Ministry of the Environment

Vol. 18

February 2018 JAPAN Environment Quarterly

FEATURE : Spreading Implementation of SDGs in Japan CURRENT TOPICS : Minamata Convention on Mercury Regional Workshop on preparation for COP23 in the Asia-Pacific / Japanese Initiatives for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society NATIONAL PARKS of JAPAN : Project to “Fully Enjoy National Parks” at Akan-Mashu

Spreading Implementation of SDGs in Japan Cover: Energy self-sufficiency through the use of woody biomass in Shimokawa Town FEATURE Spreading Implementation of SDGs in Japan

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

for an emergency, they can also offer achieved in collaboration with develop- an opportunity. For example, we can ing countries utilizing Japanese tech- Happiness for All through the Sustainable develop resilient communities by pre- nology and know-how. “Our country Stakeholders’ Meetings dicting how they might be affected by was once disadvantaged by our limited Development Goals disasters caused by the impacts of cli- natural resources. However, we have In order to promote the implementation of SDGs from an environmental stand- mate change. In this way, we can limit since overcome this, while also enhanc- point, the MOE regularly organizes the the economic losses, while also help- ing our environmental technologies, Stakeholders’ Meetings in cooperation with Japan established the Sustainable the MOE as follows. “The MOE has models in various fields. Take energy ing members of these communities such as by improving energy efficiency, the Institute for Global Environmental Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion long been working towards simulta- for example. Until now, countries and lead comfortable lives. Similarly, by to increase our international compet- Strategy (IGES). In these meetings, differ- ent stakeholders from private companies, Headquarters in May 2016 to pro- neously achieving environmental, eco- regions have needed an ample supply improving crop varieties and shifting itiveness. We have also developed di- local governments, and NGOs share and mote the comprehensive and effective nomic, and social progress, as set out of fossil fuels to achieve progress. Now, cultivation areas in preparation for the saster prevention technology to recover acknowledge various best practices. The 4th implementation of the SDGs across in its Third Basic Environment Plan, however, with the spread of renewable future impacts of climate change, we from the various adverse impacts of the meeting, held in October 2017, started with all ministries and agencies. Prime established in 2006. Such activities energy, they can all enjoy the benefits can also develop new markets and revi- Great East Japan Earthquake. Japan is a presentation by the Ministry of Foreign Minister Abe leads the Headquarters are aligned with the principles of the of electricity. As more people gain ac- talize communities. Many of the prob- a frontrunner in the world in tackling Affairs and Cabinet Office about the latest trends in Japan and the world, followed by and all cabinet ministers are mem- SDGs. We are now in the process of for- cess to electricity, they will also be lems faced by society are interrelated. a variety of issues, and there are many presentations on best practices by advanced bers. Japan Environment Quarterly mulating the Fifth Basic Environment able to lead more enhanced lifestyles, A single solution can often result in domains where we can contribute to companies and local governments. The par- interviewed Mr. Satoru Morishita, Plan. This new plan will incorporate resulting in greater consumption, new improvements in multiple priority ar- the achievement of the SDGs. The MOE ticipants engaged in vigorous discussions Director General of the Global the SDGs approach even more actively. markets and economic development. eas. The MOE holds the Stakeholders’ intends to lead those endeavors.” and questioned the presenters, including how to make progress towards achieving Environment Bureau of the Ministry Specifically, it will advance six priority Achieving the sound development of Meetings to share and disseminate the SDGs and the types of frameworks being of the Environment (MOE), about the strategies related to the SDGs, includ- the world, and creating a healthy so- such information in order to raise used to do so. MOE’s efforts to achieve the SDGs. ing ‘building a sustainable socio-econ- ciety and market are now interlinked.” awareness of the ripple effects.” omy’ and ‘community development Director General Morishita also Last year, the MOE formulated of the 17 SDGs, if not through the formation of diverse local explains how environmental policy Japan’s Assistance Initiatives to more, are related to recycling coexistence zones.’” can resolve both economic and social Address Climate Change 2017 and the environment and Through these priority strategies, issues, using climate change adapta- communicated the details of these ini- the MOE is expected the MOE will create new socio-eco- tion as an example. “Adaptation mea- tiatives to the international commu- to lead the efforts to- nomic systems, lifestyles, and tech- sures are normally taken to prepare nity at COP23, in Bonn, Germany in Satoru Morishita wards achieving the nological innovation, and also resolve for the potential impacts of climate November. These initiatives are a crys- Director General, 12 SDGs in Japan. Director both economic and social issues using change and reduce the damage they tallization of Japan’s vision and specific Global Environment Bureau General Morishita explains the vari- environmental measures. “Around the cause. Although the original aim of programs, and are based on the keyword Ministry of the Environment, Japan ous initiatives being implemented by world, we are seeing new development these measures is to ready society of “co-innovation,” meaning innovation

