On December 25, 2006, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) selected 12 model projects to support as exemplary efforts of municipalities that take the environment into consideration. Based on the MLIT's Environmental Action Program, launched in June 2004, the ministry will provide special support for what it calls "top runner" municipalities that have projects that pay attention to the environment, and will monitor the effects of projects.

Up to fiscal 2005, 31 areas had been selected in total for model projects. In fiscal 2006, there were 12 applications from all over Japan, including one from Sendai City for "Revitalization and conservation of the Hirose River," and one from Shizuoka City for "Upgrading of transportation systems to make them environmentally-friendly and create a comfortable and mobile city." This year, all applications were adopted.

In areas selected for model projects, the municipalities and the organizations concerned will launch a project team to draw up concrete project plans and then implement the project from fiscal 2007.

http://www.mlit.go.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2007/04/12 10:10:11 AM
Japanese version

TAG Ecosystem , Government , Local government , Transportation