Second International Workshop on ECO ASIA Long-term Project

27 February - March 1, 1995
Tokyo, Japan

CHAIRPERSON'S SUMMARY


Introduction

  1. The Second ECO ASIA Workshop was held in Tokyo, Japan from February 27 to March 1, 1995. It was organized by the Environment Agency of Japan and was attended by participants from 12 countries and 4 organizations (see Attachment 1).Participants were welcomed by the State Minister, Director General of the Environment Agency, Mr. Sohei Miyashita. The Workshop was chaired by Mr.Saburo Kato.

  2. This meeting follows the Ministerial level ECO ASIA '94 Congress that endorsed the project for "A Long-term Perspective on Environment and Development in the Asia-Pacific Region" (herein after referred to as "the Project). The main objectives of this workshop were to discuss the following three major issues:

    1. initiatives for sustainable development in each participating country and organization;
    2. methodologies for the Project; and,
    3. information gathering process for the Project

Participating Country and Organization Initiatives
  1. While there was a moment of concern with the implementation of the Rio package immediately after the Earth Summit in 1992, increasing attention has been paid by governments, organizations and individuals to the interlinked objectives of development and environment in recent years. It is important that this encouraging trend should continue.

  2. Issues have been identified, and actions continue to be taken at local, national and regional levels by governments and organizations. These include internal trade liberalization, sourcing of finances for implementations, strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks, planning controls and enforcement; preparation of National Conservation Strategies, Environmental Action Plans etc. and initiation of collaborative projects; identification of more effective ways of handling the region's expanding waste problem; increased public participation; and, initiation of new research on, and documentation of, the region's biological wealth and sustainable land-use. Many countries are taking steps to follow up on the outcomes of UNCED and various international conventions, such as the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, Basel Convention, ITTA and CITES.

  3. Participants were pleased to see that a number of conferences continue to beheld in the region aimed at promoting sustainable development and advancing environmental management and protection, through for example promoting sustainable production and consumption, controlling the movement of toxic wastes, domestically banned and severely restricted chemicals, and trade in endangered species and their products.

  4. Even with these increasing efforts, there is a renewed concern at the amount of change that is needed and work to be done if sustainable development is to be achieved in the countries of the region and the region as a whole.

  5. There were many concerns expressed on issues inhibiting the achievement of sustainable development, in particular poverty, population growth, and irreversible resource destruction. It will be important to ensure that poverty is eradicated and the standard of living of the poor is increased as part of sustainable development programs. Increasing urbanization is creating problems for the management of cities and reducing the potential for local food production and self sufficiency. Regional land, water and resource conservation and management must be improved. For example, agricultural production systems are not sustainable and serious grain and other food supply and demand problems will be evident in the near future. National sustainable development plans will have to reflect the needs and culture of each country. It was also noted that financial cooperation and technology transfer on preferential and concessional terms envisaged at UNCED had yet to materialize.

  6. There is a need for greater intervention to halt further deterioration of, and increase the protection and management of the marine environment, especially in the area of oil spill prevention, operational discharge surveillance and capacity building in preventing land-based pollution. The low lying coastal areas and small islands will need assistance to counter the expected impacts of global warming, including the rise in sea level.

  7. The issue of trade and environmental impact is still considered to be one that needs more detailed investigation, particularly potential conflicts between pressure for trade liberalization, equitable commodity pricing and unilateral ecolabelling.

Long-term Project Background
  1. The Project was proposed by Japan at the ECO ASIA '93 Congress held in June 1993. It was welcomed by the meeting and was considered to be useful in providing decision makers in the region with a scientific basis for policy formulation to achieve sustainable development. The Project will cover the period to 2025. It was agreed that it would be conducted with the active cooperation of countries and research organizations participating in ECO ASIA.

