7-8 Sep 1997
| Program Outline | ||
| 1. | Congress Background | |
| 2. | Sessions Overview | |
| 3. | Opening | |
| 4. | [Session 1] Keynote Speeches | |
| Theme: | "Towards Realization of Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific" | |
| 5. | [Session 2] Panel Discussion | |
| Theme: | "Approaches to Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific - Towards Earth Summit +10 based on the Outcomes of UNGASS -" | |
| 6. | [Session 3] Round Table Discussion | |
| Theme: | "A Long-Term Perspective on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific" | |
| 7. | [Session 4] Round Table Discussion | |
| Theme: | "Partnerships in the Asia-Pacific Region for Addressing Climate Change - for the Success of COP3" | |
| 8. | [Session 5] Round Table Discussion | |
| Theme: | "Asia-Pacific Regional Partnerships Towards the Realization of Sustainable Development" | |
| 9. | [Session 6] Adoption of the Chairperson's Summary | |
| 10. | Chairperson's Summary and Special Appeal of Chairperson of ECO ASIA '97 for the Success of COP | |
| 11. | Programme | |
| *List of Participants | ||
<LOCATION>
International Conference Center
City of Kobe, Japan
<ORGANIZERS>
Environment Agency of the Government of Japan
City of Kobe
<CO-ORGANIZERS>
ĈON Group Environment Foundation
Environmental Information Center
<SUPPORTED BY>
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Japan Environment Corporation
Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF)
Global Environmental Forum
Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC)
Earth Water and Green Foundation
Association of International Research Initiatives for Environmental Studies (AIRIES)
In June of this year, five years after the Earth Summit, the Special Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGASS) was held to assess the implementation of Agenda 21. As a result, the "Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21" was adopted, and a commitment was made to conduct another comprehensive review of implementation measures five years later. In addition, the Kyoto Conference on Global Warming (The Third Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) will be held this December, and is expected to agree on an international agreement on policies to prevent global warming beyond 2000.
The Asia-Pacific region faces many environmental problems, including increased environmental pollution brought about by rapid economic growth, and environmental destruction caused by the depletion of natural resources resulting from poverty. In addition, serious concerns are raised over the acceleration of global environmental problems, such as global warming, acid rain, and other transboundary problems. In order to solve these problems, the countries concerned must work closely together to exchange information, encourage policy dialogue regarding environmental issues and enhance regional cooperation for the environment.
In light of this situation, the Environment Agency of Japan held the first Environment Congress for Asia and the Pacific in 1991 (ECO ASIA '91), which discussed possible input towards the Earth Summit from the Asia-Pacific region. Since the Earth Summit, the Congress has convened four times, in 1993 (Chiba), 1994 (Saitama), 1995 (Shizuoka), and 1996 (Gunma), and has successfully provided a forum for the vigorous exchange of views on Asia-Pacific contributions to the UNGASS and on strategies to achieve sustainable development in the region.
This sixth meeting, ECO ASIA '97, should focus on the actions towards the "Earth Summit +10," in particular the actions towards the success of COP3 based on the results of the UNGASS.
Bearing this in mind, the meeting is divided into five sessions as follows: These are designed to facilitate an active exchange of views and to thereby contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
| Session 1: | Towards realization of sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific (keynote speeches) |
| Session 2: | Approaches to sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific --towards Earth Summit +10 based on the outcomes of UNGASS-- |
| Session 3: | A long-term perspective on environment and development in Asia and the Pacific |
| Session 4: | Partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region for addressing climate change --for the success of COP3-- |
| Session 5: | Asia-Pacific regional partnerships towards the realization of sustainable development |
This session provided the background for discussions in the following sessions, particularly for the success of the Third Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Kyoto in December 1997. The first speaker described key lessons applicable in Asia learned in the five years since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The second speaker spoke about the importance of early action to prevent climate change and the roles of regulation, information and economic policies to address climate change in the Asia Pacific region.
In June 1997, many heads of state participated in the Special Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGASS) in New York. At this session, the "Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21" was adopted, and it was agreed that while working on the implementation of Agenda 21, a comprehensive review of progress toward its goals would be held in 2002 (Earth Summit + 10).
With this in mind, the panel discussed what the Asia-Pacific region must do to further implement Agenda 21 in preparation for the Earth Summit +10, particularly possible regional cooperation for the success of COP3 to be held in December.
Among the results of previous ECO ASIA congresses, the ECO ASIA Long-Term Perspective Project is notable.
This project was reviewed at ECO ASIA '96 and a final report was worked out at the Fourth International Workshop in October 1996. Its results were presented as part of an "ECO ASIA Panel" during the Fifth Session of the CSD, which was held in New York in April 1997. This project is currently in its second phase, with several follow-up actions being initiated to implement proposals arising in the report.
This session reviewed progress made in the second phase of this project and examined new project proposals that can be taken under ECO ASIA.
Global warming is a pressing environmental problem which has significant implications for human survival. It is an especially serious issue for the Asia-Pacific region to address due to both the effects of global warming on the region, and the rapidly increasing amount of greenhouse gases emitted from the region.
The COP3 meeting is expected to result in a protocol (or other legal instrument) on global warming policies for the 21st century. This protocol must be legally binding, meaningful and realistic, and have equitable targets for Annex I Parties (industrialized countries) that will result in significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions within specific time frames.
Since 1991 there have been seven Asia-Pacific seminars on climate change at which discussions were held on policies and strategies to combat climate change, and steady progress has been made in the region on this topic. Aware that COP3 was approaching and that only one meeting remained for the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM) which is preparing for COP3, this session discussed a special appeal by which the Asia-Pacific region might contribute positively to COP3, and explored the possibility of concrete regional cooperation for promoting climate protection in this region.
This session reviewed the progress of regional cooperative projects besides those examined in Session 3, which are being promoted or planned in this region, and examined supporting measures for their implementation. In addition, progress was reported on establishment of both the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia.
H.E. Mrs. Ishii pointed out the significance of the year 1997, with the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGASS) in June having reviewed progress in the five years since the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and planning implementation of Agenda 21 for the next five years; and with the important COP3 meeting in December expected to result in an international instrument to combat climate change in the twenty first century. She suggested this be called the "Earth Environment Year".
She highlighted the initiatives that have resulted from ECO ASIA congresses which have been held five times since 1991, including the "Long-Term Perspective on Environment and Development in the Asia-Pacific Region" project, the "Asia Pacific Environment Information Network" (ECO ASIA NET), and challenged ECO ASIA to continue its efforts in the region for sustainable development, to prepare for the "Earth Summit +10" meeting in 2002.
