March 31, 2003
The Government has determined the Basic Policy for Nature Restoration based on the Law for Promoting Nature Restoration. This Policy sets forth the fundamental principles for developing comprehensively various measures for nature restoration. This marks the beginning of practical application of the Law for Promoting Nature Restoration.
| 1. | Outline of the Basic Policy for Nature Restoration |
The Law for Promoting Nature Restoration, having the purpose of restoring the natural environment lost in the past, passed the Extraordinary Diet Session of 2002 and came into effect as of January 1, 2003.
Article 7 of the Law provides that the Government shall determine at a Cabinet meeting a Basic Policy for the comprehensive promotion of nature restoration projects. In formulating this Policy, the Minister of the Environment shall confer with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure & Transport, and a wide variety of opinions from the general public shall be taken into consideration.
The Cabinet is scheduled to finalize the Basic Policy at its meeting on Tuesday, April 1. Thus, practical implementation of the Law starts from FY2003.
The Basic Policy encompasses 5 principles as follows (Paragraph 2, Article 7 of the Law):
| (1) | Basic directions for promotion of nature restoration |
| (2) | Basic matter concerning the nature restoration committee |
| (3) | Basic matters concerning formulation of the overall plan for nature restoration and the implementation plans for nature restoration projects |
| (4) | Basic matters concerning the promotion of natural environmental learning associated with nature restoration |
| (5) | Other important matters related to the implementation of nature restoration |
| 2. | Key Points of the Basic Policy for Nature Restoration |
The Basic Policy clarifies various considerations such as [1] protecting biodiversities unique to a region, [2] participation and cooperation of various actors in a region, and [3] flexible implementation based on scientific knowledge. Based on these considerations, the Basic Policy sets forth practical approaches and procedures for nature restoration implementation projects.
In formulating this Policy, Diet session deliberations and public comments have been taken into account. This Policy is outlined separately.
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| * | Schematic Diagram of the Law for Promoting Nature Restoration |
| * | Outline of the Basic Policy for Nature Restoration |