Update:April 1, 2010

(5) Establishment of the International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer

4.Environmental Pollution Responses in Yokkaichi

The history of environmental problems in Yokkaichi can be classified into the following 3 stages:

• Stage 1 (1958-1967) Construction of coastal industrial zone (petrochemical complex) for postwar restructuring.
  
• Stage 2 (1968-1977) Outbreak of pollution due to pollutants derived from commercial activities in the process of industrialization and collaborative efforts extended by administration and industry to overcome pollution problems and to recover environmental quality.
  
• Stage 3 (1978-1987) Preparation of international contribution for environmental control in developing countries together with ideal city planning based on advanced pollution control technologies and troubled experience over the past two decades.
  

One of the major results of the 3rd stage was the establishment of the International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer (ICETT) based on the collaboration of Mie Prefecture, Yokkaichi City, the national government, and private enterprises in 1990.
At present, several developing countries are suffering from pollution from stationary and mobile sources, At the time when Japan first identified environmental problems, knowledge and control technology were not sufficient. From Japan's experience, the quickest response is of the greatest importance in environmental protection activities, since the expenses for the restoration of the environment or the relief of the patients are far greater than those required for pollution prevention.
Yokkaichi has accumulated technologies and knowledge through its troubled history and experience of overcoming pollution problems. To provide such information through technical assistance to developing countries which are under industrialization is of significant importance. This will serve not only for the protection of the environment of such countries but also to contribute to global environmental control. In November 1993, the Basic Environment Law which is characterized by the emphasis of international cooperation was established supplanting the Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control. ICETT has been playing a key role in international cooperation through technical assistance extended to developing countries.