1) Global Scale Conservation of Air Environment

Part 2 Current Environmental Issues and Environmental Conservation Measures by Government

(1) Global warmingWith the recent expansion of human activities, a large amountof greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methanegas is emitted into the air, enhancing greenhouse effects andincreasing the possibility of global warming.

The 2001 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) indicates a rise of the average global surfacetemperature by 0.6±0.2℃ since 1861 and forecasts a fur-ther rise by 1.4℃ to 5.8℃ until 2100 and a rise of the sealevel of between 9cm and 88cm. The observation by JapanMeteorological Agency indicates a rise of the average annu-al temperature by about 1.0℃ over the last 100 years andthe influence of global warming on the natural environment isalready detected such as reduction of the sea ice area of Seaof Okhotsk and a shift of natural habitat areas of animals and plants.

Among the greenhouse gases emitted in 1999 in Japan, the carbon dioxide emission accounts for 1,225 million tons andthe emission per capita is 9.67 tons (both are based on carbon dioxide conversion). The emission per capita has increasedby 6.3% since 1990 and the total emission shows an increase of 9.0%. The results by sector indicates an increase of23.0% in the transportation sector, an increase of 20.1% in the public welfare (business) sector, and an increase of 15.0%in the public welfare (household) sector, while the result shows an increase of 0.8% in the industrial sector.

This part reports the current conditions of environmental problems and the environmental conservation mea-sures that were implemented in 2001 based on the Basic Environment Plan under the Chapters indicatedbelow. The following Chapters clarify the current conditions of environmental problems and issues in themajor fields.Chapter 1 Creating a Socio Economic System Based on Sound Material Cycles with Minimal EnvironmentalBurdenChapter 2 Basis of Measures, and Measures to Promote Participation of All Segments of SocietyChapter 3 Measures to Promote International ActionChapter 4 Effective Implementation of the Basic Environment Plan

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

Transition of global CO2 emission (1950-1996)

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the data supplied by the Carbon Dioxide analysis Information Center of Oakridge National Institute (USA)

(Million tons)

Carbon conversion

Total

Western developed countries

Developing countries

Developed countries

Eastern Europe + Previous USSR

(Year)1950 1960 1970 1980 1990

Temperature difference

(Year)

(℃)

20102000199019801970196019501940193019201910190018901880

Chronological change of anomaly of average surface temperature in Japan in common year (1898 to 2001)

Note: The bar graph shows the value of each year. The blue line indicates the average shift change of the value in each year and the red line shows the long-term trend.

Presentation: Japan Metrological Agency

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

Condition of carbon dioxide emission by sector in Japan

Presentation: Ministry of the Environment (FY)

Emission (Unit: million t)

1998199919971996199519941993199219911990

Sector 1990 -> 1999 (Compared to 1990)

Industry 490 million t -> 494 million t (increase f 0.8%)

Transportation 211 million t -> 260 million t (increase of 23.0%)

Public welfare (domestic) 138 million t -> 159 million t (increase of 15.0%)

Public welfare (business) 125 million t -> 150 million t (increase of 20.1%)

Energy transformation 77 million t -> 88 million t (increase of 11.7%)

Industrial process 59 million t -> 53 million t (decrease of 9.5%)

Waste (incineration of plastic and crude oil) 13 million t ->24 million t (increase of 86.3%) 0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

550

600

28

29

2) Conservation of AirEnvironment (Excluding theglobal scale air environment)AirEnvironment

(1) Acid rainAcid rain is a rain that shows strong acidity fordissolved sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides thatare generated from combustion of fossil fuelsand so on. The impact of acid rain over awide range Pisces for the acidification of inlandwater was such as lakes, swamps, and rivers,and forests by acidification of soils, and accel-eration of deterioration or collapse of trees andcultural heritage buildings by acid deposition,is feared.

To solve global warming problems, the Japanese Government is to make its utmost efforts for approval of the conclusionof Kyoto Protocol in the 154th ordinary session of the Diet, and establishment of the domestic collateral law that is requiredfor the approval regarding the greenhouse gas emission of developed countries in order to conclude in 2002 the KyotoProtocol that sets constraints on emission values. In addition, the Government needs to enhance the measures in everysite of the socio economical system and organically combine measures of each aspect. At the same time, a funda-mental measure is necessary in the future for reviewing and changing the mass production, mass consumption, and masswaste producing modern socio economic system.

(2) Ozone layer depletionIt became clear that the ozone layer is being depleted by ozonelayer depletion substances such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC).When an ozone layer is depleted, harmful ultra violet rays reachthe Earth’s surface, causing health hazards such as skin canceror cataracts.

Ozone layers being depleted globally except over tropical areasand the rate of depletion is higher in the highest latitude regions.In Japan also, a statistically significant trend has been verified inSapporo, and in the South Pole, the largestozone hole in history was observed in 2000.The ozone layers are in a fragile condition dueto the emission of man-made chemicals.

The Japanese Government controlled produc-tion of CFC by establishing the Ozone LayerProtection Law in 1988 established the "LawRegarding Recovery and Destruction of FreonAssociated with Specific Products" in June2001. This law made obligatory the recov-ery and destruction of Freon in commercialfreezer air conditioners and car air condition-ers.

Transition of scale of ozone holes

Area

Ratio to the South Pole Continent

Area of South Pole Continent

Presentation: Japan Meteorological Agency　"Ozone Layers observation Report 2000"

(10,000 km3) (multiplication)

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

(FY)1979

1981

1983

1985

1987

19891991

1993

1995

19971999 20

01

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

pH distribution chart in rainfall

—: Not measured*: Invalid data (discarded by the annual judgment criteria)Notes:1. Average value of the 2nd survey over 5 years (excluding missing measurement and the annual average values that were

discarded) 2. In Tokyo, values are measured in different positions in the 2nd survey and the 3rd survey.3. In Kurahashijima, values are measures in different positions in 1993 and 1994.4. For Sapporo, Niitu, Hidake, and Tsukuba, the measurement frequencies are different in 1993 and from 1994 onwards.5. Data of the winter closed points (Oze, Nikko, and Akagi) is excluded.

