| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY |
| In recent years, along with the expansion in the scope, scale, and types of human activities, various global environment issues have emerged, and they are recognized as potential threats to human beings. International cooperation is essential in this regard, because the deterioration of the global environment is feared to substantially affect the world’s population, and because this problem cannot be effectively dealt with by a single nation. Furthermore, it is important for developed countries in their assistance to developing countries to support the developing countries' "ownership" and to cooperate in achieving sustainable development. Japan regards the global environmental issues, including combating desertification, as one of the most important areas in which the country should make its international contribution. |
| The outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and “Agenda 21," specified the details of the comprehensive efforts related to global environmental issues. Chapter 12 of "Agenda 21," titled “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Combating Desertification and Drought,” sets forth a specific action program to tackle desertification. |
| At UNCED, basic agreement was reached on the establishment of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to draw the convention to combat desertification. The Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) entered into force in December 1996, and Japan became a party in December 1998. At the second Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP2) in December 1998, Japan expressed its determination to continue its cooperation in the field of combating desertification as the largest donor country to the UNCCD. |
| It is stipulated in Article 26 of the UNCCD that each party is to submit a report on the measures taken to implement the Convention. Article 22, meanwhile, stipulates that the Conference of the Parties is to review such reports. The Decision 11 of the first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP1) provides for the third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to review reports from affected African country parties, and for the fourth session (COP4) to review reports from affected country parties of other regions. The same Decision called for developed country parties to report, at each session of the COP, on their assistance provided to affected developing country Parties reporting for the session, including "information on the financial resources they have provided, or are providing, both bilaterally and multilaterally". |
| This report is submitted prior to COP4, scheduled to be held in Bonn in December 2000. This report describes many examples of Japan's efforts, over the period from 1996, when the UNCCD entered in to force, to the end of fiscal 1999, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in the regions other than Africa, particularly in Asia and Latin America/Caribbean. With regard to Japan's efforts in the African region, Japan submitted its report in August 1999 prior to COP3. |
| Japan had been making substantial contributions to the implementaion of the Convention even before it officially became a party in December 1998. Through its contributions, Japan has been supporting, for example; various regional meetings in Asia such as the ministerial meeting, focal point meetings, experts meetings and workshops; national awareness-raising seminars and regional activities in Latin America and the Caribbean; and national report preparation by Asian, Latin American and Caribbean country parties. |
| Furthermore, Japan hosted an experts workshop (TPN1 workshop), held at the United Nations University in Tokyo on June 28-30, 2000, on desertification monitoring and assessment with respect to the Thematic Program Networks (TPNs) in the context of the development of Asia's regional action program for UNCCD. This workshop was designed to promote scientific and technical cooperation concerning desertification monitoring and assessment. The workshop was attended by about 70 participants including experts and UNCCD national focal points from 14 Asian countries, international organizations and other countries. The workshop was held with cooperation of the Government of Japan, the UNCCD secretariat, the United Nations University, China, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The outcome of this workshop will be reported at the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP4), slated to be held in Bonn in December 2000. |
| Japan's cooperative measures include the bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects. Japan has been implementing ODA projects which contribute to combating desertification, in the areas such as conservation of water resources, reforestation and forest conservation, and agricultural development. There are various ODA schemes through which these projects have been implemented. These schemes include: Development Investment; Project-type Technical Cooperation; General Grant Aid; Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects; and Yen Loan. In addition, with a view to enhancing scientific and technical capabilities to combat desertification in various countries, Japan sends Japanese experts overseas and accepts trainees from abroad. |
| A variety of study and research activities are being conducted by Japanese institutions. For example, the Environment Agency of Japan conducts research on measures to combat desertification and also provides the Global Environment Research Fund to promote research on desertification. Also, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Japan Green Resources Corporation conduct a study for combating desertification in Asia and a study for preventing soil erosion in Latin America. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Association for International Cooperation of Agriculture and Forestry conduct research on prospects of utilizing desert areas for agriculture in Mongolia. Study and research activities are also carried out at the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University. |
| Financial assistance has been provided to Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in and outside Japan through various schemes including the Japan Fund for Global Environment (Japan Environment Corporation), the Promotion of Private Sector Activities for Global Tree Planting (Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center), the Promotion of NGOs Activities in the field of Agriculture and Forestry (Association for International Cooperation of Agriculture and Forestry), and the Postal Savings for International Voluntary Aid (Post Office). |
| Japan has been contributing funds to international organizations which are involved in activities to combat desertification. Examples contained in this report are: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO); International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); World Meteorological Organization (WMO); Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR); International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD; the World Bank); Global Environment Facility (GEF); and Asian Development Bank (ADB). |
| As stated above, Japan has been furthering international cooperation through numerous supportive measures to combat desertification. |
|
| I. INTRODUCTION |
| The international community's efforts toward environmental conservation have been made in many ways including the United Nations Conference on Human Environment, held in Stockholm in June 1972, which adopted the “Declaration of the UN Conference on Human Environment.” In recent years, along with the expansion in the scope, scale, and types of human activities, various global environment issues have emerged, and they are recognized as potential threats to human beings. International cooperation is essential in this regard, because the deterioration of the global environment is feared to substantially affect the world’s population, and because this problem cannot be effectively dealt with by a single nation. Furthermore, it is important for developed countries in their assistance to developing countries to support the developing countries' "ownership" and to cooperate in achieving sustainable development. Japan regards the global environmental issues, including combating desertification, as one of the most important areas in which the country should make its international contribution. |
