I. Philosophy　——Objectives, Policies, and Priorities
2. Basic Policies
(3) Assurance of Fairness
In formulating and implementing assistance policies, Japan will take steps to assure fairness.　This should be achieved by giving consideration to the condition of the socially vulnerable and the gap between the rich and the poor as well as the gap among various regions in developing countries. Furthermore, great attention will be paid with respect to factors such as environmental and social impact on developing countries of the implementation of ODA.
In particular, the perspective of gender equality is important. Japan will make further efforts to improve the status of women, giving full consideration to the active participation of women in development, and to ensuring that women reap benefits from development.

3. Priority Issues
(3) Addressing Global Issues
As for global issues such as global warming and other environmental problems, infectious diseases, population, food, energy, natural disasters, terrorism, drugs, and internationally organized crimes, further efforts must be given immediately and in a coordinated manner by the international community. Japan will address these issues through ODA and will play an active role in the creation of international norms.

II. Principle of ODA Implementation
(1) Environmental conservation and development should be pursued in tandem.

III. Formulation and Implementation of ODA Policy
3. Matters Essential to Effective Implementation
(2) Ensuring Appropriate Procedures
The government will adopt procedures to ensure that full consideration is given to the environmental and social impact of implementation of ODA. The government will make efforts to conduct appropriate and efficient procurement with regard to quality and price. At the same time, while ensuring these aspects, the procedures will be simplified and accelerated.

3. Priority Issues
(1) Poverty Reduction
ii. Approach to Poverty Reduction and Specific Actions
(c) Assistance to Reduce Poverty Through Economic Growth
(ii) Balanced Development
Countries that are achieving economic growth also face the problem of regional disparities. These disparities occur in many cases between poor rural areas and comparatively affluent urban areas. For the development of rural areas, raising agricultural productivity is important. Japan will support the formulation of agriculture related policy, improvement of infrastructure such as irrigation and farm roads, dissemination and research/development of production technologies such as NERICA (New Rice for Africa), and strengthening of community organizations. Assistance will be provided to foster economic activities in rural areas, such as processing of agricultural products, development of market distribution and sale of foodstuffs

(2) Sustainable Growth
ii. Approach to Sustainable Growth and Specific Actions
(a) Development of Economic and Social Infrastructure
In the construction of infrastructure, full attention will be given to social and environmental considerations.

(3) Addressing Global Issues
Global issues such as global warming and other environmental problems, infectious diseases, population, food, energy, natural disasters, terrorism, drugs and internationally organized crimes pose a threat to humanity around the world, irrespective of national borders. In order to achieve the stability and prosperity of the international community, Japan will play an active part in addressing these issues by using its ODA. Of these issues, the Medium-Term Policy will focus particularly on environmental problems that are inextricably and comprehensively related to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable growth. The Medium-Term policy also addresses measures against natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis in view of the disaster caused by the major earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean that occurred in December 2004.

i. Japan's Position on Addressing Environmental Problems and Natural Disasters
(a) Making development compatible with the environment and promoting sustainable development are challenges that the entire world faces. Progressing global warming, severe environmental pollution accompanying economic growth in developing countries, and rapid deterioration of the natural environment against the background of population growth and poverty threaten the lives of people in developing countries. In order to solve these environmental problems, broad-reaching and coherent action is required. Disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis continue to threaten human life and economic and social development for a further period following the immediate aftermath. Therefore it is essential to support self-help efforts by developing countries and to take coherent measures corresponding to each phase of disaster including emergency response, reconstruction and prevention.

(b) Japan will actively address environmental problems and natural disasters by making use of its ODA based on initiatives such as the Environmental Conservation Initiative for Sustainable Development (EcoISD), the Kyoto Initiative, and the Initiative for Disaster Reduction through ODA.

ii. Approach to Addressing Environmental Problems and Specific Actions
Japan will give high priority to cooperation in the following three fields: (1) actions against global warming, such as controlling and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through the use of renewable energy sources and energy saving measures (including assistance regarding the use of Kyoto Mechanism) and adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change (including measures against meteorological disasters); (2) pollution control through measures on air pollution, water contamination, and waste management, etc.; and (3) conservation of the natural environment by means such as the management of nature reserves, conservation and management of forests, measures against desertification, and natural resource management. Cooperation will be provided based on the following approaches and specific actions:

(a) Capacity Development of Developing Countries to Address Environmental Problems
In order to enhance the overall capacity of the authorities, research institutes and other agencies in developing countries to address environmental problems, Japan will support human resource development and provide cooperation to assist accurate environmental monitoring, policy making, institution building, and equipment provision suited to the actual situations in individual countries.

(b) Active Integration of Environmental Elements
Japan will incorporate environmental elements into its development plans and programs, and cooperate in projects in developing countries in which appropriate environmental and social considerations are implemented or confirmed.

(c) Japan's Guiding Role
Japan will seek to raise environmental awareness and encourage efforts to address environmental problems in developing countries through policy dialogues, various forums, and other appropriate cooperation schemes.

(d) Cooperation Based on Broad and Comprehensive Frameworks
In order to solve regional and global environmental problems, Japan will implement its cooperation based on broad and comprehensive frameworks that effectively combine various methods of cooperation.

(e) Application of Japanese Experience and Scientific Technology
Japan will provide support to developing countries by making use of its experience and know-how in overcoming environmental problems and its scientific technology in combating complex environmental problems. Such experience, know-how and technology for pollution monitoring, data analysis and counter approaches have been accumulated by a broad range of organizations outside government in Japan, including local governments, private enterprises, research institutions, NGOs, and others. Thus, Japan will actively collaborate with such organizations in assisting developing countries. Collaboration will also be pursued with international organizations that have specialized knowledge and means of implementation.

iii. Approach to Address Disasters and Specific Actions
Japan will cope with disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis through a similar approach mentioned above by utilizing its own experiences, technology (including scientific technology related to observation) and human resources in which it has international comparative advantage.