EXPO 2005: Committments and Facts
last updated on April 9, 2002
I resigned a member of Advisory Committee for Environmental Impact Assessment of EXPO2005 on March 4, 2002. See the critical problems on EXPO2005
The following report shows how to assess and protect the planned place of EXPO 2005 (Seto, Aichi, Japan) BEFORE Bereau of International Exposition decided the place of EXPO 2005 ("Kaisho" forest). Many people are worried about what actually happens in Kaisho forest.
Official homepage of
"Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition"
EXPO
2005 News(August 20,1998)
Comments by:
the
Nature Conservation Committee, the Ecological Society of Japan
Japanese
Society of Conservation Ecology
BirdLife International
WWF Japan
Evolutionary Ecology Research: The Citizen's page
Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology for the 2005 World Exposition, Japan
You are the
As we conclude, we earnestly hope that the national government, Aichi
Prefecture, and the exposition holding entity, which will be formed upon the
approval of the exposition, will fully respect the finding of this study and
make a relevant environmental impact assessment into a reality appropriate to
the world exposition which marks the beginning of the coming century.
March 1997
Kazuhiko Takeuchi
Chairman
Committee of
Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology for the 2005 World Exposition,
Japan
Committee of Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology
for the 2005 World Exposition, Japan
List of Members
Chairman
Dr. Kazuhiko TAKEUCHI: Professor, Asian Natural Environmental Science Center
The University of Tokyo
Members
Dr. Masaaki NAITO: Professor, Department of Global Environment Engineering
Kyoto University
Dr. Manabu ABE: Professor, Faculty of Agriculture
Niigata University
Dr. Toshihiro KITADA: Professor, Department of Ecological Engineering
Toyohashi University of Technology
Dr. Yoshio YAMANAKA: Professor, Faculty of Administrative Sciences
Osaka-gakuin University
Dr. Haruoki NARUSE: Professor, Department of Architecture
Aichi Institute of Technology
Dr. Masaaki YUI: Professor, Faculty of Horticulture
Chiba University
Dr. Hiroyuki MATSUDA: Associate Professor, Ocean Research Institute
The University of Tokyo
Dr. Masaaki HOSOMI: Associate Professor, Chemical Science and Technology
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Dr. Shin-ichi SAKAI: Associate Professor, Environment Preservation Center
Kyoto University
Dr. Tetsuo NAKAYAMA: Managing Director
Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry
1. The Conception of the 2005 World Exposition, Japan
The 2005 World Exposition, Japan (EXPO 2005) will be the first authorized
international exposition in the 21st century. Under its theme, "Beyond
Development: Rediscovering Nature's Wisdom", the EXPO 2005 will pose
questions to the public over global issues on environment, natural resources,
energies, population, food, etc., which we, the human being must mutually cope
with. Another aim of the EXPO 2005 is to construct "a community creating a
sound environment" through building event facilities as well as to
establish "a new relationship between humanity and nature". An
environmentally-creative planning methodology, which integrates respective plans
on civil work, landscape design and construction in order to protect natural
environment and develop infrastructures as well, shall be established. The
entire area will be worked out by taking a site plan, a town development
policy, and expected functions of the area into full consideration based on the
established method.
Regarding the whole site as a single huge eco-museum, the concept of the
exposition will be attained through versatile approaches: the pursuit of a new
relationship between artificial establishment and natural environment, the
construction of infrastructures by application of high-level technologies such
as zero-emission clean energy system, contribution of new technologies to
environmental protection, and others.
2. International Trend in Environmental Policies and the EXPO 2005
In 1969, the United States of America made the first attempt in the world to
institutionalize environmental impact assessment. Since then, an increasing
number of nations have made a similar effort and seen progress in this direction.
Since the beginning of 1980s, being initiated by various OECD (Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development) recommendations, the assessment system
has been taking a firm hold in the global society. Japan is responsible for
implementing its policies in the light of those recommendations in which it is
involved.
All of the 27 OECD member nations except Japan have already established some
form of legislation to stipulate the general procedure of environmental impact
assessment. The expanding trend towards institutionalization can also be seen
in other non-member countries. A study shows that more than 50 nations in the
world now have legislation related to assessment. Meanwhile, there are many
countries like Japan, which perform environmental impact assessment by way of
administrative directives.
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of multilateral treaties and
protocols which incorporate the implementation of environmental impact
assessment. Some of the international agreements which Japan has ratified, such
as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change, require a concrete response by the parties in
relation to the performance of assessment.
The Biodiversity Treaty, which went into effect in 1993, specifies that the
interested parties shall, from the point of view of ensuring biodiversity, 1)
introduce the assessment procedure, 2) consider the environmental aspects of
their plans and policies, 3) make arrangement and develop report systems with
other neighboring nations on the trans-boundary environmental impact, within a
capable range in appropriate cases.