| The United Nations Conference on Environmental Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, was the consummation gathering for the related international efforts made up to that time. The outcome of the UNCED, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and “Agenda 21," specified the details of the comprehensive efforts related to global environmental issues. Chapter 12 of "Agenda 21," titled “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Combating Desertification and Drought,” sets forth a specific action program to tackle desertification. |
| At UNCED, basic agreement was reached on the establishment of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to draw the convention to combat desertification. This convention was adopted at the fifth session of the negotiating committee in June 1994, and was signed by 86 countries, including Japan, in October of the same year. The Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) entered into force in December 1996, and Japan became a party in December 1998. At the second Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP2) in December 1998, Japan expressed its determination to continue its cooperation in the field of combating desertification as the largest donor country to the UNCCD. |
| At the 1997 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the Environment and Development (UNGASS), then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto announced Japan's comprehensive environmental Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy entitled the "Initiative for Sustainable Development toward the 21st Century (ISD)." The philosophy of ISD is: Human Security; Ownership; and Sustainable Development. As for "Human Security," it is important to address the environmnetal degradation, which would threaten human existence and constitute a security issue in a broad sense. As for "Ownership," it is important for developing countries to assume the primary responsibility for environmental issues, with supporting countries providing assistance to such efforts. Also, the objective of assistance should be to realize "Sustainable Development," taking into account the differing economic and social situation of each developing country. Japan's environmental ODA in fiscal 1998 amounted to \413.2 billion (about US$4 billion) (on a commitments basis), accounting for 24.5% of the total ODA of Japan committed that year. |
| Putting the ISD into action, Japan has taken various steps. The Program of Action of the ISD includes "Air Pollution (Acid Rain), Water Pollution, and Waste Disposal," "Global Warming (the Kyoto Initiative)," "Nature Conservation," "Water Issues," and "Development of Public and Government Awareness". One of the key points of the Program of Action is "Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management and Strengthening of Cooperation against Desertification". The specific examples of the activities include the Reforestation and Extension Project in Thailand and the Social Forestry Extension Model Development Project for Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya. |
| In addition to such bilateral ODA projects, Japan has been providing financial contributions to relevant international organizations to support the fight against desertification. Furthermore, various study and research activities on desertification are being conducted by the Japanese institutions. Also, activities of many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both in Japan and overseas have been supported by various sources. |
| With regard to Japan's contributions to the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Japan had been actively involved in the process even before it officially became a party to the Convention in December 1998. During the intergovernmental negotiations for UNCCD, Japan served as a bureau member and chaired the Second Working Group, positively participating in the drafting process. Moreover, Japan had contributed, prior to concluding the Convention, a total of almost US$5 million, to the Trust Fund and the Special Voluntary Fund established by the General Assembly resolution 47/188, during the period from 1993 to 1998. |
| Now, the accumulative total of the Japanese financial contributions to the UNCCD since 1993 has reached about US$7.7 million. Through these financial contributions, Japan has supported the participation of developing country parties in the Conference of the Parties, and helped the UNCCD secretariat organize various meetings such as regional meetings to develop regional action programmes. Thus, Japan has been making a variety of continuous contributions as a developed country party since concluding the Convention. |
| It is stipulated in Article 26 of the UNCCD that each party is to submit a report on the measures taken to implement the Convention. Article 22, meanwhile, stipulates that the Conference of the Parties is to review such reports. The Decision 11 of the first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP1) provides for the third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to review reports from affected African country parties, and for the fourth session (COP4) to review reports from affected country parties of other regions. The same Decision called for developed country parties to report, at each session of the COP, on their assistance provided to affected developing country Parties reporting for the session. The same Decision also outlines that the developed country parties' reports should contain information on the "consultative processes and partnership arrangements in which they are involved" and the "measures taken to support the preparation and implementation of action programmes at all levels, including information on the financial resources they have provided, or are providing, both bilaterally and multilaterally". |
| This report is submitted prior to COP4, scheduled to be held in Bonn in December 2000. This report describes many examples of Japan's efforts, over the period from 1996, when the UNCCD entered in to force, to the end of fiscal 1999, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in the regions other than Africa, particularly in Asia and Latin America/Caribbean. Because it is difficult to exhaustively document all relevant activities, this report contains some illustrative cases. With regard to Japan's efforts in the African region, Japan submitted its report in August 1999 prior to COP3. |
|
| II. ASIA |
| 1. Overview |
| Japan's assistance in the Asian region is being implemented in a variety of realms, reflecting the diversity of the countries in the region. In East/Southeast Asia, the progress of industrial pollution, aggravation of the urban living environment, and decrease/deterioration of natural resources are seen in some countries, in line with their rapid industrialization. In Southwest Asia, forest destruction and deterioration of the urban living environment, resulting from population growth, poverty, and other factors, are proceeding. Central Asia, meanwhile, is in the stage of consolidating the foundation for self-supported economic development after independence. The Middle East region includes both oil-producing countries and Least Developed Countries, but because many countries in the region belong to the arid area, support for water resources development is particularly important. Amid this state of affairs, Japan has been extending assistance to support, for instance, poverty countermeasures, environmental conservation including forest conservation, and economic infrastructure improvement. |
| A. Consultative process and partnership agreements |
| Japan has been engaged in various consultative processes and partnership agreements regarding Asia. For example, Japan has been actively participating in the Initiative for Collaboration to Control Natural Resource Degradation (Desertification) of Arid Lands in the Middle East, which has been initiated by the World Bank. |
