Update:September 2, 2011

ICETT Holds Surveys in Thailand regarding the International Cooperation Network Promotion Project

　 ICETT has received a large number of participants from abroad during the 20 years since its establishment. Many of them have been playing leading roles contributing to environmental conservation and the development of their countries and regions while working in environmental and other governmental institutions and private enterprises. Through the International Cooperation Network Promotion Project those former participants have helped enhance ICETT’s network. This project makes it possible for ICETT to judge the actual state of and the needs for environmental protection in local areas overseas, and also provides access to the appropriate knowledge and technology Japan and Mie Prefecture have thus far accumulated. In fiscal 2011, the project consists of the following six activities.

 

1. Surveys on current environmental protection measures taken by local governments overseas and exchanges of opinions with those responsible for local environmental conservation
2. Lectures and sessions by Japanese experts on environmental protection activities and technologies
3. Presentation of Japanese environmental protection activities and technologies at exhibitions
4. Representation of companies with advanced environmental technology in Mie Prefecture
5. Surveys on current environmental protection measures taken by local companies overseas
6. Network listings

 

  From July 5 to 8, ICETT held surveys in Thailand with support of the Policy Department of the Mie Prefectural Government, JETRO Mie, and JETRO Bangkok. ICETT carried out activities such as the selection of ICETT’s local counterpart in this project, surveys on local governmental policies for environmental protection, and sessions to exchange views with local officials responsible for environmental conservation policies.

 

 From 2000 to 2001, ICETT conducted a program to help the Rayong City government draw up environmental policies under the Environment Cooperation Program for Asia (ECPA). Since then the city, together with its residents, has made more progressive efforts than its neighboring municipalities to protect mangrove forests and to use biogas, produced from waste, to generate electricity. Training courses that ICETT has so far conducted have been highly valued there and it is even discussed whether another course should be held by ICETT in Mie, with the cost borne by the City of Rayong. Therefore, it was felt that awareness of the environment had definitely been enhanced there through the program.

 

 ICETT is scheduled to present the environmental technologies and knowledge of private businesses and universities in Mie Prefecture at an international conference and an exhibition in Thailand at the end of September.

 (deguchi)

 

  Courtesy call on Rayong City mayor

 

Discussion with officials from the Environment Department of the Rayong City Government