Joint Statement On Enhanced Cooperation In Environment and Climate Change Issues Between Japan and the Republic of Chile

Japanese

1. Recognizing that environment and climate change issues including global warming are challenges for the world as a whole;
   
   Convinced that such issues deserve joint efforts at regional and global levels and that such efforts will have great significance for the sustainable development of the regions concerned and the world at large; and
   
   In light of the commitments of "the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development" issued at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development;
   
   The Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Chile (hereinafter referred to as "Both Sides") shared the determination to further enhance mutual cooperation in environmental and climate change issues.
2. Both Sides, in addressing environment and climate change issues including global warming, confirmed their intention to focus particularly on the following areas, and to remain firmly committed to and support the relevant international frameworks:
   • (1) Measures to address global environmental issues such as curbing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the ozone layer,
   • (2) Measures against pollution problems such as air pollution and mining-related pollution,
   • (3) Assistance for third countries in the field of environment and climate change.
3. Both Sides shared the view that Japan's and Chile's expertise and experience could play a crucial role in addressing the above issues and that cooperation between the two countries would serve both the regions concerned and the world at large. Both Sides also recognized the need to deal with environmental issues within the context of entire economic policies including energy, industry and agriculture.
4. Regarding the above, Both Sides identified the following priority areas for their future cooperation:

(1) Climate change

(a) "Cool Earth 50"

Both Sides reiterated that climate change poses serious risks and challenges and therefore demands urgent global action and response. Both Sides also confirmed that Japan and Chile will work closely to ensure the success of the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP 13) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 3rd Meeting of the Parties (COP/MOP3) of the Kyoto Protocol, Bali, 3 - 14 December 2007.

Both Sides reaffirmed the principles of Rio Declaration on environment and development and the UNFCCC, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Both Sides also highlighted that without effective mitigation and adaptation, all efforts to address climate change will remain fruitless.

Both Sides expressed their determination for a flexible, fair and effective global framework and concerted international action beyond 2012 in which all countries participate to address climate change in line with the principles of the UNFCCC.

Both Sides also welcomed the UN Secretary General's proposal to convene an "informal High-Level Event on climate change" on September 24, 2007 on the margins of the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly.

Both Sides reaffirmed that the United Nations had always been at the center of the Sustainable Development debate, especially on the environmental pillar. This momentum must be maintained and issues of climate change should be tackled within the framework of the United Nations.

Prime Minister Abe elaborated on "Cool Earth 50", a proposal presented in May 2007 for all countries in the world to confront climate change. President Bachelet expressed her high appreciation for "Cool Earth 50" which is an important policy input for the process of the UNFCCC, including COP 13 and COP/MOP 3, 3 - 14 December 2007 in Bali, and confirmed that the two countries will work constructively to make this process a success.

Both Sides particularly acknowledged the long-term target to cut global emissions by half from the current level by 2050, fully taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

(b) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

Both Sides reaffirmed the usefulness of CDM and confirmed their intention to promote the formulation of CDM-related projects. In this regard, the Chilean side highly appreciated Japan's technical assistance in the formulation of CDM afforestation projects.

(c) Cool Biz initiative

Both Sides recognized the significance of building a low-carbon society and shared the intention to promote a national campaign in each country to achieve this goal. The Japanese side, mentioning that Japan's experience of the "Cool Biz", an initiative aimed to save energy consumption as well as to reduce CO2 emissions, could serve as a good reference to other countries, welcomed the introduction of Cool Biz in Chile. Both Sides recognized the importance of sharing their experiences, especially the initiative's effectiveness, with other countries.

(d) Adaptation

Both Sides recognized the importance of adaptation to adverse impacts of climate change. Both Sides confirmed the intention to work together for mainstreaming adaptation within development activities.

(2) Promotion of Clean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation

Both Sides reaffirmed the importance of promoting clean energy such as solar power, wind power, hydro power and natural gas, as well as further improving efficient energy utilization. The Japanese side welcomed the efforts of the Government of Chile, such as its policy to promote non-conventional renewable energy. The Chilean side welcomed the technical cooperation from Japan on Liquefied Natural Gas Technology and Regulations. In order to improve energy efficiency, Both Sides confirmed the significance of voluntarily setting goals, formulating action plans and considering the introduction of an energy peer review mechanism to monitor the progress, as decided in the eighth meeting of APEC Energy Ministers held in Darwin, Australia, in May 2007. Both Sides shared the intention to work together for further promotion of energy conservation.

(3) Protection of the Ozone Layer

Both Sides recognized the significance of complying with international agreements such as the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Both Sides also shared recognition of the importance of improving observation systems and strengthening research systems to protect the ozone layer. The Chilean side appreciated Japan's technical assistance for protecting the ozone layer.

(4) Assistance for third countries

Both Sides highly valued environment-related assistance that they jointly extend to developing countries under the framework of the Japan-Chile Partnership Programme (JCPP). In this regard, the Chilean side expressed its intention to enhance assistance to developing countries in the area of environment and climate change, making use of its National Center for Environment (CENMA), which has been supported by Japan.

(5) Measures against pollution

(a) Mining-related pollution

Both Sides recognized the importance of sustainable mining. The Chilean side highly appreciated Japan's support for preventing mining-related pollution, especially the "Project on Institutionalization of Mine Pollution Control" implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

(b) Air pollution

Based on the co-benefits approach, the Chilean side reaffirmed its determination to give priority to addressing this problem. The Japanese side expressed its support for the co-benefits approach, mentioning that the "Cool Earth 50" reiterates the effectiveness of integrated approaches in areas such as air pollution and climate change. Both sides shared the intention to work together in promoting the co-benefits approach.

(6) Environment Education

Both Sides emphasized the significance of raising public awareness on environmental issues in promoting domestic as well as global environmental protection. Both Sides shared the intention to further promote education for sustainable development in each country, in accordance with "United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development". The Chilean side expressed its expectations for Japan's assistance in this field.

Tokyo, September 3, 2007

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