Under such a background, Japan has drawn up a national strategy on
biodiversity, which maps out its basic principle and the direction of policy
implementation. To enhance the environmental concern in the land development
operation, efforts have been made by the national and local government and
private enterprises such as the publication of the Red Data Book and a list of
endangered species of the region. In view of this situation, relevant
approaches shall be taken in the assessment for the EXPO 2005 so that it can
be, itself, a way to demonstrate the policy to secure the biodiversity.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was
effectuated in 1994, provides that the interested parties shall pledge to give
consideration within a capable range in their social, economical, and
environmental policies and measures in relation to the climate change, or
employ the environmental impact assessment drafted and determined by themselves
to minimize the adverse effect on economy, public health, and environment
caused by their operations or measures.
Efforts by the concerned nations related to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change include a diligent study and discussion on
"Berlin Mandate" at COP3 (Kyoto) in December 1997 to establish a
protocol or statement to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from the year
of 2000, i.e., how to restrict emission and set up goals. Being scheduled after
the establishment of such reduction goals, the EXPO 2005 shall propose a
technical objective to accomplish those goals through energy saving and
recycling, to be an experimental model for future eco-communities as it is set
out in its theme. Such an approach will go along also with the content of
Agenda 21 adopted in the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil and other local agendas
which have spun off.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment in Japan and Its Background
In Japan, the importance of environmental impact assessment has been recognized
since the informal Cabinet decision approval of 1972. Later in 1981 and several
years following, an environmental impact assessment bill had brought in to the
Diet, however it finally fell apart being shelved in August 1984 upon the
fierce objection by the industry sector. In the place of the bill, however, the
Cabinet meeting agreed upon "Implementation Scheme for Environmental
Impact Assessment" in late August, 1984. The scheme authorized the
integrated implementation of assessment for the government-concerned
development projects through the administrative directives, which had initially
been conducted individually by each ministry or agency.
In 1993, to respond to a recent environmental issues which keep expanding
time-wise and space-wise and their social influence becoming diversified,
"The Basic Environment Law" was enacted. The law presented the
general principle of environmental protection and the comprehensive framework
of basic policies based on such principles. "The promotion of
environmental impact assessment" was incorporated in the basic policies,
and "the Basic Environment Plan" was drawn up in 1994 on the basis of
the Environment Basic Law and the diet discussion about it. The Central Council
for Environmental Pollution Control then had a hearing with people of different
level from different field, and released the findings to propose the
legislation of environmental impact assessment bill in February 1997. "The
Environmental Impact Assessment Bill" was put on the agenda of the current
Diet and now being under deliberation.
Major items subject to assessment are classified into two categories, i.e., the
pollution-related items (air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise
pollution, vibration pollution, land subsidence, and offensive odor) and
natural environment-related items (topography and geological features, flora,
fauna, landscape, outdoor recreation site, etc.). The pollution-related items
are rated by an established quantitative approach based upon the environmental
protection goals such as judgment criteria for standard setting. On the other
hand, methods of field surveys, estimation, and evaluation for natural
environment-related items are not yet always standardized. A new method of
environmental assessment is now required on a practical level.
4. Basic Policy of the Study
The Committee has studied the ideal way of environmental impact assessment for
the EXPO 2005 from a professional point of view, while seeking a general model
of assessment which might be necessary for Japan in the future. The study is
based upon a recognition that the impact to natural environment shall be
evaluated objectively, specifically in people’s familiar woodland environment
where the EXPO 2005 takes place in hilly SATOYAMA region. We have come up with
the finding as follows:
(1) Defining a View of the Coexistence of Humanity and Nature
There will be many different goals for the protection of natural environment.
For example, primeval nature and secondary nature, in particular, will require
different measures of conservation. To attain the coexistence of humanity and
nature, relevant protection measures shall be worked out on the basis of
scientific knowledge upon a full recognition of such character of nature. In
assessment, the genuine coexistence of humanity and nature must be pursued,
taking into full consideration the opinions of conservationist groups who
assert the protection of people’s familiar environment. For this purpose, the
proponent of assessment shall disclose information to enhance the exchange of
opinions.
(2) From Individual Assessment to Comprehensive Assessment
The present system of environmental impact assessment is not sufficient for
comprehensive evaluation. Even though the estimation and evaluation for each
individual item show satisfactory results, the overall environmental quality of
the entire region do not necessarily meet the requirement in terms of material
cycle system and regional ecosystem .
For the pollution-related items, not only assessing an individual element of
pollution such as air or water pollution in conventional manners, the material
and energy flows included in the whole exposition shall also be studied to
evaluate their efficiency, ability of recycle, and sustainability.
As for natural environment-related items, assessment shall be made not only for
each specific species, but for the entire ecosystem. Relevant estimation and
assessment based on scientific knowledge shall then be made to determine
whether any artificial intervention is needed or not to preserve the ecosystem.
For artificial cedar and/or cypress plantation, in particular, its utilization
and the positive impact upon biodiversity shall be studied, taking into account
the possible change of vegetation characteristics over an extended period of
time.
(3) Need of Assessment which Encompasses both the Event and People's Daily Life
When holding the EXPO 2005, appropriate measures shall be taken to cope with a
huge number of visitors expected during the event period. At the same time,
care shall be taken to maintain the daily life environment after the event, as
one of the exposition's main objectives is to reserve the facilities to local
communities as regional assets. The harmony between these two aspects shall be
maintained by conducting environmental impact assessment. This is a very unique
approach which cannot be seen in other conventional methods.