Source: "Summary of 3rd Acid Deposition Survey" by the Ministry of the Environment, Acid Deposition Countermeasure Review Meeting

Result of 2nd survey and 3rd survey

Average of 2nd survey(1)/1993/1994/1995/1996/1997

Rishiri　4.8/4.9/5.3/＊/5.0/＊

Nohoro　4.8/4.8/5.0/5.1/5.2/5.3

Sapporo　5.2/5.1/4.7/4.6/4.6/4.6

Hachimantai　－/－/＊/4.8/4.7/4.8

Hidake　4.9/5.2/4.8/＊/4.8/4.9

Sendai　5.1/5.3/＊/5.1/5.1/5.2

Tsukuba　4.7/＊/＊/＊/4.8/4.9

Kashima　5.5/＊/5.6/5.7/＊/5.8

Ichihara　4.9/5.2/5.5/5.3/5.4/5.0Kawasakai　4.7/5.1/4.7/4.8/5.0/4.8

Tokyo　＊/＊/＊/＊/＊/＊

Tanzawa　－/－/－/4.8/4.8/4.9Inuyama　4.5/4.7/4.8/4.7/4.7/4.8Nagoya　5.2/5.3/5.3/4.7/4.7/5.0Kyoto Yawata　4.5/4.7/4.7/4.8/4.7/4.8Osaka　4.5/4.8/4.5/4.7/4.7/4.9

Amagasaki　4.7/5.0/4.8/4.8/4.7/4.9Shiomisaki　－/－/4.6/4.6/4.5/5.2Kurashiki　4.6/4.7/4.7/4.6/4.5/4.7

Ashizurimisaki　－/－/＊/＊/＊/4.6Kurahasijima　4.5/＊/4.4/4.6/4.5/4.6

Ube　5.8/5.9/5.7/5.8/5.6/5.7Oitakujyu　－/－/4.5/4.7/4.7/5.0

Yakushima　－/－/4.6/4.6/4.7/4.8

Omuta　5.0/5.3/5.5/5.5/5.5/5.5

Amami　5.7/5.5/5.0/5.1/＊/5.3

Kunigami　－/－/＊/4.9/5.1/＊Ogasawara　5.1/5.1/5.3/5.3/5.4/5.6

Tappi　－/－/4.7/4.9/4.7/4.8Obanazawa　－/－/＊/4.8/4.7/4.7

Niigata　4.6/4.6/4.5/4.6/4.6/4.7Niitsu　4.6/4.6/4.6/4.7/4.5/4.7

Sado　4.6/4.7/4.7/4.7/4.6/4.8Happoone　－/－/4.7/＊/＊/4.8

Tateyama　－/－/＊/4.8/4.7/4.7Wajima　－/－/4.6/4.6/4.6/4.7

Echizenmisaki　－/－/－/4.5/4.5/4.6Kyoto Yasaka　－/－/＊/4.7/4.5/4.8Oki　4.9/＊/5.1/4.8/4.7/4.8

Matsue　4.7/4.9/4.8/4.7/4.6/4.9Masuda　－/－/4.7/4.6/4.5/4.7

Kitakyushu　5.0/4.8/5.2/5.2/5.2/＊

Tsushima　4.5/4.8/＊/4.9/4.7/4.8

Chikugo-ogoori　4.6/4.9/4.7/4.8/4.8/4.9

Goto　－/－/＊/4.9/4.7/4.8

30

In Japan, almost the same degree of acid rain impact is observed as in Europe and America from which damage hasalready been reported. However, the impact on the ecosystem has not been clarified yet. Since in general, the dam-age by acid rain surfaces after a long period of time, if acid rain continues at the present rate, the damage of acid rainmay become actualized.

(2) Photochemical oxidantsPhotochemical oxidants are generated as the secondary product of photochemical reactions when primary pollutantsmainly consisting of nitrogen dioxides and hydrocarbons thatare emitted from factories, offices, and automobiles receiveirradiation from sunlight. Photochemical oxidants cause pho-tochemical smog that irritates the eyes and throats or influ-ences the respiratory organs, however, the level of photo-chemical oxidants still exceeds the environmental standardin almost all the areas nationwide.

(3) Nitrogen oxidesNitrogen oxides that adversely affect the respiratory organsat high concentration are generated mainly by material com-bustion. They are mainly generated from stationery sourcessuch as factories and mobile sources such as automobiles.

The annual average concentration of nitrogen dioxide in2000 was slightly higher than that of the previous year, how-ever, the long-term view shows that the concentrationremains almost at the same level. For the environmental stan-dard achievement statuses for nitrogen dioxide in 2000, theAmbient Air Pollution Monitoring Station indicated 99.2%and the Automobile Exhaust Gas Monitoring Station indi-cated 80%. However, the standard has not been satisfiedover a wide area surrounding the urban areas that are spec-ified by Automobile NOx Control Law (Law ConcerningSpecial Measures for Total Emission Reduction of NitrogenOxides from Automobiles in Specified Areas) and the con-dition of air pollution is still unsatisfactory. Based on this rea-son, the implementation was enhanced by amending theAutomobile NOx Law in 2001.

(4) Suspended particulate matterSuspended particulate matter is particles with diameter of 10micro meters or less and float in the air. Suspended partic-ulate matter consists of two categories:primary particles suchas diesel exhaust particles that are emitted from diesel auto-mobiles and flinged-up soils; and secondary particles thatare produced by changing gaseous substances such as nitro-gen oxides into particles in the air. Being extremely small,such matters stay in the air for a long time, are deposited inlungs and the trachea, harming the respiratory organs at high

Transition of annual average concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on "2000 Air Pollution Status Report"

Ambient air pollution monitoring stationRoadside air pollution monitoring station

（ppm）

Concentration

(FY)1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.06

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Transition of environment standard achievement status associated with nitrogen dioxidein specific regions (Roadside air pollution monitoring station)

Num

ber of stations

(FY)1996 1997 1998 1999 2000Notes:1. Specific regions include some regions that are targeted for Automobile NOx Law in Saitama

Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefecture.2. Air pollution by nitrogen dioxide based on the environmental standard is assessed as follows; among

the daily average of nitrogen dioxides in each measurement station, the value is assessed from the lower value to that equivalent to 98%.