H.E. Mr. Kazutoshi Sasayama welcomed participants to Kobe, a port city which enjoys the natural beauty of the Inland Sea and the Rokko mountain range. He pointed out efforts for the environment by citizens, enterprises and the City of Kobe such as adopting the "Human Environment City Declaration" in 1972, the more recent establishment of the "Kobe Environment Preservation Headquarters" and "Kobe Citizen's Council on Environment".
He also expressed appreciation for assistance from around Japan and the world in the aftermath of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 17 January 1995, and noted that Kobe was returning to its original beauty.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of ECO ASIA '97 as an opportunity to discuss before the December COP3 meeting initiatives in the Asia and Pacific region to combat climate change, and hoped this congress would enhance cooperation in the region.
4. [Session 1] Keynote Speeches
Ms. Waller-Hunter noted that ECO ASIA has evolved into a prominent regional event for discussion and action on strategies for sustainable development, and praised ECO ASIA efforts to look ahead to the COP3 meeting and to the "Earth Summit +10" review of progress on Agenda 21 to be held in 2002. She said that the "Earth Summit +5" meeting held this year had provided a fair and honest assessment of the state of sustainable development in the five years since UNCED, and that progress world wide in the economic, social and environmental components of sustainable development had not been too encouraging. She suggested three strategies for ECO ASIA to consider for future actions in the region, based on the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) report "Critical Trends": increased investment in people, encouragement of clean and efficient technologies, and pricing reform.
Increased investment in people involves spending on social services, especially basic education and health care. Making basic services available, such as water and energy supply, is a first step to improving health and economic conditions. Ms. Waller-Hunter said that the new work programme of the CSD will give priority to water and energy, with special emphasis on their role in meeting basic human needs. She pointed out that empowerment of people, through greater political and economic independence and access to information, enables local communities, organizations and business to contribute to solutions.
Clean and efficient technologies should be encouraged, as well as international and national programmes for 'eco-efficiency' which improves material and energy efficiency. They can help economize on both renewable and non-renewable resources, and reduce the costs of environmental clean-up and health care. Since Asia is projected to account for a quarter of world energy demand by 2010, 40% of the increase in world oil demand, and 31% of global carbon dioxide emissions, clean and efficient technologies are needed in this region. 'Eco-Investment' and 'Eco-Technology' are needed to promote Asia-Pacific regional cooperation and technology transfers, as proposed by the ECO ASIA Long-term Perspective Project. Ms. Waller-Hunter pointed out that technologies developed by publicly funded research and development institutions could have an important role in technology transfers to developing countries. She also expressed her personal view that developed and developing country "joint implementation" of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could be acceptable if regional or global emission ceilings based on international agreements are in place, and all cost-effective measures have been taken to reach stringent national targets so that in no way would developing countries be making up for non action by industrialized countries or be limited in their development options.
Pricing reforms are needed to internalize social and environmental costs of key economic activities, in order to achieve more sustainable use of natural resources. The Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda21 which resulted from the 'Earth Summit +5' meeting urges governments to consider shifting the burden of taxation onto unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, including a "socially responsible process of reduction and elimination of subsidies to environmentally harmful activities". Ms. Waller-Hunter gave examples of removal of subsidies on agricultural inputs, pesticides and fertilizers, on energy and water since they create economic inefficiency and environmental damage. She said the CSD would appreciate cooperation from this region to exchange information on actions relating to pricing reforms.
Ms. Waller-Hunter concluded by pointing out that UNGASS had stressed the need for increased regional implementation of Agenda 21. She urged ECO ASIA to promote exchanges of experiences in the implementation of Agenda 21 and to make concrete recommendations for a review process of its implementation in the Asia and Pacific region.
Prof. Ueta started by expressing his view that the Asia-Pacific region, with its considerable diversity, could demonstrate various strategies for sustainable development, adding that development must respect local needs and differences.
He said that humanity faces a challenge at the COP3 meeting, to make a political framework to prevent climate change. New forms of energy are needed that reduce dependency on fossil fuels, but this needs massive amounts of funding. To help answer questions about the costs of climate change, integrated assessment models can be useful. Prof. Ueta showed projections of the potential impact of climate change on various crops such as rice and wheat, which revealed large differences in predicted changes of crop production in the Asia-Pacific region, depending on the crop or the area. For example, wheat production in India may decline significantly. In addition to the amount of climate change, the speed of change is very important: if it happens too quickly, the ability to cope with the change may not be sufficient.
Prof. Ueta emphasized studies, based on Japan's experience dealing with pollution, which imply that early actions to prevent climate change have many advantages, including lower damage and economic costs, and prevention of irreversible damage. The timing of responses to climate change is critical.
He also noted that by a wide margin, developed countries are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, developing countries, such as many Pacific island countries, are often the most vulnerable to climate change. Although their carbon dioxide emissions are low, the cost of countermeasures for climate change for these countries will be very expensive for them.
Prof. Ueta described Japanese experiences of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions in the 1970s, such as with new laws and the involvement of national and local governments and citizens. A combination of regulations, economic policies that provided the correct signals to the market, and the use of information was important in Japan's efforts to reduce pollution. The development of better technologies also requires economic signals and policies which can promote investment in clean technologies, reduce costs, and speed the introduction of new technology.
Prof. Ueta concluded by saying that in Asia, since many environmental issues are transboundary, coordinated actions are needed to deal with them. Cultural differences need to be considered. Experiences of success and failure should be shared. Countries can gain experience from the pool of knowledge and what is lacking in one country may be provided by another. These approaches will be important in dealing with climate change and discussions at COP3.
5. [Session 2] Panel Discussion
H.E. Ms. Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury of Bangladesh noted that the Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimated that the projected one meter rise in sea level will lead to a land loss of 17.5% for Bangladesh. This is representative of the plight of many lesser developed countries which contribute very little to greenhouse gas emissions, but will have to pay a heavy price for climate change. Since UNCED, Bangladesh has made efforts to integrate environmental concerns in developmental planning and decision making, having enacted laws, formulated strategies, policies and action plans, signed and ratified all the major international conventions, and established a National Environment Committee to coordinate sustainable development. A National Women Development Policy has been adopted to establish gender equality and empower women in political, social, administrative and economic spheres. Bangladesh emphasizes the importance of the world community translating objectives of the Climate Change Convention and others into action, and supports development of a bio-safety protocol.
Hon. Mr. Vilisoni Cagimaivei of Fiji described his country's draft Sustainable Development Bill, to be presented to Parliament soon, which would enable environmental issues to be dealt with in a coordinated way, and which includes a proposal to establish a National Council for Sustainable Development. He described a number of other initiatives, including a soon-to-be completed U.S. Country Study of Climate Change Programme for Fiji which involves an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and assessments of vulnerability and adaptability for Fiji in the face of sea level rise. As a small island country, international cooperation is important to enable Fiji to implement sustainable development policies, he said.