(4) Looking for the Ideal Way of the Citizens' Involvement in the Assessment
Processes
Support of the citizens and their participation are indispensable for
conducting the EXPO 2005. Especially those who are directly involved in the
exposition site shall be encouraged to join the assessment activities and their
living environment must be most carefully attentive. The active participation
of the citizens in the environmental impact assessment process is a key to the
success of the EXPO 2005.
(5) Integration of Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment
Because of the nature of the proposed exposition plan, it is that the plan will
be subject to a number of modifications before finalization. Particularly, the
site plan will be further worked out in the process of putting the theme and
concept into practice. Different ideas and opinions shall be included in such
processes. To be a model of environmental impact assessment for the planning
stage, it shall be dynamic and interactive with the planning.
5. Direction of Environmental Impact Assessment
(1) Earlier Stages Assessment
Environmental impact assessment for the EXPO 2005 shall be carried out at
earlier stages of planning. It shall be undertaken, while retaining the
possibility of future modification.
(2) Involvement of the Citizens
The proponent entity of the EXPO 2005 shall provide information about their
activities to the public so that citizens can express their opinions from the
viewpoint on environmental conservation. The entity will then take account such
opinions in decision making.
At the EXPO 2005, proactive opinions shall be invited from the local residents
concerning the conservation of natural environment and the development of
social environment in the environmental impact assessment stage. The assessment
shall be really one supported by the citizens' participation.
(3) Assessment Criteria
As for items with established environmental quality standards, such standards
can generally be environmental preservation goals and are also applicable in
environmental impact assessment for the EXPO 2005. However, as diverse
evaluations for natural environment-related items such as a relationship
between humanity and nature are expected, they are not easily rated with
stereotyped uniform criteria which have been applied nationwide.
For example, even though it is underrated with national criteria, it may
sometimes be quite meaningful in a specific region. Assessment criteria shall
be set in strict accordance with the regional standards and criteria not to
become uniform nationwide.
(4) Assessment Methodology for Natural Environment
Unlike conventional natural environment surveys with respect to the static
distribution of animal and vegetation, new approaches shall be taken to
understand dynamic movement of the ecosystem. The traveling and area using
patterns of animals and the chronological transition in the population and
distribution shall be surveyed and such data shall be used for relevant
conservation measures. For the comprehensive evaluation of human activities*
impact to ecosystem, a risk assessment procedure utilizing the theory of
probability may be useful. For environmental impact assessment for the EXPO
2005, methods of natural environment survey and assessment shall be
enthusiastically developed from a novel and original point of view.
(5) Mitigation Measures
While doing the best to minimize the impact upon natural environment with
utmost care, compensation measures, or mitigation shall also be proposed in the
master plan, prior to the exposition. For example, efforts could be made to
convert a cedar plantation to a copse woodland, or to artificially make a
biotope to enrich biodiversity. In those cases, the required amount of human
intervention shall be determined in accordance with the region's
characteristics based upon scientific knowledge, anticipating a possible
abnormal increase of specific species. There are two different approaches in
mitigation: "on-site" (to attain the recovery within the developed
area) and "off-site" (to compensate the loss through the improvement
of other areas). The latter concept, i.e., off-site mitigation will be worth
challenging as a new model of environmental measures. For example, the natural
environment lost by the exposition could be offset by reforestation of the
abandoned pottery clay quarry.
(6) Transportation Access
Various systems and means of transportation in and around the exposition site
shall be considered in the assessment with the accordance of the study on ample
capacity for the expected number of visitors.
(7) Post-Exposition Waste Management
Policies on the waste management after the exposition shall be defined. The
present conception of the exposition is based upon a proposal of
"long-term regional development" as stated in its master plan.
Therefore, it is necessary to identify each facility whether it is removed
after the exposition or reserved for a future use. In the latter case, tasks to
be taken over after the exposition shall be predetermined. The framework of the
future energy balance and material flows in harmony with environment shall also
be established beforehand. Environmental impact assessment shall therefore be a
guideline for the development of an environmentally-creative town in the
future.
(8) Introduction of Environment Management System
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and JIS (Japan Industrial
Standard) have begun to standardize environmental management as an effective
means for various entities to carry out environmental conservation measures in
their operation.
As the contribution to global environmental protection is one of the major
objectives of the EXPO 2005, it shall be based upon the awareness of the latest
trend such as environmental management system and environmental audit system.
(9) Positive Proposal of Environmental Impact Assessment
Conventional environmental impact assessment stands on the criteria set up to
minimize the negative load to environment. However the proposed EXPO 2005 plan
aims at positive effects upon environment. As an experimental field to produce
a creative relationship between nature and human activities with original and
sophisticated technologies, the EXPO 2005 pursues not only direct merits
through implementation of mitigation, utilization of new energy, and
construction of a zero-emission recyclable society, but also indirect effects
through development of environment recovery techniques. Concerned assessment
shall include such positive aspects in its evaluation criteria in line with the
theme of the EXPO 2005 aiming at the eco-community.