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the "2000 Air Pollution Status Report"

172

108

168 172 171 171

56

59

61

101

33.3% 34.3% 35.7% 59.1% 62.8%

Environment standardachievement station All the measured stations

Achievement rate

Transition of annual average concentration level of suspended particulate matter

（M／K）

Annual average value

1974 1980 1985 1990 1995

Source: "2000 Air Pollution Status Report" by the Ministry of the Environment

0

0.03

0.06

0.09

0.12

0.15

0.18

Ambient air pollution monitoring station Roadside air pollution monitoring station

(FY)2000

31

concentration.

The average density of suspended partic-ular matter remains at almost the same levelor is decreasing gradually. The conformi-ty status of the environmental standard ofsuspended particulate matter based on thelong-term assessment is decreasing slight-ly in comparison to that of the previousyear. Therefore, as the measure for urbanareas where the pollution conditions arequite serious, the Government amendedAutomobile NOx Control Low to add par-ticulate matter to the regulated substance listin 2001. the Government also examiningmicro particulate matter with diameter 2.5 micro m or less anddiesel exhaust particles since the relationship between thesesubstances and health is of great concern.

(5) Sulfur oxideThe average concentration of sulfur dioxide that is generatedby burning oil and coal containing sulfur and causes pollutiondisease and acid rain remains at the same level or is decreas-ing. The recent environmental compliance status maintains afavorable condition although there were some influences fromvolcanic gas from Miyake Island.

(6) Hazardous air pollutantsFull-scale monitoring was started for hazardous air pollutantsin local Governments based on the revised Air Pollution Controllaw that was implemented in 1997. The levels of benzenesexceeded the environment standard value in 74 spotsamong 364 spots in 2000, and enhancement of emissionreduction by voluntary measures is planned from 2001.

(7) Noise, vibration, and offensive odorIn addition to air pollution, there are also noise, vibration, andoffensive odors, which are mainly related to human senses andare now regarded as important issues in conservation of theliving environment. Noise is a problem closely related to dailyliving among various types of pollution and the sources varygreatly. Annually, the number of complaints against noiseforms the majority of pollution complaints. Although the num-ber of complaints regarding noise has decreased over thesepast 10 years, the number increased in 2000. The numberof complaints regarding vibration remains at the same levelover these past 10 years. The number of complaints regard-ing offensive odors was dropping after reaching its peak in1972, however, it has started to increase in these past sev-eral years.

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Transition of environment standard achievement status of suspended particulate matter

Number of stationsthat achievedthe standard

Total number ofmonitoring stations

Number of stationsthat achievedthe standard

Total number ofmonitoring stations

General environment air monitoring stations Roadside air pollution monitoring stations

Num

ber of stations

Num

ber of stations

(FY)1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

(FY)1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Achievement rate Achievement rate

Source: "2000 Air Pollution Status Report" by the Ministry of the Environment

1,531

1,292

301

199

1,533 1,526 1,528 1,529

1,070 944

1,029

1,378

69.8%

61.9%

67.3%

90.1%

84.4%

229250

269 282

97 85 96

215

42.4% 34.0% 35.7% 76.2% 66.1%

(FY)2000

Transition of average concentration level of sulfur dioxide

（ppm）

Annual average value

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995

Ambient air pollution monitoring stationRoadside air pollution monitoring station

Source: "2000 Air Pollution Status Report" by the Ministry of the Environment

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

Transition of the number of complaints regardingseven typical pollutants by type

NoiseOffensive odorAir pollution

Water pollutionVibrationSoil pollution

(FY)

(Number)32,000

28,000

24,000

20,000

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

01991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Note: The number of complaints regarding land subsidence was omitted since the presentation is difficult.

Presentation: Environmental Dispute Coordination Commission

Number of wellstested (wells)

Number of wellsexceeded the standard

(wells)Excess rate % Environmental standardSubstance

Groundwater quality monitoring result of 2000

CadmiumTotal cyanogenLeadchromium(VI)ArsenicTotal mercuryAlkyl mercuryPCBsDichloromethaneCarbon tetrachloride1, 2- dichloroethane1, 1- dichloroethylenecis-1, 2- dichloroethylene1,1,1- trichloroethane1,1,2- trichloroethaneTrichloroethyleneTetrachloroethylene1, 3- dichloropropeneThiuramSimazinThiobencarbBenzeneSeleniumNitrate nitrogen and nitrite nitrogenFluorideBoron

0.01mg/l or lessnot detectable

0.01 mg/l or less0.05 mg/l or less0.01 mg/l or less

0.0005mg/l or lessnot detectablenot detectable

0.02 mg/l or less0.002 mg/l or less0.004 mg/l or less0.02 mg/l or less0.04mg/l or less

1 mg/l or less0.006 mg/l or less0.03 mg/l or less0.01 mg/l or less0.002 mg/l or less0.006 mg/l or less0.003 mg/l or less0.02 mg/l or less0.01 mg/l or less0.01 mg/l or less10 mg/l or less0.8 mg/l or less1.0 mg/l or less

Total (Number of wells)

2,997 2,616 3,360 3,187 3,386 2,833 1,048 1,818 3,534 3,675 3,301 3,650 3,657 4,219 3,286 4,225 4,225 3,039 2,528 2,508 2,453 3,436 2,634 4,167 3,276 3,210

4,911

0 0 10 1 65 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 12 0 0 22 17 0 0 0 0 0 0

253 25 16

398

0.0 0.0 0.3 0.03 1.9 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.1 0.8 0.5

8.1

Presentation: Ministry of the Environment "Groundwater Quality Monitoring Result in 2000"

32

3) Conservation of water, soil, and ground environment

(1) Water environmentThe result of national public water quality monitoring in 2000 indicates that the environment standard achievement rateregarding human health such as cadmium is 99.2%, however, the environmental standard achievement rate regarding con-servation of living environment such as COD, which is a typical water quality index of organic pollution, is 79.4%. In par-ticular, the achievement rates in the enclosed waters such as lakes, swamps, and bays are still low. The COD indexes,which are the typical indicators, indicate 63% for Tokyo Bay, 56% for Ise Bay, 76% for Seto Inland Sea, and 42.3% forlakes and swamps. To take the proper measures for such a condition, the Government decided to reduce COD indexesof Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay, and Seto Inland Sea further. The Government also decided to implement the 5th Areawide TotalPollutant Load Control targeting 2004 as the implementation year by adding nitrogen contents and phosphorus contentsas the specification items as well as COD, in order to promote comprehensive reduction measures combining nitrogen andphosphorous, which are the causes of eutrophication.