| This Initiative has been conducted by the Working Group on the Environment, chaired by Japan, within the framework of the Multilateral Tracks of the Middle East peace process. In addition to the financial contributions amounting to a total of US$910 thousand (as of May 2000), Japan sent experts for a surveying mission in Israel, Jordan, Syria and Egypt in April 1998 and hosted an international seminar at Tottori University in November-December 1998. Since then, Japan has been following up on the progress of this Initiative. |
| As for Japan's support provided through the secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), examples include: the Asian Ministerial Conference on the UNCCD (1997); the Asian National Focal Points Meetings (1998, 1999); formulation of a regional action programme in Asia; the regional experts group meetings (1998, 1999); support for sub-regional activities in West Asia; and the Asia-Africa Forum meetings (1996, 1997). It is expected that these activities promote information sharing and communication, leading to furthering the efforts to combat desertification in Asia. |
| B. Measures taken to support the preparation and implementation of action programmes at all levels |
| Japan's cooperative measures include bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, study and research by Japanese institutions, support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) activities, and contributions to related international organizations. |
| Japan's bilateral cooperation is multi-faceted. This report focuses on the following areas; conservation of water resources; reforestation and forest conservation; and agricultural development. Furthermore, Japan's activities regarding capacity building and education as well as study and research on desertification are described in this report. The report also explains financial assistance for NGOs provided through various sources in Japan. |
| It should be stressed here that efforts are being made in Japan to enhance the linkage between Japan's ODA process and UNCCD process with a view to further promoting more effective and efficient support for combating desertification. |
| Japan contributes funds also to international organizations which are involved in activities to combat desertification, thereby supporting the global efforts to combat desertification. Examples contained in this report are: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO); International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); World Meteorological Organization (WMO); Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR); International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD; the World Bank); Global Environment Facility (GEF); and Asian Development Bank (ADB). |
|
| 2. Support for the UNCCD process |
| A. Thematic Programme Network 1 (TPN1) Workshop (Tokyo, June 2000) |
| Japan hosted an experts workshop (TPN1 workshop), held at the United Nations University in Tokyo on June 28-30, 2000, on desertification monitoring and assessment with respect to the Thematic Program Networks (TPNs) in the context of the development of Asia's regional action program for UNCCD. This workshop was designed to promote scientific and technical cooperation concerning desertification monitoring and assessment. The workshop was attended by about 70 participants including experts and UNCCD national focal points from 14 Asian countries, international organizations and other countries. The workshop was held with cooperation of the Government of Japan, the UNCCD secretariat, the United Nations University, China, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The outcome of this workshop will be reported at the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP4), slated to be held in Bonn in December 2000. |
| B. Financial support for various activities |
| Through contributions to the Supplementary Fund and the Special Fund (see Note below), Japan has supported the participation of developing country parties in the Conference of the Parties (COP), and helped the UNCCD secretariat organize various meetings such as regional meetings to prepare regional action programmes. Since 1994, Japan has contributed to these Funds a total of US$4,892 thousand, and is the largest contributor in the world. Japan's contributions to these Funds for the years 1996 through 1998 are as follows: US$887 thousand (1996); US$1,076 thousand (1997); US$1,800 thousand (1998) |
| Note: The Supplementary Fund and the Special Fund were formerly called the "Trust Fund" and the "Special Voluntary Fund," respectively, until 1999. |
The following are some examples of Japan's support provided through the UNCCD secretariat:
| ・ | National awareness-raising seminars in Asia (1996): US$96.5 thousand |
| ・ | Institutional support to Least Developed Countries (1997): US$161 thousand |
| ・ | Sub-regional activities in West Asia: Experts Group Meeting In Muscat (September 1998), Experts Group Meeting in Bangkok (November 1998): US$99 thousand |
| ・ | Formulation of a regional action programme in Asia: US$53 thousand |
| ・ | Asian Ministerial Conference on the UNCCD (Beijing, May 1997): US$54 thousand |
| ・ | First Asian National Focal Points Meeting (Ohtsu, Japan, May 1998): US$25 thousand |
| ・ | "Beijing Meetings" (Second Asian National Focal Points Meeting/Asia-Africa TechnicalWorkshop on Early Warning Systems/Launching Meeting of the Thematic Programme Network 1 (TPN1), Beijing, July 1999): US$280 thousand |
| ・ | Thematic Programme Network 2 (TPN2) Launching Meeting (New Delhi, March 2000): US$30 thousand |
| ・ | Thematic Programme Network 3 (TPN3) Launching Meeting (planned for 2000): US$30 thousand |
| ・ | Asia-Africa Global NGO Forum (Hyderabad, December 1996): US$57 thousand |
| ・ | Asia-Africa Forum on UNCCD (Beijing, August 1996): US$109 thousand |
| ・ | The second Asia-Africa Forum on UNCCD (Niamey, September 1997): US$202 thousand |
| ・ | Support for the national report preparation by Asian, Latin American and Caribbean country parties (2000): US$100 thousand |
| ・ | Support for participation of affected developing country parties at the third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3, 1999): US$75 thousand |
| ・ | Support for participation of affected developing country parties at the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP4, 2000): US$75 thousand |
| ・ | UNCCD Information System (1997): US$60 thousand |
| ・ | Support to the COP/ CST (Survey and Evaluation of Existing Networks)(1997): US$50 thousand |
| ・ | UNDP-SEED expert meeting (Israel, March 1997): US$45 thousand |
|
|
| 3. Bilateral cooperation and other activities |
| A. Conservation of water resources |
| Japan's cooperation regarding conservation of water resources includes development of water for everyday living. Following are some examples of Japan's cooperation in Asia in this regard (Country; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount). |
| DI…Development Investment |
| TC…Project-type Technical Cooperation |
| GA…General Grant Aid |
| GAG…Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects |
| YL…Yen Loan |
|
| ・ | China; Study on Groundwater Development in Tuoketuo Country, Inner Mongolia (DI); 96-99; \538,573 thousand (US$4,448 thousand) |
| ・ | China; Study on Development of Water-resource, Shenfu-Dongsheng in China (DI); 97; \46,962 thousand (US$388 thousand) |
| ・ | Mongolia; Study on Groundwater Development for Altai City in Mongolia (DI); 96-99; \751,900 thousand (US$6,250 thousand) |
| ・ | Syria; Study on Water Resources Development in the Northwestern and Central Basins in the Syrian Arab Republic (DI); 96-99; \575,896 thousand (US$4,924 thousand) |
| ・ | Iran; Study on Water Management in the Western Area of the Capital Teheran in the Islamic Republic of Iran (DI); 99; \4,002 thousand (US$35 thousand) |
| ・ | Jordan; Study on Water Resources Management Plan for The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (DI); 99; \9,214 thousand (US$81 thousand) |
| ・ | Pakistan; The Drinking Water Supply Project at Sultanabad (GAG); 98; \4,423,938 (US$33,799) |
| ・ | India; Clean Village Initiative Project (GAG); 99; \7,702,320 (US$67,624) |