Hon. Mr. Abu Bakar Daud of Malaysia started by reminding ECO ASIA that the UNGASS meeting had acknowledged the lack of progress in implementation of Agenda 21 in the past 5 years, and that the global environment had deteriorated and unsustainable trends worsened. He made recommendations to make Earth Summit +10 a success: make investment environment-friendly; explore the concepts of Eco-Partnership and Eco-Investment, with partnership on equitable terms; provide clean technology transfers to developing countries at non-commercial rates; developed countries should honor their financial obligations pledged at UNCED (he praised the Montreal Protocol Fund as a successful example, having helped Malaysia reduce the use of ozone depleting substances); and multinational companies should use equivalent or better environmental standards than in their home countries. Regarding COP3, Mr. Daud reminded developed countries of their obligations to commit themselves to specific targets of substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
H.E. Mr. Toshiaki Tanabe of Japan, noted that the success or failure of COP3 is an important issue. All major industrialized countries including Japan and the United States, and major developing countries including China, India, Brazil, ASEAN countries and others should be involved in the protocol to come from COP3. Targets must be meaningful, realistic and equitable for developed countries. Also the promotion of climate change mitigation targets needs to be clearly presented relating to developing countries. Joint activities and tasks will be needed between developed and developing countries. He underlined Prof. Ueta's point that actions should be taken at the earliest possible time -- developing countries should not wait for actions by developed countries, and vice versa. Voluntary efforts should also be encouraged, for our common goal of preventing climate change. In the Asia-Pacific, networking and capacity building are important, he said.
Ms. Joke Waller-Hunter and Prof. Dr. Kazuhiro Ueta added their comments. Ms. Waller-Hunter expressed her encouragement at hearing of progress being made in the region for sustainable development. Sustainable development involves social, environmental and economic priorities, but the actual priority depends on the country. She suggested focusing on partnerships for the goals countries share. Prof. Ueta added that history, economic and technical constraints impede measures for sustainable development in each country, but progress requires good self-effort in each country. Next, international cooperation is important, he said. Cooperation can happen at many levels -- governmental, corporate, and citizen, etc. -- and should respond to local needs. He said that well defined sets of sustainable development principles are needed.
At this point, the coordinator focused the discussion on (1) what should developed countries do regarding COP3? (2) what can developing countries do regarding COP3? and (3) what can be done in Asia-Pacific region specifically?
Ambassador Tanabe noted that legally binding agreements would arise from COP3. Developed countries need to show leadership, but developing should not wait to take action. Financial assistance will be needed for the latter. Technology transfers and capacity building are essential, but these do not need to be for state of the art technology; rather they should be for technology that most fits the needs of the developing country.
From the floor, Dr. RTM Sutamihardja of Indonesia indicated that he expected a protocol would result from COP3, and that even if it was not complete, it could be further evaluated later.
Ms. Waller-Hunter said that expectations for COP3 can only be successful if they reflect reality in both developed and developing countries, and COP3 needs to reflect the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. It is essential that technological breakthroughs occur, and there is high expectation that developed countries help non-developed countries. We must recognize that reducing CO2 emissions is not the highest priority for many developing countries, but having good energy policies from the beginning that meet the national requirements to avoid health and environmental problems is important. The Asia-Pacific region is an ideal region to demonstrate partnerships. Ms. Waller-Hunter said that Joint Implementation, outside of the climate convention, is relevant: to reduce SOx emissions, etc., through joint ventures is important.
The Coordinator then invited brief final comments from each panelist.
Ms. Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury pointed out sea water pollution and the transport of hazardous wastes from developed countries in the Bay of Bengal as a problem, and noted that developed and developing countries need to cooperate to deal with such problems. Mr. Vilisoni Cagimaivei urged Japan and other developed countries to commit to 20% reductions in carbon dioxide at COP3. Mr. Abu Bakar Daud noted that Japan will be the first Asian country to host a conference of the parties to the Climate Convention, and stated that the political commitment of developed countries is needed in order to reach agreement there. Ambassador Tanabe noted that by 2010 or 2015 carbon dioxide emissions of developing countries might exceed those developed countries, that there are various levels of development even among developing countries, and that partnership must be demonstrated at COP3. Ms. Waller-Hunter stated that COP3 must be a success, and that this depends on both developed and developing countries, and that it will only be a success if it leads to concrete actions by individual citizens. Prof. Ueta said that we need to have measures that nurture wisdom between developed and developing countries, to find balance between environment and development.
In all, the discussion provided useful views to consider in the five years leading up to Earth Summit + 10 in 2002.
6. [Session 3] Round Table Discussion
Next, Dr. Ryo Fujikura of Kyushu University presented a paper entitled "Eco- Partnership Case Study" which included two case studies. First was a project in which a Japanese company provided technical, financial and marketing support for a Thai company, which was able to manufacture 'finger joints' and laminated panels for flooring and children's desks in Japan, using wood from rubber plantations. Previously, after rubber trees reached the age of 25 to 30 years and rubber sap production decreased, the trees were cut down and left on the ground, incinerated or simply used as fuel. This is an example of an 'Eco-Partnership' between two companies, he said.
In the next case, Dr. Fujikura described cooperation between the two sister cities, i.e. Kitakyushu City in Japan and Dalian City in China, to prepare an Environmental Master Plan for Dalian and other initiatives. This is an example of 'Eco-Partnership' between two local governments, he said. As an additional note, he reported on the Environmental Cooperation Center in the Kitakyushu International Techno-Cooperative Association (KITA) which accepts trainees. He concluded by saying that there was potential for many more types of these partnerships in the future in the Asia-Pacific region.
Next, Prof. Dr. Shuzo Nishioka of the National Institute for Environmental Studies of Japan presented a paper entitled "Eco-Policy Linkage and a Case Study for its Application - An ECO ASIA Proposal of Future Regional Action". He began by explaining the 'Eco-Policy Linkage' proposals which arose from the Long-term Perspective Project: (1) Air Pollution Prevention Linked Strategy (AIRS) which would link developing country policies for controlling SO2, NOx and other emissions to international policies for arresting global warming and acid deposition; (2) Natural Resource Recover Linked Strategy (NATS) which would link developing country policies for forest management, reforestation, soil recovery and food production to international policies for recovering natural resources and arresting global warming; (3) Recycling Promotion Linked Strategy (RECS) which would link developed country policies for promoting recycling to international policies for resource development; (4) Biodiversity Protection Linked Strategy (BIOS) which would link developing country policies for protecting biodiversity and natural environment to regional and sub-regional programmes to promote eco-tourism; and (5) Water Pollution Prevention Linked Strategy (WATS) which would link developed and developing country policies for water control in rivers and adjacent seas to regional and sub-regional policies for preventing water pollution in high seas.