Transition of environmental standard (BOD or COD) achievement rate

(FY)

（％）

Achievem

ent rate

Remarks: 1. BOD for rivers and COD for lakes and swamps, and sea areas2. Achievement rate (%) = (Number of water areas achieved/number of water areas applied) x 100

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on "National public water quality monitoring in 2000".

0

20

40

60

80

100

1974 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

TotalRiversLakes and swampsSea areas

0.04

0.05

0.06

0.07

0.08

200019991998199719961995

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

200019991998199719961995

Transition of water quality in three sea areas

(FY)

(FY)

Concentration (mg/l)

Concentration (mg/l)

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on "National public water quality monitoring 　　　　　 during the period from 1995 to 2000".

Tokyo BayIse BayOsaka Bay

Tokyo BayIse BayOsaka Bay

Total phosphorus

Total nitrogen

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5（％）

Rate of specimens exceeding environm

ental standard

Transition of rate of specimens exceeding environmentalstandard associated with health items (8th item)

(FY)1971 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Notes:1. The rate of a specimen of alkyl mercury exceeding the environmental standard is 0% since 1971.2. As a result of revision of the environmental standard made in March 1993, the environment standard

value of Lead was revised from 0.1mg/l to 0.01mg/l, the standard value of arsenic was revised from 0.05mg/l to 0.01mg/l, and the standard value of organic phosphorus was deleted (not detected).

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on "National public water quality monitoring in 2000".

CadmiumTotal cyanogenOrganic phosphorousLeadChromium(VI)ArsenicTotal mercuryPCBs

33

For groundwater, the result of a survey conducted in 2000shows that 8.1% of the wells that were examined exceededthe environmental standards. Regarding nitrate nitrogen andnitrite nitrogen, 6.1% of the wells exceeded the environmentalstandard. Under these circumstances, the countermeasuresare regarded as urgent issues.

(2) Marine pollutionThe number of confirmed marine pollutants in the Japanesesea areas in 2001 was 486, which is a reduction of 124in comparison to that of 2000.

(3) Soil contaminationSoil contamination occurs due to direct infection such as leak-age of raw materials due to inappropriate treatment or dueto the secondary load generated through water pollution orair pollution caused by business activities. Once soil is con-taminated, hazardous substances are deposited, causing along-term contamination. Recently, soil contamination arebeing detected increasingly as a result of redevelopment offactory sites and research organization sites. In 2000, 134soil contamination instances were detected. Therefore, topromote soil environment conservation measures in urbanareas and so on, the Government submitted a bill for soil con-tamination countermeasures in February 2002.

(4) Ground SubsidenceGround subsidence occurs due to con-traction of a clay layer that is caused bya drop of the groundwater level that iscaused by excessive extraction ofgroundwater. Once the ground has sub-sided, it will not be recovered to the orig-inal condition, causing damage to build-ings and increase of submersion proba-bility at flooding. By 2000, ground sub-sidence was noticed in 37 Prefecturesand 61 regions.

Type

Sea Area

Year

Hokkaido

coastal area

Honshu East

Coast

Tokyo Bay

Ise Bay

Osaka Bay

Seto

Inland

Sea

excluding

Osa

ka Ba

y

Honshu South

Coast

Kyushucoastal area

Japan Seacoastal area

South-West

sea area

Total

(Unit: Pollution)Transition of number of confirmed marine pollutionsby sea area

OilOther than oil

Red TideTotal

405 90 144 20 254 54 713 388 46 211 26 283 26 697 339 20 181 23 224 26 589 307 30 226 16 272 31 610 327 8

103 11 122 37 486

26 0 9 0 9 0 35 32 2 0 0 2 0 34 49 0 4 0 4 0 53 27 0 1 0 1 0 28 18 0 1 0 1 0 19

53 0 8 1 9 2 64 33 0 13 0 13 3 49 35 0 21 2 23 4 62 13 1 64 0 65 1 79 38 0 31 0 31 4 73

57 1 14 0 15 0 72 47 0 39 1 40 0 87 37 2 18 0 20 0 57 31 0 39 1 40 2 73 45 1 8 0 9 6 60

38 75 29 0

104 11 153 52 33 33 1 67 5

124 31 13 40 1 54 2 87 45 25 10 5 40 6 91 31 0 13 1 14 4 49

86 3 23 1 27 3

116 67 2 60 11 73 8

148 47 1 49 5 55 2

104 44 1 43 3 47 1 92 49 1 32 0 33 3 85

16 1 5 2 8 9 33 16 1 37 1 39 1 56 14 0 9 5 14 3 31 16 1 3 1 5 1 22 11 2 5 0 7 0 18

6 0 7 0 7 16 29 12 0 13 1 14 6 32 11 0 20 0 20 3 34 17 1 45 0 46 5 68 28 1 6 0 7 4 39

61 1 0 10 11 6 78 73 1 2 9 12 2 87 64 2 4 6 12 10 86 78 0 2 4 6 15 99 73 1 3 8 12 16 101

34 9 44 1 54 6 94 24 7 6 0 13 1 38 33 2 3 3 8 2 43 23 1 9 1 11 0 34 19 2 3 1 6 0 25

28 0 5 5 10 1 39 32 0 8 2 10 0 42 18 0 13 1 14 0 32 13 0 10 1 11 0 24 15 0 1 1 2 0 17

Notes:1. "Hazardous substances" in the column "other than oil" refer to hazardous substances that are specified in the "Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster" and unexamined liquid substances.