| ・ | Mongolia; The Project for Improving Water Supply at Tsetseg Country in Khovd Aimag (GAG); 99; \2,466,360 (US$21,654) |
| ・ | Kazakhstan; Monitoring Ecological Research in Kazakhstani Part of Aral Sea Region (GAG); 98; \9,177,922 (US$80,579) |
|
|
| B. Reforestation and forest conservation |
| Japan has been assisting reforestation and forest conservation in Asia. Below are some examples of Japan's cooperation in Asia in this respect (Country; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount). |
| DI…Development Investment |
| TC…Project-type Technical Cooperation |
| GA…General Grant Aid |
| GAG…Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects |
| YL…Yen Loan |
|
| ・ | China; Hubei Province Forest Tree Improvement Project (TC); 94-99; \684,557 thousand (US$5,864 thousand) |
| ・ | China; Forest Protection Research Project in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (TC); 94-99; \722,406 thousand (US$6,970 thousand) |
| ・ | China; Forestry Development Project in Fujian Province of China (TC); 89-96/98; \1,061,139 thousand (US$9,401 thousand) |
| ・ | Mongolia; Forest Resources Management Study in Selenge (DI); 93-97; \359,157 thousand (US$3,446 thousand) |
| ・ | India; Eastern Karnataka Afforestation Project (YL); 96; \15,968 million (US$132 million) |
| ・ | India; Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (YL); 96; \13,324 million (US$110 million) |
| ・ | India; Punjab Afforestation Project (YL); 97; \6,193 million (US$51.2 million) |
| ・ | China; Project for Improvement of Forestation Equipment for Conservation of Water and Soil in the Upper Stream of the Hanjiang River (GA); 98; \1,247 million (US$9.5 million) |
| ・ | China; Project of Plantation in Northern Area of Datong City in Shanxi Province (GAG); 98; \9,908,106 (US$75,698) |
| ・ | China; Project of Japan-China Tree-Planting Campaign in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (GAG); 99; \9,650,640 (US$84,729) |
| ・ | Uzbekistan; Forestation for Keeping Water (GAG); 98; \7,088,142 (US$62,231) |
| ・ | Iran; Planting Project of Hillside of Mt.Alborze (GAG); 99; \5,122,080 (US$44,970) |
| ・ | China; assistance for private sector's afforestation cooperation activities through "Japan China Board of Assistance to Greening Activities"; established in November 1999; \10 billion (from the Government of Japan) |
| ・ | Developing countries including those in Asia; the International Workshop on Model Forests for Field-Level Applications of Sustainable Forest Management; 1996〜; \84 million |
|
|
| C. Agricultural development |
| It is essential to secure water resources for agricultural production. Japan's support in this area includes development of irrigation facilities and waterways. Some examples are presented below (Country; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount). |
| DI…Development Investment |
| TC…Project-type Technical Cooperation |
| GA…General Grant Aid |
| GAG…Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects |
| YL…Yen Loan |
|
| ・ | India; Rehabilitation of Minor Irrigation Tanks for Rural Development in Tamil Nadu (DI); 96-97; \234,883 thousand (US$2,013 thousand) |
| ・ | Pakistan; The Lining of Distributaries and Minors in Punjab (DI); 94-97; \328,507 thousand (US$3,109 thousand) |
| ・ | Pakistan; Irrigation Water Resources Development with Delay Action Dams Project inBalochistan (DI); 95-97; \303,327 thousand (US$2,883 thousand) |
| ・ | Pakistan; Taunsa Barrage Irrigation System Rehabilitation Study (DI); 96-98; \186,581 thousand (US$1,539 thousand) |
| ・ | Oman; Agriculture Development Project in the Nejd Region Phase II (DI); 90-97; \370,473 thousand (US$3,170 thousand) |
| ・ | Kazakhstan; Kzyl-Orda Irrigation/Drainage and Water Management Improvement Project (DI); 95-97; \498,901 thousand (US$4,403 thousand) |
| ・ | China; The follow-up technical cooperation for The Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Development and Training Center Project in the People's Republic of China (TC); 91-98; \560,329 thousand (US$4,822 thousand) |
| ・ | China; Ansai Mountain Area Integrated Agricultural Development Project in Shanxi (DI); 97-98; \158,015 thousand (US$1,212 thousand) |
| ・ | China; Study for Taihang Shan integrated Agricultural Development Project in Hebei Province (DI); 97-99; \288,364 thousand (US$2,210 thousand) |
| ・ | China; Yellow River Delta Agricultural Development Project (YL); 99; \8,904 million (US$78.2 million) |
| ・ | China; Project to support the irrigation of Daming County in Hebei Province (GAG); 97; \9,059,797 (US$69,212) |
| ・ | China; Project for Development of Agricultural Water Management of Dong Ting Hu Lake (GA); 97; \1,127 million (US$9.3 million) |
| ・ | China; Sanjiang Plain Agricultural Development Program (YL); 96; \14,910 million (US$137 million) |
| ・ | China; Sanjiang Plain Agricultural Development Program (II) (YL); 97; \2,792 million (US$23.1 million) |
| ・ | India; Rengali Irrigation Project (YL); 97; \7,760 million (US$64.1 million) |
|
|
| D. Capacity building and education |
| With a view to enhancing scientific and technical capabilities to combat desertification in various countries, Japan sends Japanese experts overseas and provides training for researchers, government administrators and local peoples of affected developing countries. Areas covered in such programs include agriculture, forestry and water resources. |
| (1) The numbers of trainees accepted from Asian countries and of Japanese experts dispatched to Asian countries with respect to the above three areas (A., B., C.)(ODA) |
| ・ | Trainees accepted |
|
| fiscal year | 1996 | 97 | 98 | 99 | total |
| # persons | 23 | 20 | 35 | 25 | 103 |
|
| ・ | Experts dispatched |
|
| fiscal year | 1996 | 97 | 98 | 99 | total |
| # persons | 11 | 6 | 11 | 24 | 52 |
|
|
| (2) Training at Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
| At the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, trainees from countries including Iran, Oman, Jordan and Syria, attend lectures and take part in experiments regarding development and utilization of water resources (1996-98) and development and environmental assessment of water resources (1999-), as per the requests from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). |
| ・ | Trainees from Asia accepted at the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
|
| Fiscal year | 1996 | 3 | persons |
| 97 | 3 | |
| 98 | 5 | |
| 99 | 1 | |
|
| ・ | Experts dispatched to Asia from the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
|
| Fiscal year | 1996 | 6 | persons |
| 97 | 8 | |
| 98 | 14 | |
| 99 | 10 | |
|
|
|
| E. Study and research on desertification |
| A variety of study and research activities regarding desertification are being conducted by Japanese institutions. The following shows a few examples. |
| (1) Support for Mongolia |
| ・ | Study on the Present State of Desertification in the Southern Part of Dornogobi Prefecture (experts dispatched from Japan); FY1995; approx. \370,000 (US$3400) |
| ・ | Environmental Study for Mongolia (experts dispatched from Japan); FY1999; \1,350,265 (US$12,300) |
|
| (2) Research by the Environment Agency on combating desertification |
| ・ | Research for Supporting the Convention to Combat Desertification); FY1996-; \12,866 thousand (1996), \13,097 thousand (1997), \13,105 thousand (1998), \31,642 thousand (1999) |
| ・ | Research for Supporting Development and Dissemination of Simple Technique to Combat Desertification; FY1999-; \5,000 thousand (1999) |
|
| (3) Study by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Japan Green Resources Corporation for environmental preservation measures such as combating desertification |
In order to contribute to the prevention of desertification through sustainable agricultural and rural development in arid and semi-arid areas in Asia, the following study on various techniques regarding agriculture, stock farming and others has been conducted (Country; Research project title; Fiscal year; Amount):
| ・ | China; Study for Combating Desertification in Asia; 2000-; \28,421 thousand (2000) |
|
| (4) Research by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Association for International Cooperation of Agriculture and Forestry (AICAF) |