2 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 3 FEATURE

Energy Self-Sufficiency andIndependent Recycling-orientated woody Local Community-Building – forest management biomass The Keys to Sustainable Town Planning Forest service Zero-emission Community industry timber processing labor heating system

Ichinohashi Vision for "Forest Future City" Bio Village

and leaves,” says Mr. Minoshima. Such western part of the town is a symbol and resources. Mr. Minoshima de- timber processing with zero emissions of Shimokawa Town’s initiatives. In scribes plans for the development of contributes to the SDG of “Responsible 2013, Ichinohashi was reconstructed the town as follows, “To continue our Consumption and Production” (Goal 12). by the residents as a compact town current progress, it will be important Furthermore, any other surplus where everyone supports each other to forge partnerships with corpora- wood, and wood waste from process- in their daily lives while sharing space tions and organizations. Lately, the ing is used as fuel for 11 woody bio- and energy. Until then, the village had SDGs concept has led to ever more mass boilers installed throughout the been experiencing striking depopula- opportunities for new collaborations. town. In addition, the public facilities tion and societal aging, with the popu- We want to use SDGs as tools for the around the town hall utilize a commu- lation aging rate exceeding 50%. Now, revitalization of communities in a way nity heating system that is fueled by a however, young people have started that connects people.” woody biomass boiler. Until now, the moving to the area. town’s various facilities used heavy oil Shimokawa’s vision is to create boilers but Shimokawa plans to switch a town that is attractive to everyone. to woody biomass boilers to reduce A wide range of people who shared Takeshi MINOSHIMA CO2 emissions. The town has already these ideals moved to the town, fur- achieved a community heat self-suffi- ther accelerating the town’s initiatives Shimokawa Town office ciency rate of 45%. towards living in coexistence with the Senior Manager Future City Initiative Division Ichinohashi Bio Village in the forest and making the most of people

Shimokawa Town in Hokkaido is en- the area is forested, and the town is vision of our town.” gaged in sustainable town planning blessed with plentiful timber resourc- For example, Shimokawa employs based on a recycling-oriented forest es and a rich natural environment. a recycling-oriented forest manage- management system. The local econ- However, the population is aging, with ment approach, utilizing the national omy is supported by Shimokawa’s 38% of residents aged 65 and over. forest land it purchased in 1953. This ample forestry resources. When using Shimokawa is currently imple- approach contributes to the SDG of these resources, the town makes sure menting initiatives to become a “Forest “Life on Land” (Goal 15). Each year that nothing goes to waste. For exam- Future City” as part of its vision for over 50ha in timber is felled, and trees ple, it has achieved energy self-suffi- developing and improving the town. are planted in the deforested area. ciency using woody biomass. Through These initiatives are aimed at creating These trees are cultivated for 60 years, such activities, the town is able to a virtuous cycle between the economy, and then felled once again. By contin- 2 conserve the surrounding environ- the environment, and society, with a ually using the forest in this way, the ment. Additionally, Shimokawa has focus on the timber, forestry product, town is able to sustainably maintain revitalized one of its villages, where and woody biomass industries. They employment and a stable supply of most of the local population is at least also contribute to all 17 Sustainable timber. 65 years old, and is tackling the issue Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Shimokawa’s forestry management of the rapid aging of society. Takeshi Minoshima, the leader of creates abundant forestry resources the Future City Initiative Division, that are completely down-cycled. “The himokawa Town is located Shimokawa Town Office, explains the virgin wood of each tree is first pro- in northern Hokkaido, ap- significance of this, “The problems cessed into supports, laminated wood proximately 100km north that beset society are deeply intercon- or charcoal. We make full use of our of Asahikawa City. It is nected and the SDGs offer integrated forestry resources, without waste. We 20km from east to west solutions to them by linking the econ- even commercialize the pyroligneous 1 3 S and 30km from north to omy, the environment and society. The acid (wood vinegar) created during 1 Ichinohashi Bio Village residential buildings. They are connected by shared indoor corridors, making it easy to start up a conversation with neighbors. 2 The south, and covers an extensive area mindset of the SDGs is also extreme- charcoal production and essential oils biomass boilers installed in Ichinohashi Bio Village. The two 550kW boilers provide heating and hot water for the community. 3 In this plastic greenhouse that uses measuring 64,420ha. Around 90% of ly useful when setting out the future extracted from the unused branches the heat from the boiler, shiitake mushrooms are cultivated in beds that use sawdust from the trees, creating employment for local residents.