As one example of how 'Eco-Policy Linkages' could work, Prof. Nishioka described an AIRS case study which used a Chinese version of the Asian-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM). It was applied to simulate energy efficiency improvements and energy mix changes considering a selection of about 300 technologies available on the market, as well as innovative policies (such as introducing carbon taxes). Considerable environmental cost savings and CO2, SO2 and NOx reductions could be achieved if a framework of international joint implementation existed. This case study predicted that if Japan were to stabilize carbon dioxide emissions at 1990 levels and China were to stabilize at 50% over 1990 levels, joint action between the two countries could lead to combined savings of US$100 million by the beginning of the 21st century.
Next, Dr. Terry Rambo of the East-West Center Program on Environment presented a paper entitled "EWC/NIES Project on Eco-Consciousness in Asia-Pacific". He said that the Long-term Perspective Project had recommended further investigation into Asia-Pacific Eco-Consciousness as a potential tool for promoting environmental protection in the countries in the region. This was derived from the fact that the cultures of all countries in the Asia-Pacific region contain some elements that orient people toward environmentally responsible behavior (though some elements promote behavior with negative environmental consequences). He tentatively defined Eco-Consciousness as "the structures of environmental knowledge -- beliefs, values and concepts -- that facilitate or motivate positive human behavior toward the environment."
The next phase of the project will be to seek ways to operationalize the concept of Eco-Consciousness, with the focus on mainstream societies and majority cultures rather than on marginal groups. A conference is being planned for February 1998 in Hong Kong as part of the second phase of this project, to be reported to the 1999 ECO ASIA ministerial congress. Three main elements to be considered will be (1) the character of Eco-Consciousness in contemporary Asia-Pacific countries (epistemology of environmental knowledge structures; studies of knowledge/attitudes/practices toward environment; and content analysis of mass media); (2) the sources of contemporary Eco-Consciousness (religion and philosophy; folk beliefs and oral traditions; contemporary literature/mass media; worldview of modern science); and (3) the uses of Eco-Consciousness as a lever for more responsible behaviour toward the environment (environmental movements; formal and informal environmental education; regional and international dialogues and negotiations).
Dr. Chin-Seung Chung, Deputy Minister, Minister of Environment of Korea, urged ECO ASIA to continue the Long-term Perspective Project and to strive for participation of more countries and involvement of organizations such as ADB, ESCAP, etc. He felt that an Asia-Pacific Eco-Consciousness could play a role in restoring the global environment.
Mr. Howard Bamsey, Australian Ambassador for the Environment stated that in Australia in developing and implementing strategies for sustainable development it was important to involve major groups of society as well as native groups. He stated that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been important dialogue partners, and wanted to know how their involvement had been included in the ECO ASIA work.
Prof. Dr. Lohani Bindu Nath of the Asian Development Bank noted that in 2025 the Asia-Pacific region is projected to have 21 mega-cities, and that business-as-usual policies will result in bad environmental conditions. Accordingly, policy linkages between countries in the region would be helpful, such as removing fossil fuel subsidies and instead supporting solar power.
Mr. David H. Strother of the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States reinforced the previous comments about the importance of NGOs in development and implementation of policies. This approach needs more support in the region, he said.
Next, brief reports were heard from Indonesia, China, Korea, and ESCAP.
Dr. RTM Sutamihardja, Special Assistant for Global Environmental Affairs, State Ministry of Environment of Indonesia, presented a paper entitled "ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment and ASEAN Co-operation Programme With Dialogue Partners". He described the activities of the ASEAN Environment Programmes (ASEP) which were initiated in 1977, and the Strategic Plan of Action on the Environment which responds to Agenda 21. Dr. Sutamihardja noted that Indonesia would host the 7th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta 18-19 September 1997. He concluded that through the existing ASEAN structure cooperation was possible with other countries of the Asia-Pacific, and particularly with ECO ASIA.
Dr. Ruqui Ye, Deputy Administrator of the National Environmental Protection Agency of China, presented a paper entitled "Strengthening Environmental Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region". He pointed out some of the environmental problems facing China and stated that such problems should be solved mainly by efforts of each country, but that environmental cooperation could play a significant role. He described actions taken by China domestically such as the Plan of Total Amount Control of Major Pollution Discharge, and the Trans-Century Green Project Plan. He reported on implementation of international environmental agreements and establishment of the China APEC Environmental Protection Center; joint research such as through the East Asia Acid Deposition Monitoring Network; and of bilateral and multilateral agreements such as one to create a nature reserve on the border with Mongolia to protect Mongolian gazelles. He also made suggestions for expanded regional environmental cooperation: (a) pilot sustainable cities with air pollution prevention, energy saving, recycling industries, etc.; (b) demonstration rural area using indicators and management systems for rural sustainable development; (c) cooperation in improving legal systems for environmental protection, including comparative studies of laws, enforcement and judicature, personnel training, and capacity building; (d) development and transfer of environmental technologies for sustainable development (e.g. research on cleaner production technology, training ISO 14000 auditing personnel and setting up mechanisms for certification; advancing pollution prevention and control technologies; researching for ecological recovery of mining areas; and studies and transfers of energy technologies for farming and pastoral areas, biodiversity conservation technologies, environmental monitoring and information system technologies); and (e) joint studies, research and training for environmental education.
Dr. Chin-Seung Chung, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Environment of Korea spoke next, noting that the Asia-Pacific region faces urgent issues. For example, the ADB report "Emerging Asia" found that 13 of the world's 15 most polluted cities are in Asia. He noted that Korea was striving to harmonize economic development and environmental preservation and has formulated "Green Vision 21" and a National Action Plan for Agenda 21. Korea has participated in the Northeast Asia Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC), the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) and the Northeast Asian Regional Environment Programme (NEAREP). He urged ECO ASIA to promote exchange of information and materials on the status of environmental policies, especially from the Asian cultural perspective; to promote establishment of a mechanism to deal with problems such as long-range transboundary air pollution and marine pollution; to promote cooperation among international organizations such as UNEP, UNDP, ESCAP and the Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation; and to avoid overlap with other regional conferences -- in order to efficiently promote regional cooperation.
Dr. Guangchang Shi, Director of Environment and Natural Resources Management Division of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) described ESCAP activities. He pointed out that UNGASS had stated that relating to energy, important issues for sustainable development in the region include production, distribution, efficiency, conservation technologies and renewable sources. He pointed out the need to deal with air pollution from energy and transportation sectors and noted the UNGASS guidance to phase out leaded gasoline. He suggested that ECO ASIA '97 consider how to realize this phase out. He pointed out cross-sectoral and sectoral issues including poverty eradication, sustainable human settlements, population, health, consumption and production, freshwater, forests, biodiversity, oceans, tourism, natural disasters, desertification and drought, waste and toxic chemicals -- which formed part of "The Regional Action Programme on Environmentally Sound and Sustainable Development, 1996-2000" adopted at the Third Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in the Asia and the Pacific in November 1995. The Expert Group Meeting on the Implementation of the above action programme, held 27-30 May 1997 in Bangkok, developed a set of 27 priority projects, which is being implemented now. A copy of the Expert Group Meeting report was distributed. As an example of sub-regional ESCAP initiatives, Dr. Shi mentioned the Framework for the North-East Asian Subregional Programme of Environmental Cooperation, for which the 4th Meeting of Senior Officials, the governing body of the initiative, will be held soon in Moscow. One related project being implemented with ADB aims to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from coal fired power plants. ESCAP is also implementing a project for development of indicators of sustainable development with the Interagency Sub-Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific, in cooperation with DPCSD. ESCAP organized a meeting on trade and the environment which proposed a project on capacity building and case studies on the private sector. Also case studies on industrial audits for waste minimization resulted in a manual for planners and other experts. He announced a meeting of the 4th Session of the ESCAP Committee on Sustainable Development set for 8-10 October. ESCAP planning proceeds for the 4th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in the Asia-Pacific to be held in 2000, which will review achievements since the 3rd Ministerial Conference and prepare a report on progress of post-UNCED implementation in the region for a global review in 2002. He invited suggestions on how the ECO ASIA could contribute to organization of 4th Ministerial Conference, and to preparation of the State of the Environment Report for 2000.
The session ended with an announcement that an international workshop would be held in March 1998 to consider the next phase of the Long-term Perspective Project.
7. [Session 4] Round Table Discussion
Mr. Piamphongsant reported on the climate negotiations and noted that the 8th meeting of the AGBM will be held in Berlin one more time in October before the December COP3. He concluded with his personal views on the success of COP3:
(1) Japan as host of COP3 should make it known by AGBM8 that it will take the lead in reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases in the near as well as medium terms, at a rate commensurate with its financial and technological capabilities;
(2) Japan being the most advanced country in the Asia and Pacific, should intensify its effort to help developing countries of the region to implement their commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by facilitating technology transfers on concessional and preferential terms as well as providing new and additional financial resources. If concrete actions are taken before COP3, it can be expected that negotiations between developed and developing country parties will become easier. For several developing countries it does not suffice that Japan come out with Activities Implemented Jointly (AIJ) projects. Technology transfer should not only be through AIJ projects, but through other means as well.
(3) Japan could decide to play a mediating role in finding a compromise between the views of developing and developed countries, which are diametrically opposed, by helping negotiate compromising texts at AGBM8 and COP3.
(4) Time is too short to negotiate differentiated targets. Japan should be satisfied with the flat rate approach for greenhouse gas emissions if it really wants success at COP3. The most important of all is that COP3 will be a success if negotiations are based on a genuine wish to foster international cooperation, as well as on the principle as reciprocal actions, i.e. give and take, taking in full consideration of the Berlin Mandate.
Next, Mr. Hironori Hamanaka of Japan reported on some actions of the Environment Agency of Japan leading up to COP3 including hosting the 7th Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change in Fujiyoshida on 7-10 July 1997, and training workshop using the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model for capacity building. Through a discussion led by Mr. Hamanaka, it was evident that most participants strongly desired a clear message to be sent from ECO ASIA to COP3. A number of proposals were discussed by the meeting. These were discussed in detail. After considering the various views expressed, Mr. Hamanaka presented a draft of the Special Appeal of ECO ASIA '97 for the Success of COP3. While some participants informed the meeting that they were not authorized to make official statements on the position of their countries regarding climate change negotiations, participants felt they could support the Appeal. Therefore, the chairperson proposed to make it the "Special Appeal of Chairperson of ECO ASIA '97 for the Success of COP3", which reflected views expressed during discussions at ECO ASIA, on the personal responsibility of the Chairperson, and it was agreed.
8. [Session 5] Round Table Discussion
Mr. Suzuki outlined briefly progress of activities relating to Japan's Basic Environment Law and Basic Environment Plan. The first inter-governmental meeting of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia will occur in 1998. The Organization to Establish IGES was created in April 1997. The first Junior Eco-Club Asia Conference was held in November 1996 with 9 countries represented and children drew up and signed "Our Promise of Friendship in Niigata". The second Conference is planned for January 1998, he said. For ECO ASIA NET a prototype has been prepared, and will continue to develop, he said.
Prof. Morishima stated that he hoped IGES could begin sustainability research for the Asia-Pacific region in April 1998. IGES aims to do not only policy research but also promote policy implementation, he said. IGES will have four functions: (1) research activities to study strategy or policy measures; (2) application of results to policy decisions and actions; (3) training and education, such as in environmental law; and (4) being an information center in the area of policy measures.
Prof. Imura provided more details about ECO ASIA NET, which was proposed at a previous ECO ASIA meeting. The Internet homepage will include information such as news, calendar of events, and lists of information available by country. The first workshop was held October 1996 in Tokyo. A Second International Workshop to further develop the project will be held in Tokyo in February 1998.
Dr. Yodmani reported on UNEP's steps to fulfill its reinforced mandate to act "as the environmental voice of the United Nations system" in the Asia-Pacific region, including Global Environment Outlook (GEO) reports, exchanges of experience of industry officials and mangers; a course on Applied Environmental Management at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok; the symposium attended by Chief Justices and Supreme Court Justices on The Role of the Judiciary in Promoting Sustainable Development; the Green Hotels Programme; Youth Environmental Ambassadors Programme; and the Women's Groups in the Asia Pacific programme. Dr. Yodmani expressed an interest in cooperating with the Environment Agency of Japan, ECO ASIA, and IGES.
Dr. Chu reported on environmental problems in Vietnam including loss of forests; decline in quality and quantity of groundwater: over-exploitation of mangroves, marshes, lagoons, and coral reefs; decrease in bio-diversity; loss of wildlife habitats; increasing industrial and urban pollution; and impact of regional and global environmental problems. He mentioned efforts in Vietnam to counter these problems and welcomed cooperation and assistance.
Mr. Ryutaro Yatsu of the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies reported on the programme Eco Restructuring for Sustainable Development and the Zero Emissions Initiative, and expressed an interest to cooperate with IGES and others.
Overall, this session provided useful information on partnerships and initiatives for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
10. Chairperson's Summary and Special Appeal of Chairperson of ECO ASIA '97 for the Success of COP3
2. The meeting was presided over by H.E. Mrs. Michiko Ishii, Minister of State and the Director General of the Environment Agency of Japan as the Chairperson, with H.E. Mr. Vilisoni Cangimaivei, Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Environment, Fiji and H.E. Mr. Nandimithra Ekanayake, Minister of Forestry and Environment, Sri Lanka as the Vice-Chairpersons.
3. The meeting held the following five sessions:
(Towards Realization of Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific)
5. It was followed by two keynote speeches of Mrs. Joke Waller-Hunter (DESA) and Prof. Kazuhiro Ueta (Graduate School of Kyoto University). Mrs. Waller-Hunter discussed the following three strategies: (i) to increase investment in people, (ii) to encourage clean and efficient technologies, and (iii) to implement pricing reform. She stressed that the Asia and Pacific region , unique in having a broad range of levels of development, has the opportunity to provide a model for the world, by demonstrating regional cooperation. Prof. Ueta pointed out the economic advantages of early action to prevent climate change based on the lessons learned from the Japanese experience addressing environmental pollution, and stressed that the smooth implementation of environmental measures is enhanced by a clear message from government on the orientation of environmental policies.
(Approaches to Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific -Towards Earth Summit + 10 based on the Outcomes of UNGASS)
6. Panelists discussed what the Asia-Pacific region should do to further implement Agenda 21 towards an Earth Summit + 10. They reported on concrete initiatives in their countries. With regards to sustainable development, the need to respond differently to the varied situations in each country in the Asia-Pacific region was emphasized. Participants focused the discussion on the climate change issue, and shared the view on the importance of the following four points : (i) the vulnerability of the Asia-Pacific region to climate change, (ii) the taking the lead by developed countries, (iii) the active participation of developing countries, and (iv) the further strengthening of regional cooperation.
(A Long-term Perspective on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific)
7. The progress reports on the ECO ASIA Long-term Perspective Project were presented by project resource persons. The meeting acknowledged their efforts and encouraged them to further develop the project with the cooperation of participating countries and organizations, and was informed of plans for the next International Workshop on the Project to be held in March 1998.
8. The representative from Indonesia introduced the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment and ASEAN Cooperation Programme with Dialogue Partners. The representatives from China and Korea, after introducing activities taken by their own countries, suggested specific proposals for regional environmental cooperation and how they should be expanded in the region. The representatives from the international organizations such as ADB, ESCAP, ITTO and UNEP introduced their activities on regional environmental cooperation.
Partnership in the Asia-Pacific Region for Addressing Climate Change - for the Success of COP3)
9. The Vice-chairman of the Ad Hoc Group on Berlin Mandate introduced the progress and prospects of the Berlin Mandate process. The meeting intensively discussed the climate change issue in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing that the region is particularly vulnerable to impacts of climate change and that future emissions are projected to significantly and rapidly increase in the region, it was agreed that climate protection should receive a high priority, particularly in this region. It also discussed various measures to promote regional cooperation and partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.
10. Considering the importance of COP3 for future climate protection, the chairperson of the meeting prepared the "Special Appeal of Chairperson of ECO ASIA '97 for the Success of COP3" to reflect views expressed during discussions at ECO ASIA, on the personal responsibility of the Chairperson. Some participants informed the meeting that they were not authorized to make formal statements on the position of their countries. The Special Appeal is attached to this summary.
(Asia-Pacific Regional Partnership Towards the Realization of Sustainable Development)
11. Progress made since the last meeting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Environmental Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (ECO ASIA NET) and Junior Eco-Club was reported by a representative from Japan and project leaders. The meeting acknowledged the efforts made by Japan.
12. Regarding the IGES project, participants welcomed an initiative of Japan in establishing the IGES which can serve as a think-tank of ECO ASIA, and agreed that it should be established and operated as an internationally characterized institute under the cooperation of the participating countries. Participants also shared the view that the IGES could play a significant role in formulating strategies required to deal with global warming in Asia and the Pacific region in response to COP3 in Kyoto.
(Others)
13. The meeting participants expressed their appreciation to the Environment Agency of Japan, Kobe Municipal Government and other parties involved in organizing the meeting. Special thanks was expressed to Kobe Municipal Government for hosting the meeting and to the people of the City for their warm hospitality.
ECO ASIA '97 was convened on 7-8 September 1997 in Kobe, Japan. It was attended by 19 countries of the Asia-Pacific region and the representatives of 11 international organizations. Considering 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 gatherings in 1997, will be held in December in Kyoto, Japan, the participants of ECO ASIA '97 intensively discussed climate change issues and their implications to the region. Based on a broad consensus by the participants to work for the success of COP3, the Chairperson of the meeting prepared a special appeal as follows.
Acknowledging that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions,
Taking note that the Asia-Pacific region has particular relevance for climate change issues, because the countries of the region are especially vulnerable to the climate change impacts, and also because greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from this region are projected to grow in a significant and rapid manner due to the continued population increase and rapid economic growth in the coming decades, in line with the sustainable development needs,
Also noting that considerable progress has been made in the region to address the climate change problem, particularly through the preparation process of GHG inventories, national communications, vulnerability assessment studies, and setting up of national institutional mechanisms,
Expressing appreciation for relevant bilateral and multilateral support, in particular, the annual convening of the Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change to facilitate exchange of information and experiences among the countries of the region, as well as the efforts by international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP),
It was broadly supported that
1. The countries of the Asia-Pacific region should place particular priority on the following activities to address climate change issues:
(a) Preparation and periodical updating of GHG inventories, which may not only be carried out individually but also jointly at the sub-regional level, where appropriate;
(b) Preparation of initial national communications from non-Annex I Parties, especially for the exchange of experiences among the countries of the region;
(c) Promotion of research and studies relating to climate change, with special attention to climate change impacts at regional, sub-regional and national levels, particularly through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN); and
(d) Formulation and implementation of national programmes which may contain GHG inventories, vulnerability assessments and other research and studies, appropriate mitigation measures and adaptation options, measures to enhance sinks and awareness raising programmes;
2. The following activities should be seriously considered to promote regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific:
(a) Continuation of the Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change as a regional forum to exchange experience among the countries of the region, and consideration of a possibility for its gradual expansion, especially for the private sector;
(b) Establishment of a regional network to facilitate information exchange and policy dialogue, and dissemination of climate friendly technologies, and to provide international clearing house functions for activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase particularly through the private sector;
(c) Strengthening of support for various activities to promote public awareness and endogenous capacity building in management ? mitigation and adaptation of climate change impacts; and
(d) Consideration of regional model projects to demonstrate the benefits of such projects for sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
3. For the success of COP3 and as a first step towards meeting the ultimate objective of UNFCCC, the Parties of UNFCCC should seriously consider the following issues in negotiating a protocol or another legal instrument:
(a) Developed country Parties should intensify efforts to fulfill their commitments to meet their targets for 2000, and to take the lead in significantly reducing GHG emissions by setting quantified emission targets within the specified time frames;
(b) Developing country Parties should also make efforts to advance implementation of their commitments under UNFCCC, in particular, towards making noticeable progress, for mitigation and adaptation of climate change impacts; and
(c) Developed country Parties should strengthen cooperation with and support for developing country Parties to deal with climate change problems, particularly for effective transfer of climate friendly technologies and by provision of financial resources, through bilateral and multilateral channels.
