Issuance of the Action Plan for Promoting Nature-Positive through Chemicals Management Ver.1.0

日本語へ

1. The Ministry of the Environment formulated and issued the Action Plan for Promoting Nature-Positive through Chemicals Management Ver.1.0 with a view to contributing, through chemicals management, to the realization of Nature-Positive - that is, halting and reversing biodiversity loss and putting nature on a path to recovery.

2. This Action Plan organizes the directions for future responses from six perspectives including research and studies, monitoring, and actions and strengthened collaboration by actors.

　Background

　In recent years, biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution have increasingly been recognized as interrelated global challenges, and the importance of policy responses that address them in an integrated manner has been growing internationally. Pollution from chemicals, in particular, is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss, and chemicals management therefore has an important role to play in the conservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.
　At the same time, chemicals management in Japan has historically been developed and implemented primarily from the perspectives of protecting human health and preventing environmental pollution. As a result, efforts to systematically organize impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions under the overarching objective of realizing Nature-Positive outcomes cannot yet be regarded as fully sufficient.
　Based on this recognition, the Ministry of the Environment, taking into account the international trends and domestic policy developments, launched the Study Group on Promoting Nature-Positive through Chemicals Management in September 2025, and has been examining initial policy directions for advancing chemicals management toward Nature-Positive outcomes.

　Summary of the Action Plan for Promoting Nature-Positive through Chemicals Management Ver.1.0

　This Action Plan organizes the current situation, key challenges in Japan, and possible directions for future responses systematically with a view to contributing, through chemicals management, to the realization of Nature-Positive.

　Specifically, this Action Plan organizes the options and the directions for future responses from the following six perspectives:

Implementation and Expansion of Surveys, Research, and Monitoring
Advancement of Risk Assessment Methodologies
Review and Revision of Chemicals Management Systems
Actions and Strengthened Collaboration by Relevant Actors
Development and Implementation of Biodiversity Impact Assessment Indicators
Input to International Frameworks and Domestic Plans

　This Action Plan seeks to reposition chemicals management not merely as a regulatory effort to reduce negative impacts on nature, but as a strategic means of appropriately managing risks throughout the life cycle of chemicals while simultaneously realizing biodiversity recovery and enhancing the sustainability of socio-economic activities. Such a vision is not intended solely for environmental protection. Through the restoration of natural capital, it is expected to bring positive effects for businesses and economic activities as well, including greater stability in resource procurement, reduced environmental and social risks associated with business activities, and enhanced credibility with local communities and markets.

Furthermore, since this Action Plan is issued as Version 1.0 compiled based on the scientific knowledge currently available. Going forward, the plan will continuously be reviewed and updated as necessary, refine and expand its content in light of domestic and international trends, the accumulation of scientific knowledge, and progress in initiatives by relevant stakeholders.

Reference URL

Initiatives for Chemicals Management to Promote Nature-Positive
Ministry of the Environment website:
https://www.env.go.jp/en/chemi/np.html

Attached File

Contact

Chemicals Safety Division, Environmental Health Department, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Direct number: +81(3)5521-8259