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A Food Recycling Loop Centered on Development of a Food Recycle Loop Food Waste and Quality Animal Feed Food related businesses Department stores Restaurants

Major supermarkets Food makers According to the Food and Agriculture cost of such feed due to rising grain fermented feed. Currently, the compa- Organization of the United Nations prices. As a result, many stockbreeders ny collects 33 tons of food waste each (FAO), 1.5 billion tons of food, rough- are being forced out of business in rapid day and uses it to manufacture 40 tons ly one third of all food produced succession. of liquid feed for 15 stockyards. in the world, is wasted each year. To tackle these two problems, one Mr. Koichi Takahashi, President Sold as branded meats Food waste produced throughbusi- Despite this, one in nine people suf- Japanese company is now collecting of Japan Food Ecology Center, Inc., ex- ness operations fers from food deficiency. In response and processing food waste produced plains the merits of liquid fermented to this issue, the Japan Food Ecology by food resellers and restaurants, and feed compared to dry feed. “First of all, Center in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa using it to manufacture pig feed. Its liquid feed is cheaper. Because we use Prefecture, has developed a food name is Japan Food Ecology Center, the liquids already present in the food recycling loop that makes use of Inc. and it is located in Sagamihara waste, such as in milk or yogurt, we food waste. City, Kanagawa Prefecture. can greatly reduce the energy needed The feed is made from food waste for production. As a result, we can sell Pig farmers J.FEC ach year in Japan, 6.21 mil- such as bread or noodles discarded the liquid feed at roughly half the price lion tons of edible food is by food manufacturers, rice or milk of dry feed. Liquid feed also reduces wasted. Such waste is dis- thrown away by restaurants, and veg- the disease incidence rate of the pigs. posed of through incinera- etable waste from supermarkets and The lactic acid bacteria in the feed in- Pigs raised on liquid feed Conversion of food wasteto tion. However, burning just other retailers. The company collects creases the beneficial bacteria in pigs’ liquid feed E one ton of waste costs be- the waste from approximately 180 intestinal tracts, thereby strength- tween 40,000 and 50,000 yen (between factories and stores in the surround- ening immunity and improving in- 400 USD and 500 USD), not to mention ing area using a special refrigerated testinal function. This decreases the the CO2 emissions that are produced. truck and transports it to the recy- morbidity of the pigs and reduces the Another issue in Japan is the financial cling plant. The recovered food waste amount of antibiotics they need, al- pressure faced by stockbreeders be- is mixed with water, sterilized, and lowing farmers to provide consumers company’s liquid feed are slaughtered the use of recycling loops for reducing also think that it is important for com- cause of their heavy dependence on im- subjected to lactic fermentation. It with safe and healthy pork.” and processed for sale as branded food waste. In fact, he recently pre- panies to contribute to social issues, ports for animal feed and the growing is then shipped to pig farms as liquid Currently, most pigs raised on the meats at department stores and super- sented his company’s activities at the such as the Sustainable Development markets. “What makes our company UN headquarters in New York in July Goals, as part of their main business. special is the recycling loop we have 2017 on Asia-Pacific initiatives toward We hope that our technology and sys- developed through the use of food a sustainable future. “Since Japan es- tem is used by businesses throughout waste. Rather than simply converting tablished a food recycling law before Japan and the world to further expand food waste into feed, we have devel- much of the rest of the world, I felt the scope of our recycling loop.” oped a complete cycle where farmers that food loss is one area in particular use our liquid feed, and retailers sell where we can contribute to the world. the meat produced to consumers with We can lead the way by proactively Koichi Takahashi value added in terms of quality and sharing information and spreading safety.” knowledge about methods and tech- President of Japan Food Ecology Center, Inc. Mr. Takahashi is widely promoting nologies for reducing food waste. I

1 2 3 4

Collected food waste Barcodes are used in measurement. A high-pressure cleaner is used to Foreign object removal clean and shred the waste.

7 6 5

The company actively accepts The finished liquid feed. The con- Sterilization and fermentation. The liquefied state after the waste study tours for companies, organi- tent is adjusted for each customer. The nutrition is adjusted here. is shredded zations, consumers, and students.