| By using the Budget for Asian Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Cooperation, and in cooperation with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), the following research was conducted (Country; Research project title; Fiscal year; Amount): |
| ・ | Mongolia; Research on Prospects of Utilizing Desert Areas for Agriculture in Mongolia; 1998; \1,267 thousand |
|
| (5) Research at Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
| The Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, is the only research institute in Japan that is established for basic research on combating desertification and on agricultural development and use of arid land. A large number of researchers from all over the world constantly participate in the Center's research and study activities. The Center's research and study activities take place both in Japan and abroad. The budget for each activity cannot be specified. |
| (6) Promotion of research on desertification using the Global Environment Research Fund |
| The Global Environment Research Fund is provided by the Environment Agency of Japan with a view to promoting, in cooperation with relevant Ministries, global environment research from interdisciplinary and international perspectives by researchers in various fields at national research institutions and universities. Examples of research projects supported by this Fund are as follows (Country; Research project title; Fiscal year; Amount): |
| ・ | China; Evaluation of Prevention and Remedies for Desertification; 1995〜97; \42,774 thousand (1995)、\65,487 thousand (1996)、\57,897 thousand (1997) |
| ・ | China; Improvement of Desert (Alkali) Soil in China by Gypsum; 1997〜98; \9,974 thousand (1997)、\10,000 thousand (1998) |
| ・ | Kazakhstan; Study on the Development of Technology for the Rehabilitation of Soils with Salt Accumulation in the Central Asia; 1996〜98; \66,284 thousand (1996)、\63,943 thousand (1997)、\38,144 thousand (1998) |
| ・ | China; Studies on Land Use Planning Applying Preventive Technology against Desertification; 1998; \24,026 thousand |
| ・ | China; Study of the Processes and Impact of Land-Use Change in China; 1998〜2000; \31,040 thousand (1998)、\23,609 thousand (1999) |
| ・ | China; Studies on Land Use Planning Applying Preventive Technology against Desertification; 1999〜2000; \23,092 thousand (1999) |
| ・ | China; Evaluation of the activities and technologies to combat desertification in China; 1999〜2000; \1,200 thousand (1999) |
|
|
| F. Support for NGO activities |
| Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a very important role in combating desertification. Financial and other forms of support is provided for activities of NGOs based both in Japan and overseas through various sources. The following shows some of many examples. |
| (1) NGO support by the Japan Fund for Global Environment |
| Japan Fund for Global Environment established in Japan Environment Corporation supports, in cooperation with the private sector, NGOs involved in environmental conservation. The following NGO activities in Asia from 1996 through 1999 have been supported by this Fund (NGO name; Country in which activities have taken place; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount): |
| ・ | Japan Peat Society; China; Joint Research on the Reclamation of Desertified Land Utilizing Peat; 1996; \1,000 thousand |
| ・ | Green Earth Center; China; Tree Planting Activities in the Desert in China; 1996; \5,000 thousand |
| ・ | Commission of Biovillage, The Japanese Association for Arid Land Studies; China; A Model Project for Prevention of Desertification in Horqin Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia, China; 1996,1997; \3,000 thousand (1996), \5,000 thousand (1997) |
| ・ | The Japan Association for Greening Deserts; China; Greening Kubuqi Desert in China; 1996; \1,500 thousand |
| ・ | Foundation Japan Industry Development Youth Association; China; Enhancing Forestry by Planting Young Trees in Chinese KUBUCHI Desert and Preserving Farm Lands and Meadows in the Neighborhood; 1997, 1998, 1999; \3,200 thousand (1997), \4,500 thousand (1998), \4,000 thousand (1999) |
| ・ | The Japanese Society of Irrigation, Drainage and Reclamation Engineering; countries not specified; Study on the Appropriate Management of Resources for the Prevention of the Salinization and Desertification in Arid Areas; 1997; \3,200 thousand |
| ・ | Green Earth Network; China; Cooperation in Greening on Huanto-Plateau in Shanxi, China; 1997; \4,400 thousand |
| ・ | Japan Peat Society; China; Research of Greening Desertified Land in the Upper Reaches of the Yellow River; 1998, 1999; \5,600 thousand (1998), \4,500 thousand (1999) |
| ・ | Japan Bio-Village Association; China; A Model Project for Prevention of Desertification in Horqin Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia, China; 1998; \6,600 thousand |
| ・ | The Japanese Society of Irrigation, Drainage and Reclamation Engineering; Asia; Monitoring of Land Use/Land Cover Change in Asian Countries and Measures for Escaping from Poverty Through Agricultural Land Conservation; 1998; \4,600 thousand |
| ・ | Green Earth Network; China; Investigation into Influence of Global Warming on Huangu Plateau in Shanxi, China; 1998; \3,600 thousand |
| ・ | Kosho Afforestation Society; China; Program To Halt The Desertification of The Keerqin Grasslands; 1999; \1,000 thousand |
| ・ | The Japan Association for Greening Deserts; China; The activity for preventing from desertification of Deshengcheng area" of Inner Mongolia's Kubuqi desert in China; 1999; \2,000 thousand |
|
| (2) Support for NGOs through Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center |
| Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center provides support for Japanese NGOs' afforestation projects in developing countries including those in Asia. The support includes assisting in advance survey, sending experts overseas to provide technical training and accepting counterparts to Japan. This support program is called the Promotion of Private Sector Activities for Global Tree Planting. Between 1996-1999, \530 million was provided. |
| (3) Support for NGOs through the Association for International Cooperation of Agriculture and Forestry |
Through the Association for International Cooperation of Agriculture and Forestry, experts are sent overseas to assist in Japanese NGO's field activities regarding agriculture and forestry in developing countries including in Asia. This support program, called the Promotion of NGOs Activities in the field of Agriculture and Forestry, started in FY1996. The following amounts have been provided in the respective fiscal year: \90 million (1997); \85 million (1998); \90 million (1999).
Examples of projects supported by this program are as follows (NGO name; Country in which activities have taken place; Activities): |
| ・ | OISCA; Indonesia; Technical instruction in afforestation |
| ・ | Green Earth Center; China; Tree planting in desert |
|
| (4) NGO support by Postal Savings for International Voluntary Aid |
| (see attached chart) |
| Attached chart |
| II. ASIA |
| F. Support for NGO Activities |
| (4) NGO support by the Postal Savings for International Voluntary Aid |
|
| Fiscal Year 1996 (Asia) |
| ○Tree planting activities primarily to combat desertification |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Desert Planting Volunteer Association | China | 7,035,000 |
| Green Earth Center | China | 4,140,000 |
| The Japan Association for Green Deserts | China | 4,680,000 |
| Japan Seinendan Council | China | 1,980,000 |
| Kyoto Forum | India | 4,019,000 |
| Japan Committee Cooperating Mongolian Forestation Movement | Mongolia | 4,029,000 |
|
|
| ○Tree planting and technical guidance regarding environmental conservation and agriculture |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Japan Industry Development Youth Association | China | 3,349,000 |
| Green Earth Network | China | 9,086,000 |
| Okinawa International Association | China | 1,796,000 |
| International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems | Pakistan | 6,240,000 |
| Trees to China Fund | China | 4,985,000 |
| Sino-Japanese Society for Cooperation on Science and Technology | China | 8,612,000 |
|
|
| Fiscal year 1997 (Asia) |
