In compliance with Article 7 of the Law for Promoting Nature Restoration (FY2002 Law No. 148), the Government shall deliver a basic plan to comprehensively promote nature restoration. Procedures to be taken are stipulated as follows:

• The Minister of the Environment shall confer, in advance, with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure & Transport to draft a policy and request a Cabinet decision (Paragraph 3).
• The Minister of the Environment shall listen to a range of public opinion in advance when drafting a policy (Paragraph 4).
• The Minister of the Environment, upon the reaching of a Cabinet decision, shall publicize the Basic Policy without delay (Paragraph 5).
• The Basic Policy shall be reviewed approximately once every five years based on assessments of nature restoration projects (Paragraph 6).

1.	Basic directions for promotion of nature restoration
*	Regarding the current situation of the natural environment in Japan: The importance of and the beneficial value of the natural environment along with a reduction in tidelands and wetlands as well as deterioration of ecological systems due to human influence

• Regarding the principle orientation for nature restoration: In addition to the promotion of measures related to preservation of ecosystems, active restoration of nature is important, with three key aspects of nature restoration being [1] protection of biodiversities unique to various regions, [2] participation and collaboration of diverse actors in each region, and [3] flexible actions based on scientific knowledge
• Regarding the fundamental concept for the promotion of nature restoration based on the above-mentioned three key points: Establishment of target objects for restoration projects, participation and collaboration of various actors in the region, implementation based on scientific knowledge, flexibility in actions, the promotion of learning regarding the natural environment, and other such areas all need to be established in concrete terms

2.	Basic matters concerning the natural restoration committee

• Regarding the organization of the committee: Securing of fair and extensive opportunities for participation by NPOs and other parties, importance of participation by experts, and active cooperation by relevant administrative bodies, etc.
• Regarding the operation of the committee: Impartial and appropriate management, discussions based on scientific knowledge, public disclosure of deliberations as a rule, etc.

3.	Basic matters concerning formulation of the overall plan for nature restoration and the implementation plans for nature restoration projects

• System for conducting scientific surveys and evaluation, ensuring of the transparency of all steps in the course of deliberations
• Regarding the overall plan: Prior data collection, identifying overall course of nature restoration which integrates implementation plans for individual points, establishment of objectives in concrete terms, etc.
• Regarding implementation plans: prior data collection, detailed on-site surveys as required, full exploration through the cooperation of experts, concrete plans for surveying and monitoring, and consideration for biodiversities of regions
• Information disclosure in the course of formulating the overall plan and implementation plans
• Flexible reflection of monitoring results, which have been drawn up scientifically, to implementation plans

4.	Basic matters concerning the promotion of natural environmental learning associated with nature restoration

• Regarding development of programs for natural environmental learning in regions targeted for nature restoration: Points demanding particular attention are the organization of programs for natural environmental learning, human resource development in each region, and information sharing

5.	Other important matters related to the implementation of nature restoration

• Ensuring of transparency of conferences and expert meetings regarding nature restoration, such as through opening the meetings to the public
• Long-term and continuous acquisition of natural environment data from national and regional public bodies, technical development and survey research, collection and provision of information, education of the public, maintenance of tie-ups over a broad area, etc.