6 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 7 CURRENT TOPICS 1

Minamata Convention on Mercury First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties Held HEALTH & CHEMICALS

The first meeting of the Conference binding for all its Parties. the national action plan for small- - Adopted the guidance on imple- Federal Office for the Environment, Sena Sawai, a goodwill ambassador to of the Parties (COP1) to the Approximately 1,200 people from scale gold mining. menting the support by the Global emphasized the importance of coop- the Convention (MOYAI Ambassador) Minamata Convention on Mercury 150 countries and regions partici- - Decided future works in regard to Environmental Facilities(GEF). eration by all stakeholders to reduce appointed by the MOE. They pointed was held on September 24 to 29, pated in COP1. The Japanese dele- the release of mercury to water/ - Decided to collect information on mercury emissions throughout its life- out the importance of learning 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. The gation was led by the Minister of soil, guidance on interim storage, existing activities regarding capacity cycle as the key take-home message. lessons from Minamata disease and of Minamata Convention on Mercury is the Environment, and consisted of mercury waste thresholds, and guid- building and technical assistance in Mr. Masaharu Nakagawa, Minister promoting mercury management. aimed at preventing health damage officials from the Ministry of the ance on contaminated sites. implementing the Convention, and of the Environment of Japan, deliv- COP2 is scheduled to be held and environmental pollution from Environment (MOE), the Ministry - Decided the reporting frequency (in to report this to COP2. ered a statement expressing Japan’s in November 2018 in Geneva, mercury and mercury compounds, of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry principle once every four years) and - Decided to initially locate the determination to take a leading role Switzerland. and was adopted at a diplomatic of Economy, Trade and Industry. format. Convention Secretariat in Geneva, in promoting global mercury manage- conference in Japan in October - Established an expert group on global Switzerland. ment by utilizing various knowledge 2013. Japan ratified the Convention mercury monitoring and effective- from Minamata. in February 2016. As of May 18, he major outcomes of COP1 ness evaluation. At the High-Level Segment on Japan also organized a special 2017, 52 signatory countries had were as follows: September 28 and 29, 2017, ministers event entitled “A Moment to ratified the Convention, fulfilling the 2. Management Issues and high-level officials gave statements Minamata” before the High-Level 50-ratification milestone required 1. Technical Issues - Decided the details of the arrange- for the steady implementation of the Segment. The speakers included Mr. for its entry into force. As a conse- - Adopted formally the tech- ment of the Specific International Minamata Convention. Furthermore, Hiroshi Nishida, Mayor of Minamata Office of Mercury Management, quence, on August 16 of the same T nical guidelines on mercury Programme (SIP), a convention-spe- Mr. Marc Chardonnens, the President City, Ms. Shinobu Sakamoto, a fetal Environmental Health Department, year, the Convention became legally emissions to the atmosphere, and cific financial mechanism. of COP1 and Director of the Swiss Minamata disease patient, and Ms. Ministry of the Environment, Japan

8 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 9 CURRENT TOPICS 2 CURRENT TOPICS 3

Regional Workshop on preparation Japanese Initiatives for Establishing for COP23 in the Asia-Pacific a Sound Material-Cycle Society (26th Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change) GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT WASTE & RECYCLING