| ○Tree planting activities primarily to combat desertification |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Desert Planting Volunteer Association | China | 5,833,000 |
| Green Earth Center | China | 2,052,000 |
| The Japan Association for Green Deserts | China | 4,560,000 |
| Japan Seinendan Council | China | 1,769,000 |
| Kyoto Forum | India | 4,000,000 |
| International Community Development Center Kobe | China | 3,690,000 |
|
|
| ○Tree planting and technical guidance regarding environmental conservation and agriculture |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Japan Industry Development Youth Association | China | 2,884,000 |
| International Children's Village "Happy Valley" | India | 1,250,000 |
| Green Earth Network | China | 7,153,000 |
| Trees to China Fund | China | 3,856,000 |
| Society for Operation Minimum Needs | India | 2,466,000 |
| Kyoto Forum | Thailand | 1,926,000 |
|
|
| Fiscal year 1998 (Asia) |
| ○Tree planting activities primarily to combat desertification |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Desert Planting Volunteer Association | China | 7,606,000 |
| Research Association Greening Desert and Grassland of Inner Mongolia, China | China | 2,075,000 |
| Green Earth Center | China | 2,850,000 |
| The Japan Association for Green Deserts | China | 8,550,000 |
| Japan Seinendan Council | China | 2,641,000 |
| Kyoto Forum | India | 3,000,000 |
|
|
| ○Tree planting and technical guidance regarding environmental conservation and agriculture |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Japan Industry Development Youth Association | China | 2,372,000 |
| Green Earth Network | China | 10,308,000 |
| Trees to China Fund | China | 2,391,000 |
| Society for Operation Minimum Needs | India | 2,279,000 |
| Japan Silver Volunteers Inc. | China | 8,784,000 |
|
|
| Fiscal year 1999 (Asia) |
| ○Tree planting activities primarily to combat desertification |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Desert Planting Volunteer Association | China | 5,658,000 |
| Research Association Greening Desert and Grassland of Inner Mongolia, China | China | 1,835,000 |
| The Japan Association for Green Deserts | China | 9,534,000 |
| Japan Seinendan Council | China | 1,725,00 |
| Kyoto Forum | India | 3,000,000 |
|
|
| ○Tree planting and technical guidance regarding environmental conservation and agriculture |
|
| NGO name | Country in which
activities have
taken place | Amount
(Yen) |
|---|
| Japan Industry Development Youth Association | China | 1,941,000 |
| Green Earth Network | China | 9,021,000 |
| Trees to China Fund | China | 1,818,000 |
| Society for Operation Minimum Needs | India | 1,234,000 |
| Japan Silver Volunteers inc. | China | 6,575,000 |
|
| 4. Contributions through international organizations |
| A. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) |
UNEP had been monitoring desertification before the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was drafted. UNEP has also been providing support in various countries and regions for developing action programmes and promoting public awareness regarding desertification. Japan's recent contributions to UNEP are as follows:
US$9,000 thousand (1996); US$6,000 thousand (1997); US$4,928 thousand (1998); US$4,846 thousand (1999) |
Japan has also contributed to the creation of a vegetation database for Asia by converting satellite image data to figures to show change in vegetation and soil covering caused by human activity, as well as by providing the data to UNEP/GRID (Global Resources Information Database).
\10,835 thousand (1996); \11,034 thousand (1997); \10,975 thousand (1998); \10,975 thousand (1999)(approx. US$110 thousand) |
|
| B. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) |
| Japan has been contributing to the efforts to combat desertification through FAO's agricultural and forestry activities. Japan's recent contributions to the FAO are as follows. |
Japan's assessed contributions to the FAO core budget:
US$53.04 million (1996); US$53.58 million (1997); US$58.55 million (1998); US$64.56 million (1999) |
Japan's voluntary contributions:
US$5.95 million (1996); US$5.38 million (1997); US$4.27 million (1998); US$6 million (1999) |
Of the FAO field projects Japan has voluntarily contributed to, the following projects are particularly related to combating desertification:
| ・ | Mithawan Watershed Management in Pakistan (US$300 thousand (1996); US$200 thousand (1997)) |
| ・ | Strengthening Country Capacity in Forest Resource Assessment for Sustainable Forestry Planning in the Asia-Pacific Region (US$250 thousand (1996); US$150 thousand (1997)) |
| ・ | Support to the Reorientation of Forestry Policies and Institutions of Countries of Asia in Reform to a Market Economy (US$440 thousand (1996); US$440 thousand (1997); US$340 thousand (1998)) |
| ・ | Agricultural Land and Water Information for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (US$430 thousand (1996); US$430 thousand (1997); US$390 thousand (1998); US$420 thousand (1999)) |
|
|
| C. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) |
| Japan is the largest donor of the ITTO and contributed US$11.05 million in 1998. Japan has been contributing to a large number of ITTO's forest conservation projects including afforestation. |
|
| D. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) |
| As a member since IFAD was established, Japan has contributed a total of US$220 million over four replenishments since the initial contribution. Japan has been supporting the IFAD's activities as the third largest contributor, accounting for approximately six percent of the total contribution to the IFAD. |
|
| E. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
Japan contributed a total of US$369.3 million to the UNDP core fund between 1996 and 1999. Japan's recent contributions are as follows:
US$110.1 million (1996); US$99.3 million (1997); US$79.9 million (1998);
US$80.0 million (1999) |
|
| F. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) |
Japan annually contributes to WMO's regular budget in accordance with the WMO Convention and makes contributions to the Voluntary Cooperation Fund. Between 1996 and 1999, Japan contributed a total of \2,761 million to WMO. Japan's recent contributions are as follows:
\612,825 thousand (1996); \738,499 thousand (1997); \742,067 thousand (1998); \667,894 thousand (1999)(approx. US$6 million) |
|
| G. Consultative Group in International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) |
| Of the CGIAR's 16 international agricultural research centers, the following two centers conduct research related to combating desertification. While the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT, based in India) conducts research on crops that can grow on arid land, agricultural research on arid land in the Middle East and North Africa is carried out at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA, based in Syria). |
Japan's contributions to ICRISAT:
\340 million (1998); \340 million (1999)(approx. US$3 million) |
Japan's contributions to ICARDA:
\60 million (1998); \70 million (1999)(approx. US$0.7 million) |
|
| H. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD; the World Bank) |
| The World Bank's cooperation in combating desertification includes promoting rural development strategies stressing the correlation between poverty and land degradation. As the second largest donor of the World Bank after the United States (IBRD/IDA)(8.1% as of June 1999, 18.0% after the 12th replenishment), Japan has been supporting the World Bank's development assistance activities, including combating desertification. In order also to indirectly support the development assistance activities of the World Bank, Japan has been contributing to the Policy and Human Resource Development (PHRD) fund which is to be used for technical support provided by the World Bank (budget for 2000: \12,190 million, approx. US$120 million). |
|
| I. Global Environment Facility (GEF) |
| Japan contributed about US$415 million to GEF1 in a 4 year period from July 1994 to June 1998. This amount accounted for about 20.5 % of the GEF1 capitals (about US$2.02 billion) and was the second largest after that of the United States (US$430 million). |
