Speech on behalf of Japanese NGOs participating at CBD.
Press interview at CBD Press Center.
(30th of May, 2008)
１．From Japan approximately 20 NGOs' delegates joined this CBD COP9. We were deeply impressed by observing that German NGOs and other countries' NGOs worked together and collaborated to reflect their opinion in the decision-making of the conference. We would like to respect their effort. At the same time, we have realized how big the responsibility will be as NGOs of host country.
２．There were two impressive observations at this conference.First of all, the themes of CBD which were discussed were broader and more complex than we had expected. In Japan we usually think the main theme of bio-diversity is the nature conservation of precious species or their habitats. However, we found at this conference, it covered much broader and more complex matters such as international imbalance and economical allotment of bio-resources. And these should be resolved more comprehensively. We think that Japanese, not only governments but also NGOs, need to face these issues more seriously, because our self-sufficiency of food is low and our food mileage is highest in the world.
３．Secondly, we were impressed that NGOs also conducted highly qualified discussion on these complicated issues and asserted much influences toward the whole of conference. We observed that governments and administrations and NGOs collaboratively develop new policies. We haven't yet build up such dynamic relationship among various sectors. We would like to improve this especially on the preparatory process of CBD COP10 Nagoya as soon as we can. We will request our government and administrations some logistic aspects and qualified facilities for international NGOs to be able to exercise their full abilities especially from developing countries.
４．We are willing to cooperate with many NGOs which deal with various themes which CBD are discussing. We also would like to help to create new net work. Japanese NGOs had difficulties to establish net work (KIKO NETWORK) prior to Kyoto Conference of Global Warming in 1997. However, they got over and supported the success of that conference. Even now, KIKO NETWORK continues to be active.
We will keep in mind that we must contribute and promote well programmed activities for people, especially for youth generation.