Formulation of Japan’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Nitrogen Management

 Nitrogen is an important element in food and industrial production, but it also affects many environmental media and causes air pollution, water eutrophication, and groundwater contamination, etc. In addition, Japan imports almost all the raw materials for major chemical fertilizers, which causes challenges for stable fertilizer supplies and achieving economic and food security.
 The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution on sustainable nitrogen management in 2022 noted with concerns that excessive levels of nutrients, in particular reactive nitrogen and phosphorus, have a significant impact on water, soil, air, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and encouraged Member States to significantly reduce nitrogen waste globally by 2030, and to share information on national action plans.
 In accordance with this resolution, Japan has been holding the Liaison Conference of the Relevant Ministries and Agencies as well as study groups composed of experts since 2023, and has conducted discussions and consideration in order to develop a national action plan for sustainable nitrogen management.
 In accordance with the 6th Basic Environmental Plan approved by the Cabinet in May 2024, Japan’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Nitrogen Management was formulated.

・Appendix 1　Outline of Japan’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Nitrogen Management
・Appendix 2　Japan’s National Action Plan on Sustainable Nitrogen Management