| Moreover, Japan has pledged to contribute about US$413 million to GEF2 in a 4 year period from July 1998 to June 2002. The amount accounts for about 20.0 % of the GEF2 new money (about US$ 2.06 billion) and is the second largest after the US. |
| In addition, Japan contributes to effective and efficient operation of GEF by providing advice on issues such as project approval at the biannual meeting of the GEF's council, and by dispatching advisors to the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) to provide scientific and technical advice on the GEF portfolio and projects. |
|
| J. Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Japan is one of the most important members of the ADB, accounting for 16% of the total share. Japan and the U.S. are the two largest share-holders of the ADB. Japan has contributed to the Asian Development Fund (ADF), which is ADB's window for concessional lending, totaling US$6.44 billion to date. Japan has also contributed to the Japan Special Fund (JSF), which provides grant to borrowing members. Japan's contribution to the JSF in FY 1999 is \4.1 billion (approx. US$40 million). |
|
| III. LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN |
| 1. Overview |
| There are various kinds of serious environmental issues in the Latin American region, including the decline of Amazonian tropical rain forests, desertification in the northeastern part of Brazil, air pollution in major cities such as Mexico City, extensive water pollution, and conversion of urban areas into slums due to population concentration in cities. Concerning these environmental issues in Latin America, Japan has been actively cooperating in both technical and financial assistance. As for the Caribbean countries, Japan's assistance provided to them is generally limited because their income levels are relatively high despite the small scale of their populations, national land areas and economies. |
|
| A. Consultative process and partnership agreements |
| The Japan-CARICOM Consultation Meeting is an example of Japan's comprehensive consultation with Latin America and the Caribbean region. Japan is going to host the Japan-CARICOM Ministerial Conference in November 2000, which is to be attended by 14 member nations of the Caribbean Community. At this Conference, Japan's cooperation for environmental conservation will also be discussed. |
| With regard to the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the consultative processes and partnership agreements in which Japan is involved includes, for example, Japan's support for the GRULAC regional activities (the fourth Regional Conference on the UNCCD held in Antigua, St. Johns, in April 1998). |
| Other forms of support which Japan has been providing through the UNCCD Secretariat are, for example: national awareness-raising seminars in the Latin America and Caribbean region (1996); national report preparation by Latin American and Caribbean country parties (2000); and participation of affected developing countries at the Conference of the Parties (1999, 2000). It is expected that these activities promote information sharing and communication, leading to furthering the efforts to combat desertification in the region. |
|
| B. Measures taken to support the preparation and implementation of action programmes at all levels |
| With a view to assisting the efforts to combat desertification, Japan has been taking a wide range of measures such as bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, contributions to relevant international organizations, study and research activities, and support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). |
| As for the bilateral cooperation, this report focuses on the following areas; conservation of water resources; reforestation and forest conservation; and agricultural development. Furthermore, Japan's support regarding capacity building and education as well as study and research activities on desertification are also described in this report. The report also presents information on the financial support for NGOs' activities provided through various sources in Japan. |
| It should be stressed here that efforts are being made in Japan to enhance the linkage between Japan's ODA process and UNCCD process with a view to further promoting more effective and efficient support for combating desertification. |
| Japan contributes funds also to international organizations which are involved in activities to combat desertification, thereby supporting the global efforts to combat desertification. Examples contained in this report are: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); World Meteorological Organization (WMO); Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR); International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD; the World Bank); and Global Environment Facility (GEF). |
|
| 2. Support for the UNCCD process |
| A. Financial support for various activities |
| Through contributions to the Supplementary Fund and the Special Fund (see Note below), Japan has supported the participation of developing countries in the Conference of the Parties, and helped the UNCCD secretariat organize various meetings such as regional meetings to prepare regional action programmes. Since 1994, Japan has contributed a total of US$4,892 thousand and is the largest contributor. Japan's contributions for the years 1996 through 1998 are as follows: US$887 thousand (1996); US$1,076 thousand (1997); US$1,800 thousand (1998) |
| Note: The Supplementary Fund and the Special Fund were formerly called the "Trust Fund" and the "Special Voluntary Fund," respectively, until 1999. |
Some of Japan's support provided through the UNCCD secretariat are:
| ・ | National awareness-raising seminars in Latin America and the Caribbean region (1996): US$44.2 thousand |
| ・ | Support for the national report preparation by Asian, Latin American and Caribbean countries (2000): US$100 thousand |
| ・ | Support for regional activities in GRULAC: The fourth Regional Conference on the UNCCD (Antigua, St. Johns, April 1998): US$70 thousand |
| ・ | Support for participation of affected developing country parties at the third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3, 1999): US$75 thousand |
| ・ | Support for participation of affected developing country parties at the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP4, 2000): US$75 thousand |
| ・ | UNCCD Information System (1997): US$60 thousand |
| ・ | Support to the COP/ CST (Survey and Evaluation of Existing Networks)(1997): US$50 thousand |
|
|
| 3. Bilateral cooperation and other activities |
| A. Conservation of water resources |
| Japan's cooperation for conservation of water resources includes development of water for everyday living. Following are some examples of Japan's cooperation in the Latin America and Caribbean regarding water resources conservation (Country; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount). |
| DI…Development Investment |
| TC…Project-type Technical Cooperation |
| GA…General Grant Aid |
| GAG…Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects |
| YL…Yen Loan |
|
| ・ | Bolivia; Provincial Groundwater Development (DI); 93-96; \473,857 thousand (US$4,873 thousand) |
| ・ | Peru; The Study on Integrated Water Resources Development in the Canete River Basin in
the Republic of Peru (DI); 96-98; \204,432 thousand (US$1,697 thousand) |
| ・ | Brazil; Study on Water Resources Development at The State of Sergipe in FederativeRepublic of Brazil (DI); 97-99; \551,660 thousand (US$4,531 thousand) |
| ・ | Bolivia; Project for the Development of Groundwater in Rural Areas (GA); 96-97; \3,102 million (US$27.3 million) |
| ・ | Ecuador; Project to Develop Underground Water in Pichincha Province (GA); 97-98; \955 million (US$7.3 million) |
| ・ | Peru; Exploration of Water Vizeachas (GA); 98; \485 million (US$3.7 million) |
| ・ | Bolivia; Development of Underground Water (GA); 98-99; \1,873 million (US$16.4 million) |
| ・ | Colombia; Del Rio Palo Water Resource Conservation Project (GAG); 98; \4,717,640(US$41,419) |
| ・ | Bolivia; Project for Construction of Water Supply Tank in Antofagasta Area (GAG); 98; \1,437,240 (US$10,981) |
|
|
| B. Reforestation and forest conservation |
