievement of air quality standards or progress in reducing air emissions.
    • Nationwide standards are often supplemented by stricter local ordinances and guidelines from prefectural or municipal governments, as well as voluntary agreements that help to adapt efforts
    • Japan created by law a system of pollution control managers and controllers for larger companies; 400,000 persons have been trained in environmental protection over the past two decades. Industry voluntarily created environmental management systems and supported many voluntary agreements with local authorities.
  • Recommendations
    • A comprehensive national environmental plan should be established to better integrate the contribution of various agencies involved in strategic planning related to environmental matters. Such a plan should not be based on a sectoral or one-medium approach, but take a coordinated and integrated approach and be multimedia-orientated. It should contain clear goals and, where possible, quantified targets covering pollution abatement, environmental amenities, nature conservation and natural resource use. It should address both domestic and international environmental issues.
    • Environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures should be used more systematically and thoroughly, and be mandatory for all major projects.
    • The public should be given access to environmental information and data, including information on voluntary agreements between any levels of government and industry, and information on emission registers; exceptions to this general principle should be limited to defined circumstances. Various forms of environmental reporting should be developed by private enterprises. Public awareness of and participation in decision making concerning the environment should be enhanced.
    • Land use planning and regulation should be used more effectively to serve pollution abatement, nature conservation and urban amenity objectives. For instance, zoning and regulatory measures included in detailed land use plans should be more rigorously implemented.