The Ministry of the Environment of Japan formulated the Basic Act on 50 Target value Japan held the Regional Workshop Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle 45 46 on preparation for COP23 in the Asia- Society in 2000, and for nearly 20 38.6 Pacific in Suva, Fiji on September years it has implemented initiatives 40 37.9 37.8 38.2 33.7 38.0 37.8 26 and 27, with the cooperation of towards establishing a society that 35 32.4 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of manages the consumption of natu- 33.9 30 29.2 Japan, and cohosted by the Ministry ral resources and reduces environ- 30.8 25.6 25.7 24.0 27.9 of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of mental impact as much as possible. 25 22.8 25.5 24.8 24.5 Trade of Australia. This was the 26th Since launching these initiatives, 23.3 meeting of the Asia-Pacific Seminar material flow indicators to capture 20 22.2 on Climate Change since its launch Japan’s resource productivities have 15 in 1991 and was held to support Fiji improved significantly; resource in preparing to assume the presi- productivity has increased approx- 10 dency of COP23 to be held in Bonn, imately 1.5 times, cyclical use rate 5 Germany in November 2017. has increased approximately 60%, and final disposal amount has been 0 , , , , , , , Resource productivity (10K Yen/ton) 90 95 00 05 10 15 20 he primary aims of the reduced by approximately 70%. Year seminar were to contrib- 18 Target value ute to promoting actions ased on the above Basic 16.1 to tackle climate change, Act, Japan developed 16 15.4 17 15.8 14.1 raising awareness, sharing Opening session the Fundamental Plan 14.9 15.2 15.2 experiences on measures, for Establishing a Sound 14 T 13.5 and facilitating international cooper- Material-Cycle Society in 12.2 12 11.3 12.8 ation in the Asia-Pacific region. This of the meeting. gratitude to Japan and the many B 2003, and has since been 11.8 10.0 year, a concerted effort was made to The participants engaged enthu- other nations providing Fiji with comprehensively and systematically 10 8.9 10.2 8.7 9.6 9.7 invite government officials from small siastically in open exchanges of support. implementing specific measures in 8.0 8.2 9.4 8 8.8 island states. Topics of particular opinions, knowledge sharing and the accordance with the plan. It is cur- 7.9 interest to those states, such as adap- promotion of mutual understanding rently revising the plan for the third 7.4 7.4 Yusuke TERAOKA 6 tation to climate change, were also on challenges and issues related to while inviting and incorporating the selected for discussion. In addition, climate change. At the closing cer- Section Chief opinions of a diverse array of non-gov- Recycle rate (%) Office of Director for International 4 the development of a transparency emony, which also coincided with Strategy on Climate Change/ ernmental stakeholders. The 4th plan framework, which is important for Fiji’s Climate Change Week, Mr. International Strategy Division, will be published in spring 2018. One 2 ensuring the effectiveness of the Paris Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister Global Environment Bureau, of the pillars of the new plan will be 0 , , , , , , , , Agreement, was another major theme of the Republic of Fiji, expressed his Ministry of the Environment, Japan the life-cycle 3Rs (reduce, reuse and 85 90 95 00 05 10 15 20 recycle). This initiative will enhance Year upstream processes, such as Design 120 Group discussions for the Environment (DfE) and sus- 109 109 107 tainable procurement, which tend to 102 100 96 be less focused than downstream pro-

cesses. It will also contribute to Goal 81 12 of the Sustainable Development 80 82 81 Goals (SDGs), ensuring sustainable 70 consumption and production patterns, 62 60 56 including the substantial reduction of 52 waste generation and the efficient use 48 of natural resources. 40 34 38 31 In addition, the new plan will 28 27 contribute to various other SDGs as 22 19.2 17.9 Target value well, through the implementation 20 14.8 18.8 of material-specific initiatives such 17.4 16.3 17 as reducing food loss, developing a Final disposal amount (1M tons) 0 , , , , , , , , sound international trade for second 85 90 95 00 05 10 15 20 resources, and promoting deployment Year of the waste management facilities. Japan is determined to accelerate ini- Toru TERAI tiatives for achieving SDG 12. Deputy Director, Office for Recycling Promotion, Environmental Regeneration and Material Cycles Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan

10 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 JEQ JAPAN Environment Quarterly | Vol.18 11 NATIONAL PARKS OF JAPAN Project to “Fully Enjoy National Parks” at Akan-Mashu

ere in this land of numerous serene lakes, beautiful DATA H pine forests, active volcanoes, and diverse wildlife, Akan-Mashu National Park the indigenous Ainu people have long coexisted with na- Established: December 4, 1934 ture, which they worshiped as “kamuy” (gods). Area: 91,413 ha Akan-Mashu National Park, located in Hokkaido in northernmost Japan, initiated a project to encourage Akan-Mashu National Park more foreign tourists to visit the area and witness its beauty. The National Park is implementing public-private initiatives to help visitors enjoy its nature and culture The Ezo red fox more deeply and comfortably by improving park facili- is found widely ties, developing new programs for adventure tourism throughout Hokkaido and experiencing Ainu culture, and training guides. The key concepts behind this project are “novel uses for resources predicated on preserving the natural envi- ronment” and “quality time spent in primordial nature.” We are all looking forward to your visit to Akan-Mashu National Park, where you are sure to be captivated by the unique experiences available.

Yuki ANDO Ranger The “Project to Fully Enjoy National Parks” is aimed at developing Marimo is a type of Lake Akan Ranger Office novel attractions in and adding new facilities to each of Japan’s na- moss that grows into Kushiro Nature tional parks, so as to enhance their appeal to travelers from around beautiful spheres. Conservation Office, the world and to encourage lengthy visits. Ministry of the http://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/enjoy-project/index.html Environment, Japan

web http://www.env.go.jp/en/ e-mail [email protected]

Published by Ministry of Environment Editor : Takahiro Hasegawa, Megumi Sakurai Designed by Bunkakobo, inc.