| Japan has been assisting reforestation and forest conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are some examples of Japan's cooperation in this region regarding reforestation and forest conservation (Country; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount). |
| DI…Development Investment |
| TC…Project-type Technical Cooperation |
| GA…General Grant Aid |
| GAG…Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects |
| YL…Yen Loan |
|
| ・ | Bolivia; The Afforestation and Erosion Control Project in the Valley of Tarija in Bolivia (TC); 96-99; \549,249 thousand (US$4,610 million) |
| ・ | Brazil; Brazilian Amazon Forest Research Project (TC); 94-98; \300,767 thousand (US$4,115 thousand) |
| ・ | Brazil; Brazilian Amazon Forest Research Project Phase II (TC); 98-99; \241,883 thousand (US$2,035 thousand) |
| ・ | Brazil; The Forest and Environment Conservation Research Project, in the State of San Paulo (TC); 91-98; \888,909 thousand (US$8,381 thousand) |
| ・ | Chile; The Erosion Control and Afforestation Project in Watersheds of Semi-Arid Area in Chile (TC); 91-99; \584,686 thousand (US$5,364 thousand) |
| ・ | Paraguay; The Forest Extension Project in the Eastern Region of Paraguay (TC); 94-99; \775,502 thousand (US$6,628 thousand) |
| ・ | Paraguay; The Study on Reforestation Plan in the Eastern Region of Paraguay (DI); 99; \15,736 thousand (US$138 thousand) |
| ・ | Mexico; The Study on the Sustainable Development Plan of Forests at Villages in Oaxaca in
the United Mexican States (DI); 96-98; \344,978 thousand (US$2,860 thousand) |
| ・ | Peru; Sierra Natural Resources Management and Poverty Alleviation Project (YL); 97, 99; \5,677 million (US$46.9 million, 1997), \7,259 million (US$63.7 million, 1999) |
| ・ | Developing countries including those in Latin America and the Caribbean; the International Workshop on Model Forests for Field-Level Applications of Sustainable Forest Management; 1996〜; \84 million |
|
|
| C. Agricultural development |
| It is essential to secure water resources for agricultural production. Japan's support in this area includes development of irrigation facilities and water management. Some examples from Latin America and the Caribbean are described below (Country; Project title; Fiscal year; Amount). |
| DI…Development Investment |
| TC…Project-type Technical Cooperation |
| GA…General Grant Aid |
| GAG…Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects |
| YL…Yen Loan |
|
| ・ | Mexico; The Project for Agricultural Development in Mining Towns in the Arid Area (TC); 88-97; \960,767 thousand (US$8,154 thousand) |
| ・ | Colombia; The Irrigated Agriculture Development Project in Sloping Areas (TC); 90-97; \936,677 thousand (US$8,613 thousand) |
| ・ | Brazil; Master Plan Study on Degraded Land Restoration in the State of Para in the Federative Republic of Brazil (DI); 99; \6,636 thousand (US$58 thousand) |
| ・ | Chile; The Study on Agricultural Development and Water Management in Metropolitan Area (DI); 99; \141,618 thousand (US$1,243 thousand) |
| ・ | Paraguay; Project for Water Supply in the Rural Oriental Sector (GA); 96; \340 million (US$3.1 million) |
| ・ | Colombia; Project to transfer agricultural technique to small scale farmers (GAG); 99;\5,048,400 (US$44,323) |
| ・ | Peru; Project for construction of reservoir for irrigation in Pisac (GAG); 99; \9,288,600(US$81,550) |
| ・ | Peru; Project for improvement of irrigation facilities in Carhuaz and Mancos (GAG); 99; \9,915,120 (US$87,051) |
| ・ | Paraguay; Agricultural Sector Strengthening Project (II) (YL); 97; \15,525 million (US$128.3 million) |
|
| D. Capacity building and education |
| With a view to enhancing scientific and technical capabilities to combat desertification in various countries, Japan sends Japanese experts overseas and provides training for researchers, government administrators and local peoples of affected developing countries. Areas covered in such programs include agriculture, forestry and water resources. |
| (1) The numbers of trainees accepted from the Latin American and Caribbean countries and of Japanese experts dispatched to the Latin American and Caribbean countries with respect to the above three areas (A., B., C.) (ODA) |
| ・ | Trainees accepted |
|
| fiscal year | 1996 | 97 | 98 | 99 | total |
| # persons | 29 | 35 | 41 | 24 | 129 |
|
| ・ | Experts dispatched |
|
| fiscal year | 1996 | 97 | 98 | 99 | total |
| # persons | 15 | 8 | 13 | 12 | 48 |
|
|
| (2) Training at Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
| At the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, trainees from countries including Mexico, Bolivia and Brazil attend lectures and take part in experiments regarding development and utilization of water resources (1996-98) and development and environmental assessment of water resources (1999-), as per the requests from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Moreover, the Center receives trainees under a program for Brazilian dune protection and desertification prevention project counterpart training "dune fixation." |
| ・ | Trainees from Latin America and Caribbean accepted at the Arid Land Research Center,Tottori University |
|
| Fiscal year | 1996 | 6 | persons |
| 97 | 5 | |
| 98 | 4 | |
| 99 | 1 | |
|
| ・ | Experts dispatched to Latin America and Caribbean from the Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
|
| Fiscal year | 1996 | 2 | persons |
| 97 | 2 | |
| 98 | 3 | |
| 99 | 2 | |
|
|
|
| E. Study and research on desertification |
| A variety of study and research activities are being conducted by Japanese institutions. The following shows a few examples. |
(1) Study by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Japan Green Resources Corporation for preventing soil erosion
In order to contribute to the prevention of soil erosion through sustainable agricultural and rural development in Central and South America, the following study on on-farm trials of various techniques applicable to the locality has been conducted. |
| ・ | Bolivia; Study for Preventing Soil Erosion; 2000-; \244,209 thousand (2000) |
|
| (2) Research at Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University |
| The Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, is the only research institute in Japan that is established for basic research on combating desertification and on agricultural development and use of arid land. A large number of researchers from all over the world constantly participate in the Center's research and study activities. The Center's research and study activities take place both in Japan and abroad. The budget for each activity cannot be specified. |
|
| F. Support for NGO activities |
| Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a very important role in combating desertification. Financial and other forms of support is provided for activities of NGOs based both in Japan and overseas through various sources. The following shows some of many examples. |
| (1) Support for NGOs through Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center |
| Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center provides support for Japanese NGOs' afforestation projects in developing countries including those in Latin America and Caribbean. The support includes assisting in advance survey, sending experts overseas to provide technical training and accepting counterparts to Japan. This support program is called the Promotion of Private Sector Activities for Global Tree Planting. Between 1996-1999, \530 million was provided. |
| (2) NGO support by Postal Savings for International Voluntary Aid |
| Support has been provided to tree planting and technical guidance concerning environmental conservation and agriculture in Latin America and Caribbean. For example, Action for Mangrove Reforestation (NGO) received \3,897,000 (1998) and \1,911,000 (1999) for their mangrove reforestation activities for environmental conservation in Ecuador. |
|
| 4. Contributions through international organizations |
| Please refer to the section II. 4 "Contributions through international organizations" describing Japan's multilateral support for combating desertification, which is applicable to the Latin America and Caribbean region. |
|
| End of Report |