2. "Others" in the column "other than oil" refer to factory waste water and Blue Tide.Presentation: Japan Coast Guard

Hazardous substance

Waste Others

Subtotal

OilOther than oil

Red TideTotal

Hazardous substance

Waste Others

Subtotal

OilOther than oil

Red TideTotal

Hazardous substance

Waste Others

Subtotal

OilOther than oil

Red TideTotal

Hazardous substance

Waste Others

Subtotal

OilOther than oil

Red TideTotal

Hazardous substance

Waste Others

Subtotal

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

Outline of ground subsidence areas nationwide

0 50 100 150 D

Kanazawa Plain,Ishikawa Prefecture

Kumano Plain,Kumamoto Prefecture

Chikugo and Saga Plain,Saga Prefecture

Kanto Plain, Ibaragi PrefectureKanto Plain, Saitama Prefecture

Minami Uonuma,Niigata Prefecture

Kujyukuri Plain, Chiba Prefecture

Area where ground subsidence of 2cm or more per year was detected in 2000 (7 areas)Area where ground subsidence was detected by 2000 (61 areas including the above areas)

Upper column: Number of areas (Unit: Area)Lower column: Area (Unit: km2)

Note: Sizes of some areas have not been measured.The areas are indicated in 1km2 units by rounding up any fractions.* Indicates an area less than 0.5km2.

Presentation: Ministry of the Environment "General Condition of Ground Subsidence Areas Nationwide in 2000"

1978Ground subsidenceby 2cm or moreper year

Year

Ground subsidenceby 4cm or moreper year

28 1,946

13 404

1979

25 624

9 176

1980

23 467

8 100

1981

23 689

8 60

1982

22 616

8 45

1983

22 594

6 45

1984

31 814

12 161

1985

19 499

7 40

1986

18 396

6 7

1987

12 500

7 22

1988

17 617

5 63

1989

16 285

4 7

1990

18 360

5 14

1991

17 467

4 6

1992

19 525

6 25

1993

11 276

1 ＞

1994

21 902

6 113

1995

14 21

2 ＞

1996

13 258

4 22

1997

9 244

0 0

1998

9 250

0 0

2000

1999

9 6

0 0

7 6

0 0

34

4) Measures for waste and recycling

In Japan, about 50 million tons of municipal wastes are disposed of annually since 1989 and the amount has remainedat the same level for these past several years. Of the wastes, 78.1% is directly incinerated and 10.87 million tons are treat-ed as final disposal. The average national capacity of municipal landtill sites is 12.3 years in 1999.

The total amount of industrial wastes disposed of remains at the same level in these past several years. In 1999, the amountdecreased slightly from that of the previous year, resulting in about 400 million tons and the amount of final disposal wasabout 50 million tons, a decrease from the previous year’s in terms of the proportion to the total disposal amount. The aver-age national capacity of landtill sites was 3.7 years in 1999, presenting a more difficult situation than municipal wastes.In particular, the capacity in metropolitan areas is 1.2 years, which is a particularly difficult situation.

To solve these problems, waste and recycling measuresmust be implemented keeping in mind the following pri-ority rule stipulated in the Basic Law for Establishing aRecycling-Based Society firstly reduction of waste gen-eration, secondly reuse of used products and compo-nents, thirdly recycling as materials, fourthly energy recov-ery, and finally, proper disposal.

Regarding recovery and recycling status, the recyclingrate combining resource regeneration implemented bymunicipalities and mass recovery by resident groups isonly 13.1% in 1999. Although the rate is increasingeach year, it is still at a low level. The individual recy-cling status in 2000 shows 84.2% for steel cans, 80.6%for aluminum cans, and 77.8% for glass bottle cullet(crushed used bottles) utilization rate. The rate of recy-cling used papers is slightly increasing, which is57.0%. The recovery rate of PET bottles is also increas-ing each year and has reached 34.5% in 2000.1,027 cases of illegal disposal of industrial waste weredetected in FY 2000, and the tonnage dumpedremained fairly stable at around 400,00 tonnes per yearrecently.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989 (FY)

（％）

Changes in recycling rate

Note:

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the data supplied by the Steel can Recycling Association,Å@Paper Recycling Promotion Center, Glass Bottle Recycling Promotion Association, Aluminum can Recycling Association, "Domestic waste disposal and treatment general condition (result of 1999)" prepared by the Ministry of the Environment, and data supplied by the PET bottle recycling Council

Glass bottle cullet utilization rate ＝ X100glass bottle production amount Cullet utilization amount * Cullet: Produced by crushing class

bottles into pieces.

Used paperrecovery rate＝

net consumption amount = result of paper and sheet paper delivered + import result - export resultresult of user paper received + result of used paper pulp received – result of used paper imported + result of used paper exported

Aluminum can resource regeneration rate ＝ X100weight of aluminum can consumed Weight of regenerated aluminum can

PET bottle recovery rate ＝ X100amount produced Amount collected

Waste recycling rate ＝ X100total amount waste treated + amount of mass recoveryamount of direct recycling + amount reutilized after intermediate treatment + amount of mass recovery

Steel can resource regeneration rate ＝ X100weight of steel can produced weight of steel can scrap utilized weight

However, in 1999, steel can recycling rate ＝ weight of steel can consumedweight of steel can recovered

However, in 1999, aluminum recycling rate ＝ weight of aluminum cans recoveredweight of aluminum cans consumed

Steel can resource regeneration rate (normal year), and steel can recycling rate (1999, normal year)Used paper recovery rate (normal year)Glass bottle cullet utilization rate (normal year)Aluminum can resource regeneration rate (FY) and aluminum can recycling rate (FY 1999)Waste recycling rate (FY)PET bottle recovery rate (FY)

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

Changes in amount of industrial wastes disposed

Note: The value marked by * indicates the amount disposed of in 1996 in the "target for reduction of the amount of wastes disposed " (determined by the Government on September 28, 1999) that was set by the Government, setting the target for 2010, based on the Basic Guidelines of Japan for the Promotion of Measures against DioxinsThe amount of wastes disposed of was calculated using the same calculation condition.Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on "Calculation of industrial wastes and treatment condition (implemented in 1999)"

(10,000 t/year)C

hanges in amount of industrial w

astes disposed

1985 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996(FY)199919981997

31,200

39,50039,800 40,300 39,700 40,500

39,400

42,600 （＊）

40,00040,80041,500

3,500

4,000

4,500

5,000

5,500

1,000

1,100

1,200

1,300

1,400

Changes in amount of municipal wastes disposed

(FY)1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 199919981997

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on "Disposal and treatment of domestic wastes (implemented in 1999)"

Changes in am

ount of municipal w

aste disposed

Changes in am

ount of municipal w

aste disposed per capita per day

(10,000 t/year) (g/person per day)

4,977

1,114

5,044

1,120

5,077

1,118

5,020

1,104

5,030

1,103

5,054

1,106

5,069

1,105

5,115 5,1455,120 5,160

1,114 1,1141,1181,112

Total amount of municipal waste disposed

Amount of municipal waste disposed per capita per day

35

5) Measures for environmental risks of chemical substances

About 50,000 types or more of chemical substances that arecurrently distributed within Japan contain various toxicitiesincluding carcinogenicity and impacts on reproductive systems.These substances may give adverse effects on human healthand the ecosystem via media such as air and water. The exam-ination of chemical substances deposited in the environment hasdetected various chemical substances including those of high resid-ual property, such as PCB and DDT. Some of these chemical sub-stances are causing pollution on the global scale and, to tacklethese problems internationally the Stockholm Convention onPersistant Organic Pollutants was adopted in 2001.

To prevent such impacts, it is necessary to take proper measuresby assessing the concerns (environmental risks) caused by chem-ical substances.

Regarding dioxius, which is attracting public concerns itsamount taken per person per day has been reducing steadi-ly, and is less than the tolerable daily intake(TDI), whose amountis not harmful to human health even if it is taken continuouslythroughout the whole lifetime.

Concerning endocrine disrupters (so called environmental hor-mone) that might have an adverse influence on an endocrinesystem, since there are many unsolved issues, examination andresearch are being implemented to accumulate more scientif-ic information.

Implementation Procedure of Reporting, etc. of Releases of Specific Chemical Substances(PRTR/Pollutant Release and Transfer Register)

Designated chemical substances

※Information may be reported electrically

※May add their opinions

Hear opinions of own councils in advance

※Information containing trade secrets are directly reported to the Competent Minister overseeing the businesses

Opinions about research to be conducted by the State

Designated businesses

Prefectural governors (forward information)

Prefectural governors

Report quantities of chemical substances released and transferred

Promote the improvement of management of chemical substances by businesses and prevent the impediment of environmental protection

State government

State governmentFiling reported data

Disclose data of individual facilitiesRequest disclosure of data of individual facilities

(1)Forward reports submitted by businesses

(2)Based on data provided by the State government, aggregate and publish data to meet local needs

(3)Express opinions about research to be conducted by the State government

(4)Give technical advice to businesses

(5)Assist in increasing public understanding through public relations

Designate hazardous chemical substances continuously existing in the environment over considerably wide areas Cabinet Order ※

※Pay due attention to prevent the damage to human health and/or ecosystems

※May request the Competent Minister to explain about reported data containing trade secrets

Manufacturers, etc. of designated chemical substances(Type of industry and size of business are specified) Cabinet Order

Provide aggregated data and data of individual facilities

Draw up and publish guidelines on management of chemical substances

Following the guidelines, businesses provide information on releases and management of chemical substances to increase public understanding.

Central Environmental Council (Ministry of the Environment)Pharmacentical Affairs and Food Sanitation Council (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)Chemical Substances Council (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

State government

Releases of chemical substances not subject to reporting (houses, farmlands, etc.)

State government

Aggregate and publish quantities of chemical substances released and transferred

State government

State government

Local governments

General public

Conduct environment monitoring survey and study effects on human health and/or ecosystems

Presentation:Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of the Environment

Intake of Dioxin per person per day in Japan

Air

Soil

Fishery

Meat and egg

Milk and dairy products

Colored vegetables

Rice

Others

0.05pg-TEQ/kg/day

0.0084pg-TEQ/kg/day

1.107pg-TEQ/kg/day

0.194pg-TEQ/kg/day

0.079pg-TEQ/kg/day

0.021pg-TEQ/kg/day

<0.001pg-TEQ/kg/day

0.052pg-TEQ/kg/day

Total About 1.5pg-TEQ/kg/day

1.45pg-TEQ/kg/day Actual

intake

Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) 4pg-TEQ/kg/day

Air

Soil

Food

Converted to 1kg of body weight

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the data supplied by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare

Chronological change of daily intake of Dioxins

Dioxins

Coplanar PCB

PCDDs＋PCDFs

(FY)

Source: 1998 Welfare and Science Research "Research in actual condition of dioxin contamination in food"

pg-T

EQ/O

bw

/day

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

01977 1982 1988 1992 1995 1998

In addition, the PRTR system was introduced in Japan and the results will be announced after the end of 2002. The PRTR sys-tem is a mechanism for checking, aggregating, and announcing the amount of chemical substances harmful to human healthor the ecosystem that is emitted to the environment or may be carried together with wastes. In the future, improvement of riskcommunication becomes more important to promote sharing of information and mutual understanding among citizens, indus-tries, and governments regarding environmental risks caused by chemical substances.

6) Securing harmonious coexistence between human-kind and nature

The condition of the natural environment in Japan shows adecrease of natural forests and secondary forests andincrease of plantations, urban areas, and reclaimed landareas, Tidal flat and algal areas and natural lakeshore areasand coastal areas are decreasing. Among the species foundin Japan, a total of 57 species are specified as lean wildplant and animal species, including 2 types of Mammaliaand 39 types of birds. The species whose existences arethreatened in Japan include about 20% or more ofMammalia, Amphibia, and salt-water/fresh-water Pisces,about 20% or less of Reptilia and vascular bundle plants, and10% or more of Aves.

Based on these circumstances, the Government revised theNational Strategy on Biological Diversity in March 2002.

In the new national strategy, theGovernment indicated the basic policiesregarding the future biological diversityconservation measures with the followingthree major pillars based on the currentcondition of the crisis on biological diver-sity and maturity of awareness of thenation on these issues:<1> "Enhancement of conservation" asthe countermeasures for extinction ofspecies, decrease of wetland, and prob-lems of introduced species<2> Suggestion of "Restoration ofNature" for actively regenerating andrestoring the parts of Nature that were lostor damaged, in addition to the conver-sion of Nature <3> "Sustainable use" in areas such assatoyama, community based traditionalagriculture and forests, that is, promotionof regional conservation of biologicaldiversity.

