Speeches by the Environment Minister
Message by ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment, Japan, on May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 (May 22, 2026)
I am ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan.
On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity, I would like to offer a brief statement.
This year’s theme is “Acting locally for global impact.” The restoration of biodiversity and the realization of a sustainable future are shared goals of the international community, but they also begin with the actions of individuals rooted in local communities.
In Japan, there is an idea that people are part of nature and live in harmony with nature, and this idea has been passed down through our culture and ways of life.
Guided by this principle, we are steadily implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Japan 2023–2030, while supporting local governments in developing and implementing local biodiversity strategies, thereby promoting initiatives across the country that build on the unique characteristics of each locality.
Furthermore, to achieve the 30by30 target, through the certification of voluntary conservation efforts as “Kyosei sites” (Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites), Japan is encouraging the engagement and voluntary initiatives of a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector, local governments, and civil society..
These actions at the community and local levels, taken together, lead directly to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity across the globe.
In October, the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) will take place, where Parties will carry out the first global review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Drawing on the experience Japan has gained as the Presidency of CBD COP10, we will work closely with the international community to ensure the steady and effective implementation of the GBF.
International Day for Biological Diversity is a day when each of us steps up our actions.
We must believe in the momentum that carries local action to the global level, and walk together toward the realization of a society in harmony with nature.
On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity, I would like to offer a brief statement.
This year’s theme is “Acting locally for global impact.” The restoration of biodiversity and the realization of a sustainable future are shared goals of the international community, but they also begin with the actions of individuals rooted in local communities.
In Japan, there is an idea that people are part of nature and live in harmony with nature, and this idea has been passed down through our culture and ways of life.
Guided by this principle, we are steadily implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Japan 2023–2030, while supporting local governments in developing and implementing local biodiversity strategies, thereby promoting initiatives across the country that build on the unique characteristics of each locality.
Furthermore, to achieve the 30by30 target, through the certification of voluntary conservation efforts as “Kyosei sites” (Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites), Japan is encouraging the engagement and voluntary initiatives of a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector, local governments, and civil society..
These actions at the community and local levels, taken together, lead directly to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity across the globe.
In October, the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) will take place, where Parties will carry out the first global review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Drawing on the experience Japan has gained as the Presidency of CBD COP10, we will work closely with the international community to ensure the steady and effective implementation of the GBF.
International Day for Biological Diversity is a day when each of us steps up our actions.
We must believe in the momentum that carries local action to the global level, and walk together toward the realization of a society in harmony with nature.