Environmental Policy

The Basic Environment Plan - Appendices

APPENDICES

1. Consultation to the Council (January 14, 1994)

To : Jiro KONDO, Chairman of the Central Environment Council

Morihiro HOSOKAWA, Prime Minister

Regarding the Basic Environment Plan (Consultation)

Based on the Paragraph 3 of Article 15 of the Basic Environment Law, I hereby consult with the Council as follows.

"How should be the basic plan with regard to environmental conservation for systematic and comprehensive promotion of the policies for environmental conservation (the Basic Environment Plan)"

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2. Report of the Council (December 9, 1994)

To : Tomiichi MURAYAMA, Prime Minister

Jiro KONDO, Chairman of the Central Environment Council

Regarding the Basic Environment Plan (Report)

This is a report as attached on the conclusions of the Central Environment Council to "Regarding the Basic Environment Plan (consultation)" dated January 14, 1994, Consultation Number 6.

In the course of deliberations, the Council directly heard the explanations by Ministries and Agencies concerned, local governments and private organizations on environmental measures and activities, published an interim report on deliberation, and held public hearings in nine places across the country. Through these processes, we heard opinions from broad sectors of society and made best efforts to incorporate them in the discussion and the conclusion.

The Council strongly expect the Government to quickly decide the Basic Environment Plan in accordance with this Report and to comprehensively and effectively implement the Plan by putting these measures into practice in cooperation of the whole Government.

As well, the Council hopes that, in consideration of particularly high public interests on : development and utilization of indicators which show the progress towards long-term objectives of the Plan aiming at building a sustainable society, measures concerning global warming, waste management and recycling program, measures concerning harmonious coexistence between humankind and nature, environmental education, environmental impact assessment scheme, economic measures to reduce environmental load and so on, the Government promotes studies and investigation in line with the principal direction of the Plan and implement necessary measures.

In order to build a sustainable society, not only the Government but also the cooperate efforts of local governments, corporations, people and private organizations are indispensable. The Council hopes that the Government pays special attention to the awareness programs, such as making information available to the public about the content of the Plan and its implementation progress.

Furthermore, specific proposals or examples of action shown in the public opinions should be taken into consideration in the policy implementation by the Government as appropriate.

To contribute to steady implementation of the Basic Environment Plan, the Council will follow-up the Plan's progress and, as necessary, report future policy directions to the Government.

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3. Statement by Prime Minister Tomiichi MURAYAMA (December 16, 1994)

Today, the Cabinet meeting decided the Basic Environment Plan.

Since the enactment of the Basic Environmental Law last November, Japan took its first step in the long journey of new environmental policies for this era of globalization.. The Basic Environment Plan decided today is another step forward. It solidifies the outline for realizing the basic principles and measures provided by the Basic Environmental Law. The Plan is intended to enable the blessings of the environment to be enjoyed far into the future by setting forth four long-term objectives : which are to ensure that 1) human activities interfering with nature's cycle are minimized, 2) people and nature coexist in harmony, 3) everyone participates in environmental conservation, and 4) international activities are promoted. It also clarifies the direction of Japan's comprehensive environmental policy.

It is my firm conviction that one of the government's basic tasks is to ensure a safe environment to live in for both ourselves and future generations, thereby creating a nation that is friendly to people and the environment. I also believe that these are key roles that Japan must play internationally. This Plan solidifies these beliefs into governmental policy.

Hereafter, the government shall be in charge of effecting this Plan. Our first tasks include the establishment of an action program for making the government business more environmentally friendly. It is also essential that the government works together with local governments, companies, private citizens and civil organizations with each sector pulling their own weight in this effort. Every member of our society must take a closer look at and reorganize their routine activities and lifestyles. These commitments are what pushes us forward in creating a nation friendly to people and the environment.

I earnestly desire understanding and participation from each citizen to ensure that the aim of this Plan, which is to attain of sustainable development with little environmental interference, is achieved.

1 Translator's note :

The term "environmental conservation" is used hereinafter as a translation of Japanese term "kankyo no hozen", which includes both protection and improvement of the environment.

2 TRANSLATOR'S NOTE :

Here, "mountainous areas", "countryside areas", "areas with high human impacts" are translations of more concise Japanese words, "sanchi", "satochi" and "heichi".