The conservation of areas with outstand-ing nature in Japan is also important issue.The Government is conserving the areas

Classification

Vegetation naturalness

3rd surveyNumber of

meshes Ratio Number of meshes Ratio Number of

meshes Ratio

4th survey Increase/decrease

Cycle in the socio economic system and cycle in the natural environment

Natural grassland

Natural forest

Secondary forest (similar to natural forest)

Secondary forest

Plantation

Secondary grassland (high grass)

Secondary grassland (low grass)

Agricultural land (orchard)

Arable land (paddy fields and fields)

Urban land and reclaimed land

Natural bare land

Open water

Unspecified class

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Total

4,038

66,979

20,046

70,484

91,029

5,737

5,939

6,798

76,945

14,841

1,392

4,170

72

368,470

1.1

18.2

5.4

19.1

24.7

1.6

1.6

1.8

20.9

4.0

0.4

1.1

0.0

100.0

4,011

66,394

19,733

69,030

92,072

5,626

6,498

6,817

77,311

15,420

1,416

4,211

71

368,610

1.1

18.0

5.4

18.7

25.0

1.5

1.8

1.8

21.0

4.2

0.4

1.1

0.0

100.0

－27

－585

－313

－1,454

1,043

－111

559

19

366

579

24

41

－1

140

0.0

－0.2

－0.1

－0.4

0.3

0.0

0.2

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Presentation: "Vegetation Survey - by the 4th National Survey on the Natural Environment" by the Ministry of the Environment

Ratio of vegetation naturalness by locality

Presentation: "Vegetation Survey - by the 4th National Survey on the Natural Environment" by the Ministry of the Environment

Legend: The figure indicates %.

Hokkaido

ChubuChugoku

Kyushu Shikoku Kinki Kanto Okinawa

Tohoku

Nationwide

10. Natural grassland

9. Natural forest

8. Secondary forest (similar to natural forest)

7. Secondary forest

6. Plantation

5. Secondary grassland (high grass)4. Secondary grassland (low grass)

3. Agricultural land (orchard and so on)

2. Agricultural land (paddy field and field)

1. Urban land and reclaimed land

Natural bare land

Open waterUnspecified class

47.1

2.2

2.53.3

14.2

23.924.2

18.5 7.1

1.31.41.9

48.616.9

19.2

2.61.40.2

2.70.21.00.0

1.35.20.7

4.90.71.10.0

0.9

17.02.71.4

0.3 20.9

1.20.31.10.0

0.5

8.511.2

6.4

41.9

21.5

14.24.02.60.40.70.0

9.8

3.60.3

16.3

31.1

29.1

8.10.32.70.0

5.42.90.5

2.1

1.10.4

33.5

11.615.4

22.9

1.52.8 0.9

0.71.60.0

1.95.91.1

5.6

42.5

1.20.0

1.10.47.3

2.0

30.5

9.00.20.10.0

26.523.2

14.320.7

5.5

21.018.0

1.14.20.41.10.0

5.4

18.725.01.5

1.81.8

2.80.1 0.91.00.0

1.72.31.0

0.6

0.537.22.51.1

3.823.4

4.40.40.40.1

36

37

that maintain the native condition of the natural environmentwithout being influenced by human activities by specifyingthem such as the Nature conservation Areas. Yakushimaand Shirakami Sanchi are registered as World NaturalHeritages. The Government is promoting conservation byspecifying natural sights that can represent the country as nat-ural parks such as national parks. Natural parks play impor-tant roles as the places for contact with nature such as expe-rience in wild life, nature observation, and outdoor recre-ation, as well as conservation of natural environment.Corresponding to the increase of the nation’s desire forenjoying nature, the number of visitors to natural parksexceeded 900 million.In addition, the Government is implementing Rehabilitationof Natural Habitats and Maintenance of ViablePopulations for endangered wild animals and plants suchas Japanese crested ibis and Iriomote wild cat as a part ofthe wildlife protection management policies. TheGovernment is also implementing businesses to improve var-ious forests for installation of damage prevention facilitiesand coexistence of wild birds and animals, in response toaggravation of damage to agriculture, forestry, and Piscesand natural ecosystem by specific birds and animals suchas deer and boars.

(As of January 2002)

FaunaFlora

Taxonomic Group

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Amphibians

Brackish and Freshwater fish

Insects

Vascular Plants

Bryophytes

Algae

Lichens

Fungi

Inland and Freshwater Shellfish

Spiders and crustaceans

Sub-total for Fauna

Sub-total for Flora

total

Extinct

Threatened Endangered I

A Critically

Endangered

B Endangered

Endangered II

(Vulnerable)

Extinctin the Wild

Number of Species

for Assessment

NearThreatened

DataDeficient

Endangered regional

population

Number of endangered

species

About 200

About 700

97

64

About 300

About 30,000

About 1,000

About 4,200

About7,000

About1,800

About5,500

About1,000

About16,500

4

13

0

0

3

2

25

0

47

20

0

5

3

27

55

102

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

5

0

1

0

1

7

9

16

48

11

9

18

76

165

23

366

621

70

6

23

10

730

1,096

16

16

9

5

12

161

206

31

456

145

4

24

17

0

190

646

9

15

1

0

5

88

69

36

223

52

54

0

17

0

123

346

12

2

2

4

14

3

5

0

42

0

0

0

0

0

0

42

48

90

18

14

76

139

251

33

669

1,665

180

41

45

63

1,994

2,663

63

86

10

303

32 20 42 25 7 5 5 4 58 29

1,044 480

110

35

22

53

1,264

1,567

12

17 2 1

29

564

Endangered wildlife species in Japan(Species table listed in the Red Data Book Red List)