  2. To initiate the Project, The First International Workshop was held in March 1994, and was devoted to an examination of project implementation and the draft work plan for the Project. At that workshop, it was agreed the objectives of the Project would be:

    1. to identify options for environmental policies that promote the long-term sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region by

      1. identifying the major environmental issues confronting the region,
      2. examining their links with social economic issues, and
      3. forecasting the future social economic and environmental issues that can be expected from different development scenarios in the region;

    2. identifying the major environmental issues confronting the region, examining their links with social economic issues, and
    3. forecasting the future social economic and environmental issues that can be expected from different development scenarios in the region;

  3. As a result of views received the Secretariat established a Steering Committee consisting of four people from participating countries (see Attachment 2).A meeting of the Steering Committee was held in November 1994, and discussed a draft inception report and the structure of the second workshop. As a result of this meeting, four possible policy directions were proposed. They were:

    1. construction of an Eco Coalition;
    2. promotion of Eco Technology and Investment;
    3. encouragement of an Asia-Pacific Consciousness;
    4. promotion of Eco Policy Integration.

    The Inception Report and the Project Outline were presented at the workshop.

Long-term Project Methodology
Project Organization and Structure
  1. The project is organized by the Secretariat of the ECO ASIA Long-term Project within the Environment Agency of Japan. Development of methodologies for modeling and analysis of information collected for the project using these models will be done by research teams led by Dr. Nishioka of the National Institute for Environmental Studies and Dr. Imura of Kyushu University.

  2. A sub-project on problems of land degradation is being conducted by the East-West Center in cooperation with the Southeast Asian Universities Agroecosystem Network (SUAN).

  3. Participants felt that the project output must be easily understood and relevant to actual investment, policy decisions and other activities that are occurring now in the region and will occur in the near future. Decision makers need to have confidence in the both the models and data used to achieve project objectives.
Presentations on Potential Model Projects
  1. The workshop heard presentations by three Japanese resource personnel: Dr.Imura, Dr. Nishioka and Dr. Morita.

  2. Dr. Imura presented a paper covering all the issues related to the project methodology, including:

    1. information systems;
    2. data bases;
    3. modeling; and,
    4. policy analysis.

  3. Dr. Nishioka introduced the Environment Framework Model (EFM) as one of the models that could be used to assess policies for sustainable development. This model is recognized as one of the most important elements of the project methodology.

  4. Dr. Morita presented some of the recent results of the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM) to help develop understanding of the potential for using the model in the ECO ASIA Long-term Project. This model was developed to evaluate the long term impact of global emissions of greenhouse gases and associated climate changes. Although the model is extremely sophisticated and requires complete sets of data, workshop participants felt that it would be useful to integrate the model into the Project where possible.

  5. The principal objective of the modeling to be done as part of the project is to identify potential future environmental risks that may be faced by countries in Asia-Pacific. This will offer a basis for development of appropriate response strategies to potential long-term environmental changes.
Information Gathering Process
  1. Data collection for project modeling forms a basic component of the project methodology. Some participants cautioned against optimism in assuming ease in the collection of data needed, bearing in mind the lack of capacity and resources in many participating countries. If possible, efforts should be made to strengthen the data collection capacity of participating countries.

  2. In March this year, the ECO ASIA Secretariat will request participating countries to provide it with readily available existing information on their countries that will allow final decisions on the detailed modeling exercise, such as UNCED reports, annual State of the Environment reports and development reports.

  3. In order to facilitate this process, an official letter from the State Minister, Director General of the Environment Agency will be sent to each country in March. A follow-up questionnaire to obtain further information will be sent to participating countries by mid-June 1995. For the purpose of collecting any outstanding information and/or discussing project methodology, bearing in mind the benefits and needs to use local experts and specialists, a mission may be dispatched to some countries during the period August to September, this year. However; additional information will be welcomed at any time during the whole project period. The process used to collect data on climate change by the IPCC could be used as a model in this exercise. There may also be chances for countries to improve their own data bases.

