(1) Environmental Conservation
Environmental problems such as global warming may threaten the very existence of mankind. In many developing countries, environmental problems are now jeopardizing the foundations of development. Environmental problems include serious environmental pollution as a result of the process of economic growth and rapid degradation of the natural environment as a result of population growth and poverty. These problems pose challenges that call for a global, coordinated response. DAC's Development Partnership Strategy contains concrete goals for formulating national strategies for environmental conservation and reversing the depletion of environmental resources.
Global environmental problems have been assigned the highest priority in Japan's diplomatic agenda.*14 Through its own experiences, Japan has learned much about developing technologies for pollution control to achieve economic growth while preserving the environment. Both Japan's experiences and technologies can play a significant role in promoting social and economic development and in achieving sustainable development in developing countries. Japan will support the environmental programs and efforts of developing countries and assist in the enhancement of their environmental capacities. Moreover, cooperation and collaboration with local governments and NGOs on issues regarding environmental conservation will be of vital importance.
In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.
-- In accordance with the basic principles and action program of the "Initiatives for Sustainable Development toward the 21st Century" (ISD), announced by Japan in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the Environment and Development held in June 1997, Japan will continue to actively support programs and countermeasures in the following areas: (a) air and water pollution and waste disposal, (b) global warming, (c) conservation of the natural environment and sustainable management of forest resources, (e) "fresh water" issues, and (f) environmental awareness building and strategic studies.
-- With regard to global warming, Japan will continue to actively promote the objectives of the Kyoto Initiative (providing assistance to developing countries for combating global warming) *15, as it announced at the third session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in December 1997.
-- Japan will pay special attention to projects related to environmental conservation, through the provision of ODA loans on concessional terms.
The continued growth of world population *16 stands with the global environment, food, and energy as critical global-scale issues. Moreover, in many developing countries, population growth is directly linked to the problems of poverty, unemployment, starvation, lack of education, and deterioration of the environment. Similarly, the international spread of HIV/AIDS*17 presents a serious obstacle to development in developing countries by severely undermining people's health and their ability to work.
In response to these problems, Japan announced the launching of its "Global Issues Initiative on Population and AIDS" (GII)*18 in 1994 and has been actively involved in these fields. Japan is also contributing to the international fight against AIDS, primarily through its support of the United Nations AIDS Program (UNAIDS).
In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.
-- Based on the objectives of GII and from the perspective of reproductive health, Japan will work on a comprehensive approach that includes: direct assistance for population control and family planning; indirect assistance through the provision of primary health care services and elementary and secondary education for women and children; and support for the empowerment of women.
-- As these initiatives necessitate finely tuned grassroots efforts, Japan will further its collaboration with local governments and NGOs.
-- With regard to AIDS, Japan will further its cooperation with UNAIDS and contribute to the international fight against AIDS. Japan will also strengthen its bilateral collaboration with other major donor countries and with international organizations.
Projections indicate that the rapid growth in world population and changing diets will result in a significant increase in food demand. Conversely, a slowdown in the growth of food production has been noted. The stability of food supplies is further complicated by such problems as continued soil degradation, limited water resources, climate change, and abnormal weather conditions.
Participants in the World Food Summit held in 1996 announced that they would cooperate in achieving global food security and halving the malnourished population of the world by 2015. In view of this goal, it is necessary for Japan to actively support developing countries in their efforts to increase food production. Furthermore, assistance for the agricultural sector, including assistance for food production and rural development, can play a crucial role in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.
In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.
-- Japan will provide materials and equipment for food production and support agricultural and fisheries production through the construction of irrigation and other facilities. In addition, Japan will support infrastructure development and distribution management for improving access to markets.
-- Japan will emphasize support for varietal improvement and other agricultural and fishery technologies, and will provide assistance for the effective dissemination of these technologies.
-- Japan will pay special attention to the organization of local residents and the improvement of administrative capacities with regard to the dissemination of agricultural and other technologies and the management of agricultural and other water resources.
-- Japan will appropriately utilize food assistance as an important measure in cases of emergency.
Global energy demand is projected to increase sharply as a result of economic development in Asia and other developing regions. As such, energy problems constitute a global-scale policy issue that is closely related to the response to global environmental problems and the achievement of sustainable development. Moreover, in many developing countries, securing access to adequate energy supplies constitutes a vital challenge in the realization of economic development. As Japan is heavily dependent on the importation of energy and mineral resources, the provision of assistance in these fields is important for Japan from the perspective of ensuring stable resource supplies.
In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.
-- Japan will provide assistance to energy-related infrastructure projects that cannot readily attract private-sector investment and other official flows (OOF), including oil, natural gas, electric power, and liquefied coal development projects. Japan will also step up its support for the achievement of sustainable development through energy saving.
-- To reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by developing countries while achieving sustainable development, Japan will support the following measures: energy saving, the utilization of solar and wind power and other renewable energy sources, the introduction of coal-related technologies with reduced environmental burden, and the preservation and development of forests as a source of firewood.
-- In the area of mineral resources, Japan has provided technical and financial support for mining projects in major supplying countries while paying due attention to environmental concerns. With the growth of regional and international interest in environmental problems, Japan will continue to provide assistance and support, including support for environmental impact studies of mining projects.
Both developed and developing countries face the issue of drug abuse. It is also essential to mount an internationally coordinated fight against drugs that includes the cooperation of pertinent international organizations. Drug abuse in developing countries is linked to the problem of poverty. As such, the fight against drugs must be pursued in combination with poverty alleviation measures. Based on this understanding, Japan has supported such activities as seminars on the prevention and control of drug abuse and drug-related crimes, the acceptance of overseas trainees, the promotion of substitute crops, and various related educational activities.
In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.
-- Japan will continue to cooperate with international initiatives to mount an effective fight against drugs. Japan will also emphasize support for improved crime-prevention and crime-control capabilities of authorities, cultivation of substitute crops, educational activities, and projects directly linked to raising living standards in drug-producing regions.