(1) The number of animal species assessed (including endemic, and so on) is according to the "Japanese Wildlife Enumeration (Ministry of the Environment Section, 1993, 1995, and 1998).(2) The number of vascular bundle plant species (including endemic, and so on) that are assessed is according to the summary of the Plant Taxonomy Association.(3) The number of species that are assessed for mosses, algae, lichen, and fungus (including endemic, and so on) is based on the survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment.(4) The current condition of endangered species (including endemic, and so on) are based on "Revised version of endangered wildlife - Red Data Book - Amphibia, Reptilia, Plant I, Plant II (Ministry of the Environment Section 2000)" and "Red list Mammalia, Aves, Pisces, and Invertebrates (Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment, 1998, 1999, 2000)).The categories are as follows:Extinct: Species that are considered to be extinct in JapanExtinct in the Wild: Species that exist under breeding or cultivationCritically Endangered + Endangered): Species that are endangered for extinctionVulnerable: Species that are increasingly endangered for extinctionNear Threatened: Species whose existence is precariousThreatened Local Population: Regionally isolated population that are threatened for extinction

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the "Red List"

Map of national parks and quasi-national parks

Presentation: Ministry of the Environment

Ｎ National parkQuasi-national park

National parks Quasi-National parks

Rishiri-Rebun-SarobetsuShiretokoAkanKushiro ShitsugenDaisetsuzanShikotsu-ToyaTowada-HachimantaiRikuchu KaiganBandai-AsahiNikkoJoshin'etsu KogenChichibu-Tama-KaiOgasawaraFuji-Hakone-IzuChubu SangakuHakusanMinami AlpsIse-ShimaYoshino-kumano

Shokanbetsu-Teuri-YagishiriAbashiriNiseko-Shakotan-Otaru KaiganHidaka Sanmyaku-Erimo OnumaShimokita HantoTsugaruHayachineKurikomaMinamisanriku KinkazanZaoOgaChokaiEchigo Sanzan-TadamiSuigo-TsukubaMyogi-Arafune-Saku KogenMinami BosoMeiji Memorial Forest TakaoTanzawa-Oyama

Sado-yahiko-YoneyamaNoto HantoEchizen-Kaga KaiganWakasa WanYatsugatake-Chushin KogenTenryu-OkumikawaIbi-Sekigahara-YoroHida-Kiso GawaAichi KogenMikawa WanSuzukaMuroo-Akame-AoyamaBiwakoMeij Memorial Forest MinooKongo-Ikoma-KisenHyonosen-Ushiroyama-NagisanYamato-AogakiKoya-RyujinHiba-Dogo-Taishaku

Nishi-Chugoku-SanchiKita-Nagato KaiganAkiyoshidaiTsurugisanMuroto-Anan KaiganIshizuchiKita KyushuGenkaiYaba-Hita-HikosanIki-TsushimaKyushu-Chuo SanchiNippo KaiganSobo-Katamuki Nichinan KaiganAmami GuntoOkinawa KaiganOkinawa Senseki

San'in KaiganSetonaikaiDaisen-OkiAshizuri-UwakaiSaikaiUnzen-AmakusaAso-KujuKirishima-YakuIriomote

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 2

3

45

6

7

8

9

1011

12

13

14

1516

17

1819

2021

2223

24

25

262728

2930

31

3233

34

35

36

37

383940

4142

43

444546

47

48

495051

52

53

54

55

11

16

21

2425

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

2022

23

26

27

28

Transition of the number of visitors to natural parks

Number of visitors (10,000)

1950

1952

1954

1986

1958

1960

1962

1964

1966

1968

1970

1972

1974

1976

1980

1982

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

(FY)

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

Note: Visitor statistical survey of quasi-national parks and national parks specified by local Government was started from 1957 and 1965, respectively.Source: "Survey of Number of Visitors of Natural Parks" by the Ministry of the Environment

Natural park specified by local GovernmentQuasi-national parkNational park

36,636

93,677

27,364

29,677

38

7) Global environment conservation

(1) Transboudary movements of hazardous wastesIn addition to global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, and marine pollutions, there are various global environ-mental problems. During the period from 1970’s to 1980’s, many environmental problems occurred such as: hazardouswastes that were exported from developed countries and improperly or illegally disposed of in developing countries wherethe regulations are loose and the treating costs are low, causing environmental pollution, and transport ships with load, ofhazardous wastes that were rejected for unloading and are wandering on the oceans with no set destinations. Therefore,the international society has commonly recognized that problems of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes mustbe handled on a global scale. In 1992, the Basel Convention was established and Japan joined in 1993.

(2) Decrease of forestsForests have many functions such as supply of habitation andbreeding of wildlife as well as absorption of carbon dioxide.Over the period from 1990 to 2000, about 94 millionhectares of forests were lost worldwide. Consequently, theimportance of conservation and sustainable management offorests including illegal logging problems was recognized andin 2000, "UN Forum on Forests (UNFF)" was established andmany activity proposals that were suggested in the past arebeing implemented and promoted.

(3) DesertificationSerious global problems of desertification covers soil erosion,salinification, and reduction of natural vegetation species. Theresult of the survey conducted by UNEP indicates that the landarea influenced by desertification accounts for about 1/4 ofthe total land, about 70% of the arable dry region and about1/6 of the world population (about 900 million) is influencedby the desertification. Consequently, in 1996, theConvention to Combat Desertification took into effcted andJapan ratified the Convention. Currently, various measures arebeing examined for effective implementation of theConvention.

Environmental Conservation Measures to beImplemented in FY2002

Africa Asia Europe North and

Central America

Oceania

Area (million ha)

South America-6.0

-5.0

-4.0

-3.0

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

Chronological change of forest areas (1990 to 2000)

Presentation: Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment based on the "State of the World’s Forests 2001" by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization

Natural forest Artificial forest Total: Natural forest + artificial forest

Current condition of desertification

Proportion of desertification area in arable dry land

Population influenced by desertification

Land area influenced by desertification

Source: UNEP "Desertification Control Bulletin" 1991

About 1/4 of the total land on the earth

About 3600 million ha

About 1/6 of total world population

Asia36.8％

Africa29.4％

South America 8.6％

North America 12.0％

Europe 2.6％

Australia 10.6％

About 900 million

About 14900

million ha

About 5400 million

Environmental conservation measures to be implemented in FY2002 based on the Basic Environment Planare reported in the following Chapters.Chapter 1 Creating a Socio Economic System Based on Sound Material Cycles with Minimal EnvironmentalBurdenChapter 2 Basis of Measures, and Measures to Promote Participation of All Segments of SocietyChapter 3 Measures to Promote International ActionChapter 4 Effective Implementation of the Basic Environment Plan