  4. Participants noted that the type, quality and availability of data will determine the detail of the modeling that can be done. The actual ability of many countries to collect, synthesize and analyze data for the project is limited, and the priorities given to data collection by the different countries will need to be considered. The detailed data that is available on particular topics could be used to prepare indicators for countries that lack data.

  5. Activities such as data collection that form part of the methodology should enhance the capacity of the participating countries to move to sustainable development by strengthening links between each country and relevant organizations. The project modeling teams in Japan are encouraged to establish more direct links and information exchanges with researchers in participating countries who may be able to contribute to the modeling activities. This will contribute to the goal of technology transfer and human resource development.
Project Outcome
  1. The project outcome could be a major report for inclusion as part of the region's input to the special session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1997.Progress of the project could also be reported on at the ESCAP Ministerial level conference on the environment in November this year. Naturally, it will be made available to ECO ASIA participating countries and organizations. ECO ASIA '96 might consider the future use of the report.
Future Steps
  1. The workshop agreed on the future work schedule for the Project (see Attachment 3). The major steps for the work program are as follows:

    1. The results of the workshop will be reported to the ECO ASIA '95 for its comments and suggestions;
    2. The Steering Committee will be organized, possibly in November 1995,to overview the progress of the Project.
    3. The Third International Workshop will be organized, possibly in February 1996, to discuss the draft report, which will be distributed to the participating countries for their pre-review one month before the workshop; and,
    4. The revised draft report will be reported to the ECO ASIA '96 for its review and suggestions for future actions.
  1. The participants were urged to provide any comments or observations on any aspects of the Project at any time during the Project.
Other
  1. The Environment Agency of Japan announced that the senior official level ECO ASIA '95 would be held in June 1995 in Shizuoka, Japan, and formal invitations from the State Minister, Director General of the Environment Agency, Government of Japan, will be sent through diplomatic channels shortly.

  2. Participants actively contributed to the discussions of the Workshop and they expressed their appreciation to the Secretariat and the Environment Agency of Japan for organizing the Workshop.
 

SABURO KATO
Chairperson




Agenda
Second International Workshop
on
ECO ASIA long-term Project


 February 27 - March 1, 1995
Hotel New Otani
Tokyo, Japan


Monday, February 27 (at Room Yu on Arcade Floor)
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. Opening Session
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Coffee Break

10:30 - 12:00 p.m. Session 1:

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch (at Room Kumo on 16th Floor of Main Building)

1:30 - 2:45 p.m. Session 1 (Continued)
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. Coffee Break

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Session 1 (Continued)

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Session 2: General Discussion

6:30 p.m. -

Tuesday, February 28 (at Room Yu on Arcade Floor)

9:30 Session 3: Methodology for the Project

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
11:00 - 11:15 a.m. Coffee Break

11:15 - 12:30 p.m. Session 3 (Continued)

12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch (Room Kumo on 16 Floor)

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Session 4: Required Information

3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Coffee Break

3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1 (Room Yu on Arcade Floor)

9:30 - 12:00 p.m. Session 6:Discussion on Findings (including 15 min. Break)

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch (Room Kumo on 16 Floor)

1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Session 7:Wrap-up and Adoption of Chairman's Conclusion

3:00 p.m. Close of Workshop



List of Participants
Second International Workshop
on
ECO ASIA Long-term Project

 February 27 - March 1, 1995

Bangladesh
Dr. Md. Omar Faruque Khan
Deputy Secretary
Ministry of Environment and Forest
Room No. 1306, Building No. 6
Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka

China
Mr. Wang Zhijia (Vice Chairman)
Deputy Director-General
Department of International Cooperation
National Environmental Protection Agency
115 Xizhimennei Nanxiaojie
Beijing 100035, P.R. China

India
Mr. Kishore Rao
Additional Director
Ministry of Environment k Forests
Room 534, CGO Complex
New Delhi 110003, India

Indonesia
Dr. R. E. Soeriaatmadia
Special Assistant Minister
for Global Environment Affairs
State Ministry of Environment
Balan Medan Merdeka Barat 15
Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

