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The 3rd Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation (NEAC)
30 September 1994, Hyogo, JAPAN
- The 3rd Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation was held from 28 to 30 September 1994 in Kinosaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.Participants included senior officials from the national and local governments and research institutes of the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and the Russian Federation, as well as a representative from the UN-ESCAP.
- The conference acts as a forum for the exchange of views and information on environmental issues in the Northeast Asian region, and aims to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection in the region.One of the central themes of this year's meeting was to follow-up on the initiatives of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD).Discussions covered the preparation and implementation of environmental protection policies in each country and the promotion of sustainable development in the region.Information and views were exchanged on the issues surrounding sustainable cities, biodiversity conservation and future regional cooperation.
- As industrialization has increased in the region, so have environmental and human health-related problems.Industrial pollution, waste disposal and desertification are now just part of the range of such problems expanding throughout the region.However, there are also a number of global issues that must be faced locally, including climate change and loss of biodiversity.As a result, countries have been strengthening their environmental protection policies, regulations and activities.
- With the adoption of Agenda 21 at the Earth Summit, countries were required to make efforts to prepare national strategies for achieving sustainable development.This places important responsibilities on the countries of Northeast Asia, including the modification of domestic laws to meet international obligations.Social and economic restructuring will also be needed to allow for the transition to sustainable development.This conference acknowledged the need for an integrated regional strategy as well as national strategies for achieving sustainable development.Such a strategy should include international and regional cooperation through the sharing of experiences, information, and technology, as well as through promotion of effective policies and measures, including the implementation of economic instruments.The preparation of a regional strategy should identify, and make effective use of, both the region's unique diversity and its countries' common features.
- The three main themes that received attention at this conference were sustainable cities, conservation of biological diversity and strengthening cooperation.
- Sustainable Cities
- Cities are the main human habitat
and centers of human economic, social and political activities.
Large volumes of wastes are produced in and around urban areas which need to be disposed of.The growth of very large cities is continuing, and a high rate of urbanization is predicted.Air, water and other pollution problems, which already exist in many cities, will become worse if appropriate countermeasures are not taken.A lack of infrastructure, such as sewage treatment and disposal systems, will lead to pollution and other urban problems.Tacking such problems must become an essential component of any strategy to create sustainable cities.Heavy resource consumption patterns of large urban areas should be changed to those which are more sustainable through recycling, reuse and reduced consumption. - Since urban problems are so closely inter-related, the realization of sustainable urban development requires a comprehensive and integrated approach.Non-polluting, mass public transport systems are needed, while the best pollution abatement and sewage treatment technology should be introduced to reduce air and water pollution.The enormous scale of urban development problems in Northeast Asia requires carefully designed strategies.
- Cities are the main human habitat
and centers of human economic, social and political activities.
- Conservation of Biological Diversity
- The Convention on Biological Diversity came into effect in December 1993, and the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention will be held this November to discuss details for its implementation.This meeting provided a timely opportunity to discuss implementation of the Convention and exchange relevant information.
- If the region's biological diversity is to be conserved, it is important to have a clear picture of the condition of each country.Survey and monitoring data should compiled in accessible forms and used to improve existing conservation activities, including the designation of new protected areas and species to be protected.Since participating countries have some similar natural ecosystems, it will be useful to share conservation techniques for the management of protected areas and endangered species as well as information on the status of biological diversity in each country.
- More emphasis is needed on actions at the local level by local governments, communities and individuals.Public awareness of the importance of biodiversity needs to be increased, so that relevant grass-roots level actions can be taken.
- Since ecological systems and the mechanisms that maintain biological diversity are complex, more knowledge about them is essential if scientifically sound policies are to be developed.Thus, the promotion of necessary research, coordination of research programs and exchange of information should be encouraged.
- Strengthening Cooperation
All participants recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation among countries of the Northeast Asian region.Cooperation between all levels of society is needed if action on sustainable development is to be effective.Governments will need to ensure that their policies, programs and budgets support a cooperative path to sustainable development.The participation of public and industry should be encouraged in such programs.Ultimately, the success or failure of sustainable development in the region will, to some extent, be dependent on the education and ability of the region's citizens to freely and effectively cooperate in democratic decision-making processes. - Recommendations for Action
Two cooperative activities were proposed at this conference:
*The preparation of a report on Urban Sustainability for the Northeast Asian region, in close cooperation with international agencies, such as the United Nations.
*The creation of a directory of contacts in central governments, institutes and relevant agencies who are working in the field of environment in this region. - Acknowledgements
Participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Hyogo Prefectural Government and the Environment Agency, Japan for organizing a very successful conference. - Next Meeting
The Republic of Korea's proposal to host the fourth Northeast Asian Conference on Environmental Cooperation in Pusan City, the Republic of Korea in Autumn 1995 was unanimously accepted by conference participants.