Monday, September 8
List of Participants
Australia
Mr. Howard Bamsey
Australian Ambassador for the Environment
Carnegielaan 4, 2517 KH, The Hague, The
Netherlands
Tel: 31-70-3108270
Fax: 31-70-3107863
E-mail: hbamsey@bart.nl
Bangladesh
H. E. Ms. Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury
Minister
Ministry of Environment and Forests
Bangladesh Secretariat,Dhaka 1000,
Bangladesh
Tel: (880)2-831297
Fax: (880)2-869210
Cambodia
H. E. Dr. Mok Mareth
Minister
Ministry of Environment
#48 Samdech Preah Sihanouk, Tonie
Bassac, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
Tel: (855)2342-7894
Fax: (855)2342-7844
Mr. Sovannora Ieng
Technical Adviser
Ministry of Environment
Canada
Mr. Joseph Caron
Minister
Canadian Embassy
7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107
Japan
Tel: 81-3-5412-6200
Fax: 81-3-5412-6303
China
Dr. Ruqiu Ye
Deputy Administrator
National Environmental Protection
Agency
No.115, Xizhimennei Nanxiaojie, Beijing
100035, CHINA
Tel: (86)10-66151934/66151757
Fax:(86)10-66151762
E-mail: nepaii@public.bta.net.cn
Mr. Ne Ouyang
Division of Foreign Affair
National Environmental Protection Agency
Fiji
The Hon. Mr. Vilisoni Cagimaivei
Minister
Ministry of Urban Development, Housing
and Environment
C. O. Box 2131, Government Building, Suva
Fiji
Tel: 679-211310
Fax: 679-303515
Indonesia
Dr. RTM Sutamihardja
Special Assistant Minister for Global
Environment Affairs
State Ministry of Environment
Jalan D.I. Pandjaitan, Kebun, Jakarta 13410,
INDONESIA
Tel: 62-21-858-0110
Fax: 62-21-858-0110
Japan
Ms. Michiko Ishii
Minister of State, Director General of Environment Agency of Japan
Minister in Charge of Global Environment Problems
1-2-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
100, Japan
Tel: 81-3-3580-1375
Fax: 81-3-3504-1634
Mr. Tsuneo Suzuki
Parliamentary Vice Minister
Environment Agency of Japan
Mr. Toshiaki Tanabe
Ambassador for Global Environmental Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Hironori Hamanaka
Director General
Global Environment Department
Environment Agency of Japan
Korea
Dr. Chin-Seung Chung
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Environment
Kwacheon 427-760, KOREA
Tel:(82)2-504-9244
Fax: (82)2-504-9206
Mr. Dong-Hyuk Kim
Deputy Director
International Affairs Division
Ministry of Environment
Lao PDR
H.E. Prof. Dr. Souli Nanthavong
President
Science Technology and Environment Organization
P. O. Box 2279 Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856)21-213470 (856)21-213471
Fax: (856)21-213472
Mr. Somphone Phanousith
Director of Cabinet
Science Technology and Environment Organization
Mr. Nheune Sisavad
Director of the Department of Industrial Property, Standardization and Metrology
Science Technology and Environment Organization
Malaysia
Dato' Abu Bakar Daud
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment
14th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan
Raja Laut, 50662 Kuala Lumpur,
MALAYSIA
Tel: (60)3-29-38339
Fax:(60)3-29-37981
Mr. Lee Heng Keng
Director, Assessment Division
Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment
Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Dambii Dorligjav
Acting Minister of Nature and the Environment,
Minister of Defense,
Chairman of State Emergency Commission
Hudaldaany gudami-5 Ulaanbaatar 11,
MONGOLIA
Tel: (976)1-329619
Fax: (976)1-321401
Mr. Agvaan Zorig
Ministry of Defense
Nepal
Dr. Madhav Prasad Ghimire
Joint-Secretary
Chief of Environment Division
Ministry of Population and Environment
Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, NEPAL
Tel: (977)01-241587
Fax: (977)1-242138
New Zealand
Mr. John Gilbert
Deputy Secretary for the Environment
Ministry for the Environment
P. O. Box 10362, Wellington,
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: (64)4-498-7458
Fax: (64)4-472-4569
E-Mail: jg@mfe.govt.nz
Philippines
Mr. Virgilio Q. Marcero
Undersecretary for Field Operations
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: (632)926-4806/926-3487
Fax: (632)926-4706
Sri Lanka
The Hon. Mr. Nandimithra Ekanayake M.P.
Minister
Ministry of Forestry & Environment
6th Floor, Unity Plaza Building
Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4 SRI LANKA
Tel: (94)1-588274
Fax: (94)1-502566
Mr. Sarath Ekanayake
Private Secretary to the Minister
Ministry of Forestry & Environment
Thailand
Mr. Suphavit Piamphongsant
Inspector General
Ministry of Science, Technology and the
Environment
Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400,
THAILAND
Tel: (66-2)-247-9696
Fax: (66-2)-246-8106
U.S.A.
Mr. David H. Strother
Executive Secretary
US-Japan Joint Planning and Coordination
Committee (JPCC) on Environmental
Protection,
Office of International Activities,
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460, U.S.A.
Tel: (1)202-564-6423
Fax: (1)202-565-2412
E-mail: strother.david@epamail.epa.gov
Vietnam
The Hon. Dr. Prof. Chu Tuan Nha
Vice-Minister
Ministry of Science, Technology and
Environment
39 Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi, VIETNAM
Tel: (84)4-8263388
Fax: (84)4-8252733
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Bao Tam
Assistant Director, International Relations
Department
Ministry of Science, Technology and
Environment
City of Kobe
Mr. Kazutoshi Sasayama
Mayor
City of Kobe
6-Chome Kano-Cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650,
Japan
Tel: 81-78-322-5275
Fax: 81-78-322-6060
Mr. Eiichi Kontani
Director General
Environment Bureau
City of Kobe
Mr. Susumu Yamamoto
Director
Environmental Protection Department
Environment Bureau
City of Kobe
Mr. Seiji Nanno
Director
Waste Management Department
Environment Bureau
City of Kobe
Mr. Kiyoyuki Kanemitsu
Director
International Department
Earthquake Restoration and Coordination
Bureau
City of Kobe
ADB
Prof. Dr. Lohani Bindu Nath
Manager, Environment Division
OESD/ENVD
Asian Development Bank
#6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City,
Philippines
Tel: 632-632-6883
Fax: 632-636-2195
DESA
Ms. Joke H. Waller-Hunter
Director
Division for Sustainable Development,
Department for Economic on Social Affairs
2 United Nations, Room DC2-2220,
New York, N.Y. 10017 U.S.A.
Tel: (1)212-963-0902
Fax: (1)212-963-4260
E-mail: waller-hunter@un.org
ESCAP
Dr. Guangchang Shi
Director
Environment and Natural Resources
Management Division
ESCAP
Rajdamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10200,
Thailand
Tel: 662-288-1510
Fax: 662-288-1059
EWC
Dr. A. Terry Rambo
Senior Fellow
East-West Center Program on Environment
c/o CRES, 167 Bui Thi Xuan, Hanoi,
VIETNAM
Tel: (84)4-9760975, 9761080
Fax: (84)4-821-8934
ITTO
Mr. Lachlan A.J. Hunter
Assistant Director of Management Services
International Tropical Timber Organization
International Organizations Center 5th Floor,
Pacifico-Yokohama 1-1-1 Minato-Mirai,
Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220 JAPAN
Tel: (81)45-223-1110
Fax: (81)45-223-1111
OECD
Dr. Eva L.J. Rosinger
Deputy Director of the Environment
Directorate
Organization For Economic Cooperation
And Development
2 Rue Andre-Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16,
FRANCE
Tel: 33-1-45249310
Fax: 33-1-45247876
E-mail: eva.rosinger@oecd.org
SPREP
Mr. Muliagatele I. Reti
Officer-in-Charge,
Head of Division, Natural Resources
South Pacific Regional Environment
Programme
P. O. Box 240 Apia, WESTERN SAMOA
Tel:(685)21-929
Fax: (685)20-231
E-mail: sprep@pactok.peg.apc.org
UNCRD
Mr. Shoji Kubota
Associate Expert
United Nations Centre for Regional
Development
1-47-1 Nanono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450
JAPAN
Tel: (81)52-561-9378
Fax: (81)52-561-9374
Dr. Mohammed Matouq
UN Researcher
United Nations Centre for Regional
Development
UNEP/ROAP
Dr. Suvit Yodmani
Regional Director and Representative for
Asia and the Pacific
UNEP/ROAP
U. N. Bldg., 10th Floor, Rajdamnern Avenue,
Bangkok 10200, THAILAND
Tel: (66)2-2881870
Fax: (66)2-2803829
E-mail: yodmani.unescap@un.org
UNEP/IETC
Mr. Hajime Sasaki
Senior Liaison Officer
United Nations Environment
Programme/International Environmental
Technology Centre
2-110 Ryokuchi-Koen Tsurumi-ku, Osaka
538 JAPAN
Tel: (81)6-915-4591
Fax: (81)6-915-0304
E-mail: hsasaki@unep.or.jp
UNU
Mr. Ryutaro Yatsu
Visiting Fellow
The United Nations University Institute of
Advanced Studies
(UNU/IAS)
53-67 Jingumae, 5-chome, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150 JAPAN
Tel: (81)3-5467-2323
Fax: (81)3-5467-2324
Dr. Ryo Fujikura
Associate Professor
Institute of Environmental Systems, Faculty
of Engineering, Kyushu University
6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka,
Fukuoka 812-81, Japan
Tel: 81-92-642-4092
Fax: 81-92-642-3848
E-mail: fujikura@ies.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Prof. Hidefumi Imura
6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka,
Fukuoka 812-81, Japan
Professor
Institute of Environmental Systems, Faculty
of Engineering, Kyushu University
Tel: 81-92-642-4090
Fax: 81-92-642-3848
E-mail: fwgk8235@mb.infoweb.or.jp
Mr. Kenji Iwakiri
Managing Director
Global Environment Centre Foundation
2-110 Ryokuchi-koen, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka
538, Japan
Tel: 81-6-915-4121
Fax: 81-6-915-0181
Mr. Saburo Kato
President
Research Institute for Environment and
Society
#201, 1-665, Marukodori, Nakahara-ku,
Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 211, Japan
Tel: 81-44-411-8455
Fax: 81-44-411-8977
Prof. Dr. Tastuo Kira
Vice Director General
International Lake Environment Committee
Foundation (ILEC)
1091, Oroshimono-cho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga
525, Japan
Tel: 81-775-68-4567
Fax: 81-775-68-4568
E-mail: ilec@mx.biwa.or.jp
Mr. Mitsuaki Kojima
Managing Director
Planning Department, Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Shinjuku Maynds Tower Bldg, 10th Floor,
2-1-1, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151,
Japan
Tel: 81-3-5352-5131
Fax: 81-3-5352-5490
Mr. Masahiro Miyazaki
Manager
AEON Group Environment Foundation
1-5-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba, Chiba
216, Japan
Tel: 81-43-212-6022
Fax: 81-43-212-6815
Prof. Akio Morishima
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Preparatory Organization to Establish The
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
Nippon Press Center Bldg. 3rd Floor, 2-2-1,
Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100,
Japan
Tel: 81-3-3595-1081
Fax: 81-3-3595-1084
E-mail: iges@iges.or.jp
Mr. Hideki Nariya
Senior Research Fellow
Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of
Corporate Executives)
Japan Industry Building, 1-4-6, Marunouchi,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: 81-3-3284-0486
Fax: 81-3-3212-3774
Prof. Dr. Shuzo Nishioka
Director
Global Environment Division
National Institute for Environmental Studies
16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan
Tel: 81-298-50-2331
Fax: 81-298-50-2569
E-mail: snishioka@nies.go.jp
Prof. Dr. Makoto Numata
President
Nature Conservation Society of Japan
74-13, Bentencho, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
Tel: 81-43-251-7664
Fax: 81-43-251-4930
Mr. Hideo Okada
Secretary General
Japan Overseas Environmental Cooperation
Center
Koen Annex 7th Floor, 3-1-8, Shiba Koen,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105, Japan
Tel: 81-3-5472-0144
Fax: 81-3-5472-0145
Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu
President
Global Environmental Forum
1-9-7 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106,
Japan
Tel: 81-3-5561-9735
Fax: 81-3-5561-9737
Mr. Atsuo Yagihashi
Director General
Environmental Information Center
8th Floor, 1-5-8 Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 105, Japan
Tel: 81-3-3595-3992
Fax: 81-3-3595-0227
Prof. Dr. Kazuhiro Ueta
Professor
Graduate School of Economics
Faculty of Economics, Kyoto University,
Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-cho,
Kyoto 606-01, Japan
Tel: 81-75-753-3439
Fax: 81-75-753-3492
E-mail: j52366@sakura.kudpc.kyoto-u.ac.jp