Korea
Mr. Nam Jae-Woo
Director
International Affairs Division
Ministry of Environment
1 Chungang-dong Kwacheon
427-760 Korea

Malaysia
Ir. Tan Meng Leng (Vice Chairman)
Deputy Director General
Department of Environment
50662 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

New Zealand
Mr. John Gilbert (Vice Chairman)
Deputy Secretary for the Environment
Ministry for the Environment
P.O. Box 10362
Wellington, New Zealand

Pakistan
Mr. S.M. Junaid (Vice Chairman)
Deputy Secretary
National Conservation Strategy Unit
Department of Environment and Urban Affairs
House No. 6, Street No. 62
F-7/4 Islambad, Pakistan

Philippines
Ms. Ruth Manigos
Office of Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Visayas Avenue, Diliman
Quezon City, Philippines

Singapore
Mr. Ong Seng Eng
Chief Engineer
Strategic Planning & Research Department
Ministry of the Environment
Environment Building
40, Scotts Road #11-00
Singapore 0922, Republic of Singapore

Thailand
Ms. Kluephan Baitrakul
Director
Urban Environment and Area Planning Division
Office of Environmental Policy and Planning
Ministry of Science Technology and Environment
Soi Pibulwatana 7
Rama VI Road
Bangkok 10400, Thailand

UNCRD
Dr. Hideki Kaji
Director
United Nations Center for Regional Development
1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku
Nagoya City 450, Japan
Dr. Antonio Fernandez
United Nations Center for Regional Development
1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku
Nagoya City 450, Japan

UNU
Dr. Fu-Chen Lo
Senior Academic Officer
United Nations University
5-53-70 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150, Japan

Mr. Jacob Park
Program Associate
United Nations University
5-53-70 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150, Japan

ITTO
Dr. B. C. Y. Freezailah
Executive Director
International Tropical Timber Organization
International Organizations Center 5F, Pacifico-Yokohama
1-1-1 Minato-mirai, Nishi-ku
Yokohama 220, Japan

EWC
Dr. Terry Rambo
Director
Program on Environment
East-West Center
1777 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96848, U.S.A.

Japan
Mr. Hiroshi Sawamura
Director General
Global Environment Department
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan

Dr. Hidefumi Imura (Resource Person)
Professor
Kyushu University
Institute of Environmental Systems, Engineering Department
6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku
Fukuoka, Japan

Mr. Saburo Kato (Chairman)
President
Research Institute for Environment and Society
1-764-10 Shin-maruko, Nakahara-ku
Kawasaki 211, Japan

Dr. Tsuneyuki Morita (Resource Person)
Senior Researcher
National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)
16-2 Onogawa
Tsukuba 305, Japan

Mr. Takaaki Moroto
General Manager
Corporate Security & Environment Division
Itochu Corporation
2-5-1 Kita-aoyama, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-77, Japan

Dr. Shuzo Nishioka (Resource Person)
Director
Center for Global Environmental Research (CGER)
National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)
16-2 Onogawa
Tsukuba 305, Japan

Dr. Kuninori Otsubo
Center for Global Environment Research
National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)
16-2 Onogawa
Tsukuba 305, Japan

Dr. Kazuo Takahashi
Program Director
Sasakawa Peace Foundation
3-12-12 Mita, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108, Japan

Dr. Takao Hamada (Observer)
General Manager
Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC)
5-16-2 Hiro, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan

Mr. Ikuo Nishimura (Observer)
Tokyo Electric Power Company
1-1-3 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan


Secretariat
Mr. Kazuhiko Takemoto
Director
Global Environmental Research Division
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan

Mr. Yoshihiro Natori
Special Assistant to the Director General
Global Environment Department
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan

Dr. Ryo Fujikura
Deputy Director
Overseas Cooperation Division
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan


Mr. Shigeto Kaino
Planning Division
Global Environment Department
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan