In recent years, global environmental issues such as climate change have become major international political issues. In reflection of this, environmental issues are expected to be among the major topics taken up at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July. To contribute to the discussions at the Summit, the G8 Environment Ministers Meeting was held in Kobe from May 24 to 26 with the attendance of ministers responsible for the environment.

Ministers and senior officials from 19 countries including the G8 (8 major countries and European Commission) and representatives of 8 international environment-related organizations participated in the Meeting. Intensive discussions chaired by Minister Ichiro Kamoshita were held on the 3 main themes: Climate Change, Biodiversity and the 3Rs.

Date

May 24 (Sat.) – 26 (Mon.), 2008

Venue

Kobe Portopia Hotel, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Participating Countries and Organizations

G8

Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russian Federation, United Kingdom,
United States of America, European Commission

Other Countries

Antigua and Barbuda (G77 Chair), Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico,
Republic of Korea, Slovenia (EU Chair), South Africa

International Organizations

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Secretariat of the Basel Convention
The World Bank
Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE)